Kirsten Barott-Bebo, relationship and events director of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, recently completed her third year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at Southeast Institute, University of Georgia.
Institute for Organization Management (IOM) is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Its curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country, combining required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance and membership.
Barott-Bebo called it “one of the most transformative professional development experiences of my career.”
IOM, she said, “challenges you to think beyond day-to-day operations and instead consider the long-term role chambers play in strengthening businesses, developing leaders, and creating vibrant communities. Every year, I leave with practical strategies, fresh ideas, and relationships with chamber professionals from across North America who are solving many of the same challenges we face. That network has become an incredible resource that I continue to lean on long after each session ends.”
Barott-Bebo said she comes home energized with new ideas to put into practice in Eden Prairie.
“It’s an incredible privilege to represent the Eden Prairie Chamber (and Minnesota) at IOM,” Barott-Bebo said. “I take a great deal of pride in sharing the innovative work happening in our community while also learning from organizations across the country. Many of the conversations reinforce something I’ve always believed: there isn’t one perfect way to build a thriving business community.”
In reference to the value of professional development, Barott-Bebo stated, “I firmly believe that if we’re asking our members to continually invest in themselves and their businesses, we should be doing the same as chamber professionals. Our members deserve an organization that’s learning, evolving, and bringing forward new ideas that help them succeed.”
IOM began in 1921 and has since educated tens of thousands of association, chamber and other nonprofit leaders. “Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Karyn MacRae, senior director of IOM. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Article by: https://eplocalnews.org/2026/07/16/ep-chamber-leader-completes-third-year-of-national-leadership-program/
