Now in its third year, Advance Champlain is a proven, skills-based leadership development program designed to strengthen core competencies, accelerate career growth, and deepen community engagement in Vermont.
The program features a two-day immersive retreat and four monthly, full-day seminars led by expert facilitators, with opportunities to connect with some of Vermont’s foremost leadership.
Participants explore high-impact topics such as emotional intelligence, cultural competency, communication and public speaking, organizational leadership, and project management.
With three years of momentum, Advance Champlain continues to equip rising leaders with the tools, insights, and confidence needed to drive meaningful change – both within their organizations and across the communities they serve.
Testimonials
Program Objectives
Develop Core Leadership Competencies
Advance a broad set of essential leadership skills—including emotional intelligence, communication, problem-solving, creativity, strategic thinking, adaptability, conflict resolution, and sound decision-making—that are critical for today’s effective leaders.
Apply Skills in a Supportive Learning Environment
Practice and refine new capabilities in a trusted, peer-based setting that encourages experimentation, honest feedback, and reflection on how these skills translate across diverse professional contexts.
Foster Lifelong Leadership Growth
Lay the groundwork for ongoing development by cultivating a mindset of continuous learning—equipping participants to lead with relevance, resilience, and impact in an ever-evolving workplace.
Key Features
Expert Facilitation
Advance Champlain is guided by seasoned facilitators with deep expertise in leadership development. These professionals bring a wealth of real-world experience and are skilled at creating engaging, thought-provoking learning environments. Participants benefit from personalized insights, practical tools, and actionable feedback.
Experiential Learning
Through interactive workshops, real-world projects, simulations, and case studies, participants gain hands-on experience they can immediately apply in their professional lives. This practical approach ensures deeper understanding and long-term retention of key leadership concepts.
Peer-to-Peer Learning
Collaboration is a cornerstone of the program. Participants learn from each other’s diverse backgrounds and leadership journeys, fostering rich dialogue, fresh perspectives, and a strong sense of community. The result is a supportive network that extends well beyond the program.
Program Schedule
Opening Retreat, Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vermont
January 22-23, 2026 (required overnight)
The program begins with a two-day immersive retreat designed to foster self-awareness, reflection, and connection. Participants will explore their leadership identity, build foundational skills, and begin forming strong peer relationships that will support their learning journey throughout the program.
Four full-day seminars (lunch included)
Various locations around Burlington, Vermont
February 19, March 26, April 16, May 21, 2026
Each seminar day will feature a full-day workshop with an expert facilitator on a core competency of leadership development such as emotional intelligence, communication and public speaking, organizational leadership, and project management.
Key Benefits
Organizational Outcomes
Participants will return to their organizations with sharper decision-making abilities, stronger emotional intelligence, and enhanced relationship management skills—all of which contribute to improved productivity and team performance. They’ll be equipped with practical tools and leadership frameworks to make sound, strategic decisions in complex and evolving environments. As change agents, they will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty while advancing organizational goals and priorities.
Individual Outcomes
Participants will develop a deeper understanding of their leadership identity—gaining clarity on their personal style, strengths, and values. Through the cultivation of advanced communication and interpersonal skills, they’ll build greater confidence in addressing challenges, motivating others, and leading with authenticity in both personal and professional contexts.
Tuition
Lake Champlain Chamber members
– Early-bird rate (before October 1 ) – $3,800
– Standard rate (after October 1) – $4,200
Non-Chamber members
– Early-bird rate (before October 1 ) – $4,600
– Standard rate (after October 1) – $4,800
Interested in Applying next year?
Fill in the expression of interest form below to be added to a notification list when applications open for future years – typically August to November every year.
FAQ
I graduated Leadership Champlain. How is this different?
Advance Champlain builds on the foundation of Leadership Champlain by offering a deeper, more targeted focus on leadership skill development. While Leadership Champlain emphasizes community issues and systems thinking, Advance Champlain is designed to strengthen individual leadership competencies through intensive training led by expert facilitators. Each session is centered on practical tools and strategies to elevate your leadership practice.
I'm not a Leadership Champlain graduate. Is that a prerequisite?
No. Graduates of Leadership Champlain are highly encouraged to apply but completing Leadership Champlain is not a prerequisite.
How many participants will be in the program?
We are planning for around 15-20 in each cohort.
I have a lot of leadership experience but not direct reports. Should I still apply?
Yes. We aim to have diverse class of experienced leaders and the Selection Committee will consider both community leadership and volunteer experience as well as more traditional executive leadership.
I don't live in Vermont. Can I still apply?
Yes. There is no geographical limitation on participation if you can comfortably travel to all the sessions. Topics and discussions will focus on the Vermont context but experiences and lessons learned from other parts of the region/world are always welcome.
How will each of the sessions be structured?
Participants will receive a detailed agenda one week before each seminar. Sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, beginning with reflective and collaborative activities that help participants apply what they’ve learned between meetings. Each seminar includes an interactive lunch with experienced local leaders, a three-hour workshop led by an expert facilitator focused on a core leadership competency. The day integrates active discussions and intentional networking opportunities to reinforce learning and build connections.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
– Cancellations made within 30 days of the payment deadline are eligible for a full refund, minus a $200 administrative fee.
– Cancellations received up to 14 days prior to the program start date are eligible for a 50% refund.
– No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made within 14 days of the program start date.
– Deferrals or participant substitutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be requested in writing.
Contact
Alex Bunten, Director of Workforce and Education
Lake Champlain Chamber
802-863-3489 ext. 201