Programs

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

The Springfield Leadership Institute was established in 1982 by the Springfield Regional Chamber and the Western New England University College of Business to develop leadership skills in business community members. This program aims to teach mid- and upper-level managers the crucial thinking and problem-solving skills needed to be influential leaders in their workplaces and the greater community. The Institute is directed by Dean of the College of Business Sharianne Walker and Assistant Professor of Management Natalie Cotton-Nessler.

The Institute focuses on developing core management and leadership skills for increasing personal and organizational effectiveness. This practical and applied program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to take your leadership to the next level and expand your professional and personal network.

In this program, a series of six workshops facilitated by Western New England University faculty will take you through various evidence-based tools and frameworks that you can apply immediately to your leadership practice. You can also use and extend your learning through peer coaching.

This program is ideal for aspiring managers, new managers, and professionals interested in increasing their effectiveness and expanding their impact within or beyond their current roles.

Upon completing the Leadership Institute, you can enroll in a free graduate course offered through the College of Business at Western New England University (subject to specific requirements). This is a value of $3,000 based on the 2023-2024 tuition rate of $1,000/credit.

Applications for the Springfield Leadership Institute Class of 2024 are closed. Please return later this year to apply for the program’s next class.

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The Springfield Regional Chamber Ambassador Program offers a unique opportunity to act as an influencer within the greater Springfield community and work to expand your reach within the business sector, all while helping SRC increase its membership and impact.

As an Ambassador, your enthusiasm and desire to make a positive impact will be the keys to your success. Gain a better understanding of the volunteer initiatives required of an Ambassador and the significance of the Ambassador role below:

Benefits:

Ambassador profile on the Chamber’s website
Social media spotlight
Newsletter spotlight
Meaningful networking opportunities
Exclusive positioning as part of the Welcome Committee at events
Direct communication with regional leaders
Learning opportunities that will build your resume, promote your business/organization, and advance the Chamber’s reach

Eligibility Requirements:

To be an active member of the Ambassador program, you must be willing to make the following 12-month commitment:

Complete an application for the Ambassador program.
Attend monthly Ambassador meetings (in-person and virtual meetings, depending on the month).
Maintain ongoing communications with assigned member and prospective member contacts.
Call and email members to invite them to upcoming meetings and programs.
Participate in the Chamber’s social media engagement.
Serve as part of the Welcome Committee at monthly SRC events.
Visit or patronize a local business at least once a month – but more than that is encouraged! Show your support through photos and word-of-mouth promotion through your network.

If an Ambassador is not employed at an SRC member company in good standing upon joining the program, the Ambassador has a 60-day period to onboard their company and solidify their company’s Chamber membership. Any Ambassador who voluntarily resigns from the Ambassadors program may re-apply for activation following the same procedures as a new Ambassador.

Monthly Meetings:

Ambassador meetings are held on a mutually agreed-upon date and time each month, in person at Chamber offices or via Zoom. Monthly meetings are held to update Ambassadors on upcoming involvement opportunities, identify each Ambassador’s 2-3 prospects/new members to cultivate that month, discuss outreach strategies to those members/prospects, and assign tasks. These meetings also monitor the progress of Ambassadors as well as celebrate successes from the past month.

Event Support:

In addition to building relationships with new and prospective members, ambassadors serve as greeters and support staff at SRC’s signature events. Event support assignments are discussed at each meeting for the following month’s event(s). Greeters assist at the registration table, welcome guests to the event, and perform other duties as needed. As an added benefit, ambassadors assisting with the event or escorting a new member will be granted entrance at no charge.

Recognition:

Ambassadors assisting with an event receive complimentary registration.
Ambassadors in good standing who are not assisting with an event receive a discount to that event.
Ambassadors receive a personalized nametag indicating they are an Ambassador.
Ambassadors are featured on the Chamber’s site to share with co-workers and connections easily.
Ambassadors are highlighted in our social media channels, linking back to the profile page on our website.
Ambassadors are spotlighted in our monthly Member Communication with wide distribution throughout the community.
Upon designation, Ambassadors are announced in a press release shared with all local media outlets.

We would love to have your voice heard in a greater capacity in our regional business community. Take a seat at the table and be part of something bigger.

Apply to become an ambassador today!