CVLI January - Political Leadership & Media Relations

posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Grow Cedar Valley

The January CVLI session held at KWWL focused on political leadership and media relations, offering the 2024-25 class a look at how government and media work together to shape community engagement.

The morning kicked off with Adam Bentley providing a crash course on governmental processes, laying the foundation for discussions on leadership and public service. Mayor Hart of Waterloo and Mayor Laudick of Cedar Falls shared stories about the challenges and rewards of being a leader in the Cedar Valley, followed by a panel of local elected officials who spoke candidly about the complexities of public service. Dustin Miller from the Iowa Chamber Alliance then walked participants through the ins and outs of state-level lobbying, illustrating how advocacy can drive policy decisions. Senator Dotzler wrapped up the morning with an inside look at legislative processes and how collaboration among leaders can lead to better outcomes for communities.

The afternoon shifted gears to media relations, starting with Bob Waters from Amperage Marketing, who shared practical advice for working with media professionals and navigating the ever-evolving media landscape. Ron Steele, a longtime KWWL anchor, kept things engaging with a discussion on leadership in the news industry and the critical role of clear communication. Participants capped off the day with a behind-the-scenes tour of KWWL, getting a firsthand look at how the newsroom operates.

Learning about the connections between government and media prepares CVLI participants to lead effectively in their communities. By understanding how policies are created, decisions are communicated, and relationships are built, participants gain practical tools to navigate challenges and opportunities.

For more information on CVLI, please visit www.growcedarvalley.com/cvli or contact: cvli@growcedarvalley.com