The Chamber Foundation seeks to ensure that dynamic new leaders are continuously added to our ever growing mid-Hudson region. The Leadership Dutchess program responds to this need by offering a quality leadership program that better equips our area professionals with the skills needed to take on leadership roles that will result in making positive, long-term changes in our communities and in the world of business.

From networking to teamwork, to critical thinking and communications, each Leadership Dutchess program participant will establish their own foundation of experiences from which they can draw. The program also engages participants in situations that are new and inspires them to address challenges that are different from their normal routine.

This nine-month program provides each participant the unique opportunity to learn new concepts and explore alternative ideas, engage with expert instructors and gain practical knowledge on topics such as: Team Building; Effective Presentation Skills; Crisis Communication; Working with the Media; Stress Management; Critical Thinking; Ethnics & Social Responsibility; Being an Effective Board Member – just to name a few!

In order to keep this program small and selective, we invite you to nominate a key employee to complete an application to be considered for the program. The benefits of being accepted into this program are invaluable. Employees will use this opportunity to gain experience, develop skills to reach peak leadership performance and acquire informative resource materials that they will use and reuse throughout their career. In turn, our communities will be strengthened with Leadership Dutchess graduates actively participating in a wide-range of organizations and not-for-profits, which ultimately helps to build a better further for our businesses, families and neighbors.

Upon fulfillment of course requirements, participants are presented with a certificate of completion. Participants must attend at least 7 of the 9 class sessions, participate in an overnight retreat and give back to our community by performing at least 16 hours of service.

For more information on the Leadership Dutchess program please contact Christina Boryk, Director of the Chamber Foundation at 845.296.0001 or by email at cboryk@gsdcc.org.