Blue Ox Business Academy: 2026-2027 Leadership Experience

Description

The Blue Ox Business Academy's Leadership Experience is an immersive experience in personal leadership growth through the exploration of community sectors, challenges, and opportunities.

Join a growing group of more than 650 individuals who have graduated from our Leadership Experience program. This 9 month, 10 session program is designed for emerging leaders and high-potential employees to develop essential skills and insights into their leadership character. Seats fill up fast, so don't wait to register.

Through Leadership Experience training, participants will build relationships and gain an inside view of the region's public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Throughout the program, all are challenged to take the next step in their organization and community.

This program is only offered to Chamber Members. Cost is $1,895 per person and limited to 40 individuals. Through the support of Anderson Brothers Construction, scholarships (25% discount) are available to small businesses (up to 5 employees) and non-profit organizations with financial limitations. Just ask.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Business owners, leaders & managers.
• Emerging leaders & high-potential employees.
• Those who are new to the Brainerd Lakes Area.
  
  

SESSION 1: Thursday, September 24 & Friday, September 25, 2026
Opening Retreat: DiSC Assessment, Next Level Leading, Effective Communication, Managing Change and Reducing Conflict, Community Service Projects (One overnight stay on September 24th is optional but highly encouraged. Session attendance is mandatory.)

SESSION 2: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Tourism Experience

SESSION 3: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Non-Profits Experience

SESSION 4: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Manufacturing and Construction Experience

SESSION 5: Thursday, January 14, 2027
Mid-year Retreat: Deep dive into Leadership Development including additional assessments (Emotional Intelligence 2.0 or Strengths Finder), conflict resiliency skills, revisiting goals for the year, and team building.

SESSION 6: Thursday, February 4, 2027
Education Experience

SESSION 7: Thursday, March 4, 2027
Health Care Experience

SESSION 8: Thursday, March or April, 2027
(Date is TBD based on state legislative schedule.)
Community Experience: Legislative Day at the Capitol and a stop at KSTP with Anchor Kevin Doran

SESSION 9: Thursday, April 22, 2027
Public Service Experience

SESSION 10: Thursday, May 6- Friday, May 7, 2027
Media Morning and End of the Year Retreat with additional leadership development, a review of assessments and their application to growth in leadership, and next steps. Afternoon/Evening of the 6th with overnight stay optional, finishing in the afternoon on the 7th.

Commencement and Class Reunion will be held at the Celebration of Excellence in November 2027.

RETREATS

• Session 1 (Kick-off) will be held at Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Overnight lodging is strongly recommended. Participants may reserve rooms at Grand Casino Mille Lacs for an additional fee.
  
  
• Session 5 (Mid-year) will be held during the day at a local TBD location and will include additional assessments and leadership development and training.
  
  
• Session 10 (End of the Year) will be held at a local conference center/resort which will include leadership development and training. Overnight lodging optional. Participants may reserve rooms for an additional fee. More info to follow during program year.
  
  

COMMITMENT
Individuals are required to attend 10 full (8AM - 5PM approximately) sessions. Only 1 absence will be accepted. Applicants need to review their schedules to make sure that they can attend all of the sessions prior to applying.

UNLEASH YOUR TALENT

• An investment of $1,895 per person (or 2 payments of $947.50 will be accepted) includes meals, assessments, speakers, and all course materials.
• Pay with a credit card or receive an invoice.
• Staying overnight at Grand Casino Mille Lacs for the beginning retreat on September 24 is strongly recommended. Information will be supplied after registration and is an additional cost.  
• The Leadership Experience program is only offered to Chamber Members and limited to 35-40 participants.
  
  

TAKE IT FROM OUR GRADUATES

• "I enjoyed getting to know the area better and the industries within. The increased knowledge makes me a more well rounded person which in turn, increases my confidence and leadership."
• "...Why wouldn't you want your employees to increase their business network?"
• "Building leaders to improve the businesses in our community."
• "Going through this uniquely impacted my perspective on both leadership and the importance of community involvement. Each session challenged me to think differently about leadership, not simply as managing people, but as building relationships, listening to others, and creating positive change through service and collaboration."

SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships (25% discount) are available to small businesses (up to 5 employees) and Non Profit organizations with financial limitations. Just ask.

REGISTRATION
Register online. Please be sure to add your title to registration. If you need help contact Paula Chapulis at BlueOx@BrainerdLakesChamber.com. This program will fill quickly, so don't delay!
Registration Deadline is September 8, 2026.

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With support from Anderson Brothers Construction, the Blue Ox Business Academy delivers local, affordable, and high-quality training that strengthens our community by helping businesses succeed.

By investing in yourself or your employees, you achieve the highest possible returns in enhanced skills, confidence and job satisfaction. Blue Ox trainers are professional presenters with engaging personalities and real world experiences. Participants make great peer connections and leave with tools and idea to immediately put into action.