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CLIMB

Designed for outstanding young leaders to take their success to the next level.

Growth.

Perspective.

Collaboration.

CLIMB (Chamber Leadership Initiative: Mentoring for Business) is a 10-month program that brings together the most talented young members of the Rochester/Finger Lakes business community to learn and grow together, making connections and acquiring insight that will help them ascend to new heights of leadership and success within their organizations and community.

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Program Components:

 

1. Experiential Learning - Through an in-depth exploration of the regional economy, including intimate conversations with star CEOs and executive teams, participants learn the strategies that fuel the success of these organizations, and better understand the opportunities and challenges in the regional and global marketplace.

Participants are also joined by community and political leaders to discuss crucial issues facing this region, and invited to become a part of the solution.

2. Personalized Leadership Development - Participants receive yearlong personalized leadership development training from Andrew Brady of The XLR8 Team, focusing on the critical internal foundation that allows great leaders to motivate and inspire.

3. One-on-One Executive Mentoring - Participants are matched with an executive from the business community, forming a partnership designed to explore specific leadership challenges and foster a two-way dialogue between seasoned and emerging leaders in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region.

4. Upon successful completion of the program, CLIMB graduates are asked to join the Future Leaders’ Advisory Council (FLAC) to provide key insight and engagement with Rochester Chamber leadership. FLAC members are afforded opportunities to make a difference on issues like equity, education, health care, economic development, and talent strategy – and to provide ongoing key insight to Rochester Chamber leadership.

chelsea-conway

“Through the CLIMB program, I was given a more realistic gauge of my strengths and weaknesses. I was able to see how other leaders in the community handle and tackle their companies, especially in adverse circumstances, all with differing and unique styles. I have since been able to adapt my style and tried new tactics of leading and managing.”

Chelsea Conway, CEO, Beam Mack Sales & Service (CLIMB '17-18)
(Former Greater Rochester Chamber FLAC Co-Chair, 2021 Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award Finalist)

“Through the CLIMB Program, I learned a lot about myself and how I can become a better leader. I also enoyed the great networking with my peers to get an understanding of opportunities and challenges that young leaders are facing in the workplace. This program was valuable to bring a group of peers together and build actual relationships.”

Brandon Underwood, Buyer/Employee Owner, Once Again Nut Butter (CLIMB '21-22)

Brandon Underwood
Mary Nicholas cropped

"It was a privilege to go through the CLIMB Program! Met really amazing peers, learned about really great Rochester businesses and programs, had direct access to thought-leaders and entrepreneurs, and gained perspective and resources as to how to be a better leader and colleague. At certain points, it pushed me outside of my comfort zone, which was challenging but welcomed. Would definitely recommend!"

Mary Nicholas, Senior Product Marketing Manager, GreenSpark Solar (CLIMB '21-22)

Are you ready to CLIMB?

The CLIMB program accepts the best and brightest young leaders (age 21 - 40) from the business community, who would benefit from an enhanced network and valuable resources within the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, and who could contribute to Greater Rochester Chamber as a voice of progress and leadership.

Do you or a young leader you know display the qualities of:

Leadership

Vision

Impact

Integrity

The CLIMB Program has a tuition of $2,250 for Greater Rochester Chamber members and $2,950 for non-members. Financial assistance is available. For more information, please contact CLIMB@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.

For questions, email CLIMB@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.

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