Opelika Chamber Celebrates 20 Under 40 Service Project Completion at Lee County Youth Development Center

Opelika, AL – (May 7, 2026) The Opelika Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the completion of the 2025-2026 20 Under 40 class service project at the Lee County Youth Development Center with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the class’s hard work, leadership, and lasting impact on the community.

As part of the Opelika Chamber’s leadership development initiative, each 20 Under 40 class collaborates on a meaningful service project that addresses community needs while strengthening leadership, teamwork, and civic engagement among participants.

This year’s class partnered with the Lee County Youth Development Center to completely revitalize the organization’s outdoor recreational space. The project included refreshing the basketball courts, helping install a new perimeter fence, and unveiling a custom mural designed to bring new energy and life to the area for the youth served by the organization.

The class officially celebrated the completion of the project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the staff and leadership of the Lee County Youth Development Center. Participants were also presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of their service and impact, followed by a breakfast reception hosted by LCYDC.

“We are incredibly proud of this year’s 20 Under 40 class and the heart they poured into this project,” said Ali Rauch, President & CEO of the Opelika Chamber. “Their kindness, passion, and teamwork were evident every step of the way, and this project is a beautiful reflection of the type of leaders they are becoming.”

The 20 Under 40 Program is designed to cultivate and connect emerging leaders in Opelika by providing hands-on leadership experiences, networking opportunities, and direct exposure to the organizations and individuals shaping the community.

Projects like this allow participants to make a tangible difference in Opelika while building meaningful relationships and leadership skills that will continue to benefit the community for years to come.

The Opelika Chamber looks forward to celebrating the 2025-2026 class once again during their graduation ceremony next week.

To learn more about the 20 Under 40 Program, visit:
20 Under 40 Program