Ila Zimnowski reps chamber at economic forum at Huntingdon

MADISON – Ila Zimnowski joined student leaders from across Alabama at the seventh annual Economic and Community Development Scholars Program at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.

Zimnowski, a senior at Bob Jones High School, represented Madison Chamber of Commerce.

During three days, Zimnowski and peers explored economic development, collaborated in hands-on projects and sharpened leadership skills that will help shape communities’ futures. “The Madison Chamber is proud to invest in the next generation of community leaders by sponsoring the Scholars Program. Programs like this give students a firsthand look at how strong communities are built through collaboration, leadership and economic development,” Chamber President Michelle Epling said.

“We believe today’s students are tomorrow’s business owners, elected officials, entrepreneurs and civic leaders. Providing opportunities to learn from professionals across Alabama is an investment in the future of Madison and our state. We’re excited to support young leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their hometowns,” Epling said.

Zimnowski has been extremely interested in taking a business track. “This school year, I’ll participate in CEO, Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, and dive deeper in business and learning about all roles. I’ve worked with my College and Career Counselor, Dr. Stephanie Bostick, on different opportunities to get me more involved.”

“That’s when she mentioned the Huntingdon program,” Zimnowski said. Bostick later notified Zimnowski that the chamber had selected her.

At Huntingdon, Zimnowski and peers’ top priority was economic/ community development’s effect on towns, state and country. Many speakers participated, including Dr. Anthony Leigh, Huntington President and program founder. To summarize Leigh’s speech, “economic development = quality of life.”

Paige Hutto, President/ CEO of Chamber Association of Alabama, explained a chamber’s concept. For example, “Everyone is sitting at a round table. We have to work together as a community for what’s right and the best decision for all,” Hutto said.

Nick Hadley, a younger professional, told delegates, “Even at a young age, you put the hard work and dedication in from the ‘get go.’” Another guest, “Bria Rochelle is the presidential scholars program director and has the sweetest soul,” Zimnowski said. Other guests included Laura-Marie Brelsford and Kasey Pouncey with the rural teacher’s program.

Alabama chambers selected 22 delegates from 67 cities/counties. At Huntingdon, the students ate breakfast; around 8:30 a.m., they

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Ila Zimnowski at Bob Jones High School represented Madison Chamber of Commerce at the annual Economic and Community Development Scholars Program at Huntingdon College. Photo courtesy of Ashley Zimnowski walked from their dorms to Flowers Hall for sessions. Dr. Leigh, whose office is in Flowers Hall, visited their sessions.

“Dr. Leigh made sure every student felt very welcomed and safe when entering his campus,” Zimnowski said. “He takes pride in each individual student and his campus. You can really see that he cares deeply for all.”

“We were assigned a project that challenged our minds and taught us about economic development and how it happens every day,” Zimnowski said. Students were divided into five groups with five members; they collaborated to create strategies to introduce their community to Leigh.

Zimnowski’s group was assigned to Jasper County. “As a team, we came up with a perfect reason why his company, Hawks Inc., should move to Jasper County. We found site selection, homes, utilities, plumbing, roadways, community events and quality of life,” Zimnowski said. While identifying unique facts about Jasper, Zimnowski’s group was faced with challenges. They communicated to Leigh about ways to overcome obstacles.

“Some challenges we faced would be being known as ‘Meth Capital of Alabama’ and having multiple arson attacks. After many meetings with Dr. Leigh, we were tasked to decorate our room that night to resemble Jasper County,” Zimnowski said.

“We created a lake to go fishing and a camp site for sleeping. The chalk board was filled with images and sayings about our community,” Zimnowski said. “The next morning, we presented our pitch to Dr. Leigh, many spectators and our peers. After the other four counties presented, Dr. Leigh made his decision to go with Jasper County!”

Ila’s parents are Leonard and Ashley Zimnowski. Ashley, a registered nurse, works as School Nurse at Bob Jones.