LEAD Champaign County 2025
Date and Time
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM CDT
12-week course held on Thursday each week beginning on Tuesday, August 26 (due to Labor Day weekend) and ending Thursday, November 13.
Location
Registration for this kick-off session will register you for the course. All sessions will be held in person.
Unless otherwise noted, all sessions take place at the Chamber office.
Fees/Admission
Early Bird Registration: $695 (Now through August 11) - discount will be automatically applied at registration.
Late Registration: $750 (August 12 - 26)
Sending 3 or more participants? Contact us to arrange group registration and invoicing.
*No refunds are given but you may send a substitute attendee if you cannot attend.
Contact Information
(217) 359-1791
Send Email
Description
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
LEAD Champaign County is designed to shape emerging professionals into confident, community-minded leaders. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants will gain practical leadership skills, strengthen their communication and professionalism and build a valuable network of peers across industries.
Through weekly sessions led by local business and civic leaders, participants explore topics such as leadership styles, strengths-based development, strategic communication and civic engagement. The program benefits both the employee and employer by investing in long-term professional and personal growth.
LEAD Champaign County Mission
- To attract and empower the next generation of community leaders in Champaign County.
- To connect young professionals to their peers, local resources and opportunities for service, leadership and advocacy.
- To engage participants in creating a stronger community.
To start the program, participants are invited to a casual networking and trivia night on August 26, 2025. This kickoff event is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, start building relationships and set the tone for the weeks ahead. Light appetizers will be provided. Additional food and beverages available for purchase.
12-Week Program Schedule:
More coming soon.
WEEK 1 - Tuesday, August 26: Opening Reception and Kick-off Event
Location TBA
To kick off LEAD Champaign County, participants will gather to meet and get to know each other better over some food and drinks. Participants will be given further additional materials and details about the class.
WEEK 2 - Thursday, September 4: Leadership Foundations & Strengths Analysis
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Focus: Understanding personal leadership styles and strengths
WEEK 3 - Thursday, September 11: Effective Communication & Personal Branding
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Focus: Crafting your professional presence and leadership voice
WEEK 4 - Thursday, September 18: Team Building & Collaboration
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello, IL
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes are best) and bring water if needed. This will be an outdoor, (light) physical activity. Please plan and dress accordingly.
WEEK 6 - Thursday, October 2: Navigating Conflict & Difficult Conversations
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Focus: Managing workplace challenges and resolving conflicts effectively
WEEK 9 - Thursday, October 23: Financial & Ethical Leadership
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Focus: Budgeting, ethical decision-making and financial responsibility in leadership
WEEK 12 - Thursday, November 13: Etiquette Luncheon & Graduation
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location TBA
Presented by Patricia Simpson, Game-Changing Etiquette
Participants will receive a crash course on the basics of business dining etiquette from Patricia Simpson of Game-Changing Etiquette. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to feel comfortable and confident at your next business meal.
*Times may be subject to change. Updated information will be sent to participants as it becomes available.
PRESENTED BY
Questions?
Contact Kaylie at kayliem@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791
