Prairieland CEO

09/24/2026

📰 A look behind the headlines!

This morning, Prairieland CEO had the opportunity to visit the Ford County Chronicle and learn from Editor Will Brumleve.

Will shared his journey into journalism and the story behind launching the Chronicle in 2020. He talked about what it takes to build a newspaper from the ground up and the importance of covering the stories that matter most to the people and communities of Ford County.

Our students also heard about both the successes and the challenges that come with running a local newspaper—from working with a small staff and tight deadlines to dealing with the unexpected, like having the press break down on print day!

One message that came through especially clearly was the importance of having a true passion for what you do and caring about the service you provide. Will’s dedication to journalism and to producing a quality newspaper for Ford County was evident throughout our visit. It was a great reminder that success isn’t always measured by recognition or financial reward—it can also be found in doing work you believe in, doing it well, and making a difference in the community you serve.

A big thank you to Will Brumleve and the Ford County Chronicle for welcoming Prairieland CEO and sharing your story with us!

09/21/2026

Meet the faces behind Prairieland CEO! 👋

Our board members, facilitator, and committee members help make Prairieland CEO possible by providing guidance, connections, and support for the next generation of local leaders.

We’re excited to introduce the people who help our students learn, grow, and prepare for their futures! 🚀

Pictured here are all our volunteers who helped us initiate the current class at our CEO Orientation this year! From the left: Matthew Burns, Matthew Ertel, Ahlden Harms, Kyle Biefeldt, Ashlee Bertan, Ben Wurmnest, Emily Magers, and Lexi Murray.

Thanks all for making not only that evening a success but for all you continue to do for our program! 🧡

09/19/2026

CEO’s had a facelift! 🔥

We’ve started fresh this school year with a new facilitator, new class, and new volunteers!

From board members to committee members, mentors and guest speakers, we’re ALWAYS looking to add and connect with new members of the community to enrich our program as a whole.

If you are interested in helping our program, you can fill out the contact form on our website and someone will reach out!

https://www.prairielandceo.com/contact-us

09/18/2026

Meet Alden Harms, one of the dedicated members of the Prairieland CEO Board!

As our Treasurer, Alden plays an important role in helping keep the financial side of our program organized and moving in the right direction. If you’re an investor of CEO, you probably know him! We’re grateful for the time, knowledge, and care Alden brings to the board and for the hours of work he does behind the scenes to support our students and the future of Prairieland CEO.

Thank you, Alden, for investing your time and talents into our program and helping us continue to grow!

09/17/2026

09/17/2026

Our Prairieland CEO students had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at WCIA 3 today! Meteorologist Jacob Dickey led our group on a tour of the station, giving students a firsthand look at what it takes to bring a newscast to life.

Along the way, we met producers and other members of the team working behind the scenes, as well as reporters and anchors Stu Ellis and Katie Moore and Meteorologist Ian Kowalski.

A big thank you to Jacob and the entire WCIA 3 team for welcoming our students, answering their questions, and sharing a look at the many different people and careers that come together behind the camera and on the air!

09/16/2026

We’re proud to highlight PBL Education Foundation as an investor in the Prairieland CEO program!

Their support helps provide students with real-world experiences, valuable connections, and opportunities to develop the skills they need for their futures. We’re grateful for their investment in our students and our community!

Learn more about PBL Education Foundation at pblfoundation.org

Interested in getting involved with Prairieland CEO? Learn more by visiting our website at www.prairielandceo.com/contact-us

09/15/2026

This morning, Prairieland CEO welcomed Brad Pilcher, former Illinois FFA State President, PBL alumnus, and current DONNARIO brand manager for GDM for a great conversation about public speaking.

Brad shared what goes into delivering an effective speech and offered practical advice for communicating with confidence and connecting with an audience.

Our young professionals didn’t just learn about public speaking they put it into practice! Each student stepped up and delivered their own 60-second impromptu speech, giving them a chance to think on their feet and get a little more comfortable speaking in front of others.

A BIG thank you to Brad for coming back to the area and investing his time and experience in our students!

09/15/2026

We’re proud to highlight the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce as an investor in the Prairieland CEO program!

Their support helps give local students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, build connections with local business leaders, and develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their futures. We’re grateful for their continued investment in our students and the Paxton community!

Learn more about the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce at paxtonchamber.com

Interested in getting involved with Prairieland CEO? Learn more: www.prairielandceo.com/contact-us

09/10/2026

Today Prairieland CEO remembered 9/11. The cohort heard from Jason McCreary about his career in the Army National Guard which spanned from 1998-2026. Jason talked about the culture shift pre and post 9/11, unity in the country, and adapting his leadership style.
Thank you Jason for your service to our country and for sharing with CEO.