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LCRCC Presents: Leadership Champlain

Leadership Champlain is a workforce and professional development program of the Lake Champlain Chamber that has been working to activate our local leaders and enrich our community for thirty years. The program runs from September to June and graduates a cohort of 35 mid- to senior-level executives that represent a broad spectrum of industries annually.

an individual in the leadership champlain class presents to the rest of the cohort

The cohort spends one day per month analyzing a different pillar of our community; topics include human services, business and economy, government and politics, criminal justice, education, healthcare, energy and environment, and civic engagement. On these days, the program invites leaders in these respective sectors to talk to the group about the most pressing issues facing that industry on a local scale. The program brings in the experts to educate the group through panels, presentations, experiential learning and interactive discussion.

a photo of the leadership champlain class mingling and networking with each other

Halfway through their year, the Class of 2019 has spent six full days examining themselves as leaders, identifying and comparing their different leadership styles, learning about the challenges and strengths of our community’s human services network, hearing from both large and small scale business owners about doing business in Vermont and participating in a mock debate on the House floor.

vermont lieutenant governor david zuckerman address the leadership champlain cohort at government and politics day

Some of the notable leaders they met with include: Bob Bick, CEO of the Howard Center; Mat Barewicz, Labor Market Information Director for the State of Vermont; Dale Miller, Vermont Senior Location Executive of GlobalFoundries; Governor Phil Scott; Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman; Attorney General TJ Donovan; and many others.

member of leadership champlain class participates in mock debate on house floor during government and politics day

The primary objective of Leadership Champlain is simple: connection and education. The program acquaints you with the community you call home in a unique and profound way. Whether you are a recent transplant or a fifth-generation Vermonter, this immersive experience will make you feel much more connected to the place you’ve decided to work and live.

leadership champlain group working on team building activity

Each individual graduates with lifelong friends, a deep understanding of our region, inspiration to give back in the way that is most meaningful to them, and connections to the top business and political leaders in our state.

group shot of the entire leadership champlain class of 2019

If you’d like to learn more about Leadership Champlain, visit our webpage or email [email protected]. Applications for the Class of 2020 will begin being accepted on March 4, 2019.