The LEAD Course is a high-level leadership development course focused on the critical skills, awareness and perspective that will make all the difference to your success as a leader in the municipal utility industry.
2026 LEAD Course dates:
April 8-9 - SESSION 1
June 3-4 - SESSION 2
Aug. 5-6 - SESSION 3
Oct. 7-8 - SESSION 4
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is designed for utility and/or city staff at all levels who lead and influence others in their work. Employees who currently have, or anticipate having, leadership responsibilities will gain the most from this curriculum.
This course runs from April to October, and attendance at all sessions is required.
COURSE FEE
The four-session course costs $3,600, and the fee covers most materials, an assessment and meals. Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) members who commit to the full course receive 50% cost-share. All sessions are at the MRES office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
MRES will issue a refund on advanced registration, provided MRES is notified by March 31, 2026.
SESSIONS & TOPICS
Wednesday sessions are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday sessions are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April 8-9: Collaboration (Getting the Most Out of Your Team) and Conflict (Working Through Difficult Times)
June 3-4: Communication (Presence of a Leader) and Character
(The Mind of a Leader: Lenses)
Aug. 5-6: Change (How a Leader Navigates Change) and Mastering Accountability (Understanding and Equipping for this Critical Topic)
Oct. 7-8: Failing Versus Failure (Understanding the Differences Between These Two Terms and How They Create Positive and Negative Change in a Group) and Practicing Leadership
The LEAD Course is facilitated by Kent Myers, Managing Principal of Vision Companies, who has over 30 years of experience consulting with teams on leadership and culture development. A frequent national speaker and Harvard Business School lecturer, he is the author of multiple leadership books and also created the EVERYDAY Leadership program, which is widely used by corporate executives to enhance their impact.
LODGING
Lodging is not included in the course fee. MRES has arranged discounted lodging for each session at the Homewood Suites hotel, right next to the MRES office:
Homewood Suites (by Hilton)
3620 W Avera Dr
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: 605-338-8585
Rates are $129 for a studio queen room. Taxes and fees are additional. To make your hotel reservations, please call the hotel directly and ask for the MRES block rate.
The hotel reservation deadlines are:
• April Session — March 17 Book your room now!
• June Session — May 12 Book your room now!
• Aug. Session — July 14 Book your room now!
• Oct. Session — Sept. 15 (Booking info still to come.)
LEAD Course Registration
Register Here!
Please contact us at info@mrenergy.com or call 605-338-4042 with questions.