Advance Champlain is a new skills-focused, leadership development program designed to strengthen core competencies, accelerate advancement potential, and enhance community connection in Vermont.
The program consists of a two-day opening retreat followed by four half-day seminars with expert facilitators and engagements with the foremost leaders in Vermont.
Topics covered will include: Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Competency, Communications, Personal Branding, Public Speaking, Organizational Leadership and Project Management.
Advance Champlain will equip participants with the practical tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to become exceptional leaders capable of driving meaningful change within their organizations and their communities.
**The application deadline for the class of 2024 has passed. Fill in the below form to be alerted when applications open again.
Program Objectives
Cultivate and develop a wide range of leadership skills that are crucial for effective leadership, including communication, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, creativity, decision-making, adaptability, conflict resolution and strategic thinking.
Enable participants to use their newly acquired skills in a safe and supportive environment among trusted peers as well as reflect on their application in varied work environments.
Support long-term leadership development by providing a foundation for continuous learning and growth, enabling leaders to stay relevant and effective in rapidly changing professional environments.
Key Features
Expert Facilitators: The program is led by experienced and knowledgeable facilitators who are experts in the field of leadership development. These facilitators are skilled in guiding participants through their learning journey and providing valuable insights and feedback.
Hands-On Learning: Interactive workshops, projects, simulations, role-playing exercises, and practical case studies will provide participants with real world learning opportunities.
Peer Collaboration: The program encourages collaboration among participants, allowing them to learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives. Peer learning enhances the overall learning process and fosters a sense of community among participants.
Program Schedule
Opening Retreat, Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vermont
January 25-26, 2024 (required overnight)
Participants will work to understand themselves as leaders through a 180 leadership assessment and workshops on Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Competency.
Monthly half-day seminars, 11 am-5 pm (lunch included)
Courtyard Marriott, Burlington, Vermont
February 22, March 28, April 18, and May 23, 2024
Each seminar day will feature an 3-hour workshop with an expert facilitator on a core competency of leadership development such as: Crisis Communication, Personal Branding, Creativity, Public Speaking, Organizational Leadership and Project Management.
Key Benefits
Organizational Outcomes
Individual Outcomes
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of themselves as leaders, their leadership style and how that can be used to inspire others. In developing advanced communication skills, they will have increased confidence in approaching challenging situations, both personally and professionally.
FAQ
I graduated Leadership Champlain. How is this different?
This program is a step above Leadership Champlain in that there is less focus on community issues and more specific training on leadership skills. All sessions of Advance Champlain will include expert, paid facilitators whose focus will be enhancing core competencies of leadership development.
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 will each of the sessions be structured?
The agenda for each seminar will be sent to participants one week prior to the day. The key elements of each session will be: Reflective and collaborative activities on skills learned and applied between sessions, interactive lunch with experienced leaders, a three-hour workshop with an expert facilitator on one of the core leadership competencies, active discussions and networking.
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 many participants will be in the program?
We are planning for around 20 in each cohort.
Tuition
Lake Champlain Chamber members
Early-bird (before September 1 ) – $3,800
Standard (after September 1) – $4,200
Non-Chamber members
Standard – $4,500
Contact
Alex Bunten, Director of Workforce and Education
Lake Champlain Chamber
802-863-3489 ext. 201