Voice of Business Blog

People are by far the most valuable asset any company holds. Investing in professional development for individuals at all levels throughout an organization should be a key budget item for companies large and small. Even when budgets are tight and many priorities are competing for limited resources, failing to reinvest in your employees will hurt an organization in both the short term and the long term.

Studies have found that investing in the development of employees has all kinds of benefits - culturally and financially. From increased job satisfaction, increased employee loyalty, decreased turnover rates, better succession planning, and much more - there are many reasons to identify opportunities to train your staff. Both leadership and soft-skill training as well as technical hard-skill training should be included in this strategy.

Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to offer a multitude of training courses through our Chamber Academy. From seasoned, expert presenters to facilitated peer-to-peer learning groups, we have all kinds of opportunities so you can tailor your training strategy to what works best for your unique organizational needs and individual employee preferences. Keep reading to learn more about the variety of courses we’re offering this spring:

• Mental Wellness at Work: This March, Megan Clifford, LCSW-R will present on how to prevent and address mental health crises in the workplace. This interactive training is designed to give attendees actionable strategies to develop a more inclusive and supportive culture within organizations. Click here to learn more and register.
• Successful Supervision: Our successful supervision course is designed to equip new supervisors or managers with a better understanding of the keys to effective leadership and the tools available to support a team. Focused on building success through people, this course is designed to set the stage for lasting success. Click here to learn more and register.
• ATHENA Leadership Training for Women: Presented as part of our Women’s Council initiative, our ATHENA Leadership Training is a peer-to-peer learning group for leaders of all levels that is designed to ignite leadership growth through inspirational, empathy-driven training tailored to your unique journey. Over the course of six months, you will learn from other leaders and walk away with the tools to achieve personal and professional excellence. Click here to learn more and register.
• Human Resources Management: For individuals new to the human resources role or for seasoned professionals looking for a refresher, our Human Resources Management training is a comprehensive overview of HR policies and practices. This course is able to be completed as a series, or as a single session on a particular topic of interest. Click here to learn more and register.
• Optimizing Business Growth: Being offered for the first time this May, this course will provide valuable insights on how to scale a business, covering everything from lead generation to superior customer service. Empower your team to drive business growth by learning more about maximizing CRM efficiency, building strong relationships, and more. Click here to learn more and register.
• Leadership for Managers: Designed for managers looking to gain a better understanding of interpersonal skills and build emotional intelligence, this course focuses on creating a culture of trust. Attendees will finish with an understanding of concepts, skills, and strategies to lead in a modern organization. Click here to learn more and register.

Our Chamber Academy trainings are designed for maximum impact - not just to check a box. Hear from a previous attendee about what she got out of our programs:

“Overall, this program has been a transformative experience for me. It has not only deepened my understanding of my own values and leadership style, but also equipped me with practical tools to navigate challenges with confidence and empathy. The insights gained have empowered me to lead with authenticity, foster stronger connections, and continue to grow both personally and professionally. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and reflect alongside a community of like-minded individuals, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my ongoing journey to make a positive impact in both my work and my community.”

Jessica Del Valle, Ibero American Action League

More than anything, investing in training signals to employees that your organization is forward-looking and strategically investing in them. To learn more, please contact Susan George, Director of Events, Training, & Affiliates, at Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Academy is supported in part by the Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation.