Lake Michigan College, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber seek applications for Leadership Accelerator

BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – Applications are now available for Southwest Michigan’s premier leadership training program.  Leadership Accelerator, a collaboration between Lake Michigan College and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, has its’ next cohort beginning January 23, 2025.

Leadership Accelerator is an intensive seven-month program designed to engage, empower, and develop the next generation of leaders in Southwest Michigan. Dozens of corporations, non-profits, and governmental organizations have benefited from the program.

“Participating in the Leadership Accelerator is a fast track of personal and professional growth,” LMC Provost of Vice President of Academics Dr. Kenneth Flowers stated. “It’s about more than just learning leadership characteristics, it’s about becoming the kind of leader who inspires, empowers, and makes a lasting impact in our community,” he added.

“Leadership is the driving force behind progress, which makes cultivating strong leaders essential for our region’s future,” said Arthur Havlicek, President and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. "To meet this need, the Chamber is honored to once again collaborate with Lake Michigan College in preparing the next generation of leaders—empowering them with the insight and skills to drive transformative change across Southwest Michigan."

The Leadership Accelerator Academy begins January 23, 2025, and features 12 instructional half day sessions on Thursdays twice a month and one full-day session at the state capitol in Lansing.

Program sessions are taught by a diverse group of local and state leaders and held at LMC’s Benton Harbor campus. Each session centers on a distinct leadership skill. Program topics include critical thinking, inclusion, collaborative decision making, emotional intelligence, community awareness and engagement, politics, and leadership, and more.

Ideal candidates for Leadership Accelerator are individuals with high-impact roles and have been identified as emerging or current leaders seeking to increase their capacity to lead. The cost of the program is $1,500. Participants receive a certificate upon competition.

To apply for the 2025 Leadership Accelerator class, visit lakemichigancollege.edu/community/leadership. All applications must be received by December 6, 2024. Acceptance notifications will be sent out by December 13, 2024.

For more information, contact Pam McVay, Director, President’s Office and Culture and Talent Success at 269-927-8861 or mcvay@lakemichigancollege.edu or Sarah Spoonholtz, Director of Membership and Events, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber at 269-932-4040 or sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com