Burlington, Vt. – (July 31, 2025) – The Lake Champlain Chamber is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of Advance Champlain, its dynamic leadership development program. Now entering its third year, Advance Champlain has quickly established itself as a proven, skills-focused experience that helps professionals strengthen leadership competencies, accelerate career advancement, and build meaningful connections within Vermont communities.
The Chamber has been developing community leaders and changemakers for more than 35 years through its flagship workforce development program, Leadership Champlain, and is proud to continue building on that legacy with Advance Champlain.
Applications are open through November 1, 2025, with early bird pricing available until October 1. The program begins in January 2026. More detailed information can be found at www.advancechamplain.org.
“Advance Champlain offers participants the opportunity to step outside their daily routine, reflect on their leadership style, and grow alongside a diverse cohort of peers,” said Alex Bunten, director of workforce and education at the Lake Champlain Chamber. “As many organizations face workforce shortages and leadership succession challenges, developing strong, adaptive leaders is more important than ever. This program helps leaders build the skills, self-awareness, and community connections needed to navigate effectively in today’s evolving landscape.”
Advance Champlain consists of a two-day Opening Retreat at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, followed by four, full-day seminars in and around Burlington with expert facilitators and engagements with some of Vermont’s foremost leaders. One seminar day includes a full day at the Vermont Air National Guard base engaging with military leadership.
Seminar days feature group discussions, reflective assignments, and workshops led by expert faculty around core competencies of leadership development such as: emotional intelligence, cultural competency, communications, project management, public speaking and organizational leadership.
Reflecting on his experience in the 2025 cohort, Gregg Jager of South Burlington Police Department said, “Being surrounded by experienced professionals who share a strong commitment to continuous learning was truly inspiring. The passion they brought – and the thoughtful conversations we shared throughout Advance Champlain – left me energized and motivated. I came away with fresh insights and practical takeaways to bring back to my organization.”
Advance Champlain is open to the public with Chamber members receiving a discount on tuition. Tuition includes an overnight stay at Topnotch for the Opening Retreat, meals and all training. Financial assistance is available on a limited, needs basis.
Learn more and apply at AdvanceChamplain.org.