South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Executive Director April Stone recently graduated from the Institution of Organization Management (IOM), a leadership-training program that is sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” IOM vice-president Raymond P. Towle said. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Before she graduated, Stone said she took two years worth of classes, totaling 96 hours. The classes covered a variety of topics related to professional development.

“This has been a long-term goal of mine, professionally. They cover everything from financial fitness to hiring and firing employees,” Stone said. “Several of the things I learned, like program and event organization, I learned from IOM.”

Stone said graduating from IOM benefits her personally and will help her run the South Shelby Chamber more effeciently. She said she looks forward to applying what she learned in order to help the South Shelby Chamber better serve the local businesses that are members.

“It will help me professionally, but more importantly, it will help the organization and our members,” Stone said. “We are very mindful of every investment dollar we receive from our members. We want to make sure every investment made with the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce is spent wisely and only enhances membership experiences.”

Stone also thanked the South Shelby Chamber’s Board of Directors, who made it possible for her to participate in the IOM program.