Relevance, Relationships and Revenue Summer Refresh Leadership Programs: Relevance, Relationships and Revenue Shannon Gullickson, Talent Programs Director Greater Mankato Growth 507-385-6656 sgullickson@greatermankato.com

Your name & organization INTRODUCTIONS: Your name & organization Does your Chamber have a Leadership Program & do you staff the program? How many participants? How many years in existence? Cost per participant?

About our program: Nine month program Seven, 1-day sessions Two, 2-day sessions Rotate locations throughout the community Goals: Prof. Dev./Networking/Com. Awareness Maximum of 40 class members (was 45) Cost for 2018-19 is $1,975 (was $1,475)

Originally started as a community leadership program through the Mankato Area Foundation in 1984 After surveying our members the program was changed to include a mix of professional development & community awareness topics. Includes volunteer assistance from a Steering Committee (past class members)

Revenue approximately $79,000 annually Expenses approximately $32,000 annually Additional revenue through special speaker events and workshops Staff: Approx. 15 hours/week Dropbox tool for class documents

Why do Chambers offer them? Leadership Programs: Why do Chambers offer them? Satisfy your members need for: Professional development, employee integration, increased networks, unique employee benefits 2. Satisfy the community’s need for: Volunteers and leaders 3. Satisfy your organization’s need for: Revenue and membership value/involvement

Ongoing Challenges: Relevance 2. Relationships 3. Revenue

Relevance Ongoing Challenges: Keeping curriculum current in regard to your organization’s focus & the community’s “hot buttons” (workforce, ag) Maintain “hit” sessions and change or tweak “misses” Utilize survey tools (surveygizmo) Ask candidates what they want to learn Network with other Leadership Staffers for ideas 

Relationships Ongoing Challenges: Allow adequate time to foster personal and professional connections Most memorable, valuable part of the program according to alumni Try to ensure a mix of participants reflecting your community

Revenue (and bottom line) Ongoing Challenges: Revenue (and bottom line) Tuition Sponsorships In-Kind Scholarships Seek “deals” with members, but maintain quality

Questions/Discussion

Thank You!