Emerging Leaders Program

The IAAP Emerging Leaders program strengthens and positions for future growth your company’s brightest talent by focusing on five pillars of success: networking, industry awareness, geographical awareness, leadership development, and accountability to implement the concepts covered and lessons learned in this program.

2024 schedule

Description

This is an organic leadership development training program designed by IAAP members for IAAP members.

​The Emerging Leaders Program Committee will select up to twenty applicants to participate in the program.  The application period opens after the IAAP convention on December 6, 2023 and closes on February 1, 2024.

Greg Coker will facilitate this program equipping emerging leaders with skills, knowledge, confidence, and connections to lead their teams and organizations now and in the future.

​Foundational Pillars:
1. Networking
2. Industry Awareness
3. Geographic Awareness
4. Leadership Development

Your leadership skills will be strengthened and developed through a series of sessions starting in March and ending in December. The program includes a Capstone Project to incorporate concepts covered and lessons learned in this leadership program, a certificate of achievement upon graduation, and recognition at the IAAP Convention. Active participation in the program and project presentations are required for graduation recognition.

What you can expect as a participant

• Complete a series of self-assessments to determine preferred styles of communication, leadership, motivation, and discuss what the assessments reveal.
• Create a personalized Leadership Action Plan to set and accomplish individual goals during the program.
• One-on-one coaching sessions with the course facilitator, Greg Coker.
• Participate and complete a group Capstone Project by identifying a current industry challenge and working together to present a solution.
• Conversations with your Personal Growth Coach that help you better understand what you are learning and its real-world applications. See ‘What is a personal growth coach?’ section for more information.
• Learn about many aspects of the mining industry, community and government engagement, and geographic diversity.
• Engage in facilitated discussions and interactive presentations during the scheduled sessions.
• Invitations to other IAAP events for exposure to a broad group of IAAP members and experiences.
• Network with other emerging leaders in the industry during the program.
• HAVE A LOT OF FUN & MAKE SOME LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

Eligibility Requirements 

• Applicant must be currently working for an IAAP member company.
• Commitment to attend all meetings and complete all tasks as assigned.
• Selection criteria are based in part on information provided in the applicant’s application, letter of recommendation, and personal interview.

An applicant must submit the following:

1. Completed application form
2. Identify a personal growth coach
3. Letter of recommendation (can be from your personal growth coach)

Tuition of $3000 will be due upon acceptance, which covers the following benefits:

• Speaker fees and curriculum
• Meeting venue costs
• Food & beverages
• Fieldtrip transportation
• Note: Tuition does not cover lodging or transportation to/from the program meetings​

​What is a personal growth coach?
Each participant will recruit one person as their personal growth coach whom you will communicate with between meetings of the Emerging Leaders group to discuss what you are learning and how it applies to real-world situations.

• This may be someone in your organization, or whom you work with, but not necessarily your boss.
• Should be familiar with the industry
• Someone with leadership experience and duties

The personal growth coach will receive a brief, online training session to familiarize themselves with the IAAP Emerging Leaders program and their role in the participant’s success.

Learn more about the program from the Class of 2023!

​
"Participating in the Emerging Leaders Program has been nothing short of amazing.  The Program's insightful curriculum, dynamic group discussions, and exceptional mentors have equipped me with valuable skills and a great understanding of effective leadership.  It's been an enlightening and powerful experience that has not only boosted my confidence but also strengthened my ability to lead with purpose."
Eric Knaperek, Ozinga

"The IAAP Emerging Leaders Program is an experience that would allow for candidates to gain valuable knowledge in various fields of the industry.  For instance, facility tours allow for candidates to immerse themselves in the geographical contrasts Illinois has to offer.  From presentations on how to improve managerial skills, and having great discussions with local politicians, the program is an excellent resource the IAAP has to offer it's members." 
Andy Paxson, Bluff City Materials
​
​"The IAAP Emerging Leaders program was an overall wonderful experience.  The learning content of the program, coupled with the enthusiasm of other motivated peers was inspiriting to me and makes me proud to be part of the industry,  I hope this program continues to grow and impact other members in the organization."
Ben Hornsey, Heidelberg Materials

​"The way the Emerging Leaders Program focused on networking, industry exposure, and regional differences helped paint a picture of how important the aggregate business is to the construction industry,  Once Greg Coker taught us what it truly means to be a leader and not just a manager, it showed me that by becoming a better leader, it creates better leaders around me."
Erik Lindahl, Bluff City Materials

The IAAP Emerging Leaders Class of 2023 created the above video as their capstone project.  Thank you, ELPs, for your hard work!

​​"The ELP is going to be something I'll look back on for the rest of my career. The relationships we built in the program, the exposure to all aspects of the industry, and the leadership skills we gained are invaluable to me.  I am so thankful to have been a part of something that will bring out the future leaders of our industry."
Kristina Lee, Vulcan Materials

"For me the class was amazing.  The networking, learning new ways to approach problems with today's workforce, how important it is to not just put someone in a spot, but make sure its the right spot for them and the company.  Greg is a great coordinator and his material is well put together.  He makes you want to be there and participate in the program."
Jason Burgess, Tuscola Stone

"I really enjoyed the diversity of exposure to the industry.  We were able to tour quarries, manufacturing facilities, and meet with our local legislators.  I am incredibly gracious I was able to be part of this program and I highly recommend it for developing future leaders."
Kyle Hughes, Heidelberg Materials 

​Submit your completed application on or before the deadline using one of the methods below. Incomplete applications and applications submitted after the due date may be rejected.

How to apply

​The application process for the next class will be announced in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned!

Send paper applications via email or postal mail:
​
​EMAIL

IAAP
1115 S. SECOND ST.
​SPRINGFIELD, IL 62704