Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando kicks off CEO Next

The latest group of CEO Next started their group training with a warm welcome from Hennepin County Commissioner and Board Chair Irene Fernando.

The latest group marks 12 years of the group-learning opportunity in which successful business leaders find new ways to grow and enhance their businesses in a public-private partnership to grow the economy.

"We believe that government, business, nonprofits, and community leaders must be in a partnership," said Commissioner Fernando.

Part of the Elevate Hennepin CEO Growth Series, CEO Next continues that partnership between Hennepin County, as Fernando explained, it has been successful in numerous ways.

"Whether it's operating revenue or the number of employees, there are many ways to assess success. And we have wonderful, incredible stats," said Fernando. "Since it started, more than 200 business leaders have gone through this program since then, helping to create or retain more than 5,200 jobs."

Over the next eight months, the latest group will tackle problems and identify opportunities together, learn from powerhouse guests, and dig into incredible research from the Edward Lowe Foundation, which partners with Hennepin County to offer deep, custom research for each participant.

Amy Langer founder of Salo, and the first guest speaker for the group said a group-learning opportunity like this was essential in building her successful business.

"I think it was the single most important thing that not only helped the growth of my business but my personal growth," said Langer. "Not everyone is willing to make this bet on themselves, and you did. So, I applaud you for being here."

Learn more about CEO Next and sign up for the Elevate Hennepin newsletter for news on the next opportunities in the CEO Growth Series.