Alumni of the McLeod For Tomorrow program were asked about their experience in the program, and how they felt it creates economic value. The University of Minnesota Extension collaborated with McLeod For Tomorrow to quantify this value in this research report, The Economic Value of the McLeod for Tomorrow Leadership Program. 52 respondents of the 2017 McLeod For Tomorrow responded to the survey, and we are highlighting some of the key information about both the private benefits to the individuals and the public benefits to the McLeod County community.
Making an Impact to the McLeod County Economy
McLeod For Tomorrow impacts the local economy in two major ways.
- Building leadership skills and knowledge of individuals
- Raises awareness of opportunities and businesses in the county
Individual (Private) Benefits of Participating in the McLeod for Tomorrow Leadership Program
First, McLeod For Tomorrow builds the leadership capacity, skills, and knowledge of individual participants. This outcome is a private benefit, meaning that the individual receives the benefit of the skills and knowledge.
- Build leadership capacity, skills, and knowledge
- Increase individual effectiveness at work
- Creates connections and partnerships with community members
- Connections & partnerships can lead to new economic activities
- New promotions
- New job opportunities
- Pay raises*
“The leadership skills helped me greatly in my job, and it was noticed by leaders in my company, [which] led to increased opportunity for me.”
– McLeod for Tomorrow Participant
Community (Public) Benefits of Participating in the McLeod for Tomorrow Leadership Program
Second, McLeod For Tomorrow raises awareness of opportunities and businesses in the county. Evidence indicates increased community awareness resulting from the program translates to additional volunteer hours, increased local spending, and the development of new community events. This outcome from McLeod for Tomorrow is a public benefit, meaning that the community and county as a whole benefit from the additional community involvement and engagement.
- Community Awareness
- Additional volunteer hours**
- Increased local spending***
- Development of new community events
“Building community passion is hard to quantify… its important in making people feel welcomed to town.”
– McLeod for Tomorrow Participant
*Nineteen percent of survey respondents indicated they received a raise or bonus resulting from their
participation in McLeod for Tomorrow. Those receiving a raise reported an average increase in salary
of $6,500.
**On average, survey respondents indicated they increased their volunteer time by 10 hours per
month. The largest increase in volunteering was in mentoring or training others (four
hours), followed by volunteering for organizations (three hours) and volunteering for community
events (two hours).
***Survey respondents were asked if their participation in McLeod for Tomorrow increased their local
(within the county) spending. Fifty-three percent of respondents indicated the program influenced
them to buy more locally. On average, respondents indicated spending an additional $75 per month.
We have highlighted just a handful of the ways that McLeod For Tomorrow has impacted our McLeod County economy. We invite you to read the full report here, you can also view a short synopsis of the report on the U of MN Extension video, with Brigid Tuck, the U of M Extension Senior Economic Impact Analyst.
Questions Before Applying?
If you have questions about the McLeod For Tomorrow Leadership Program, please contact us. When you are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, apply for our 2021-2022 Leadership Program, or share with a colleague! If you are considering asking your employer to send you to the leadership program, we also have an email template to help.
