Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s Business Leadership Academy

The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber is proud to be accepting applications for the fifth year of the Business Leadership Academy.

This interactive, ten-month experience develops and strengthens the skills of existing and emerging LGBTQ and allied leaders in the workplace by providing quality and transformative programming. Today’s business environment – for non-profits, small businesses and corporations — requires leadership skills like effective communication, adaptability, collaboration and the ability to motivate.

Apply today to be a part of the Business Leadership Academy Class of 2023. Applications are due by January 13, 2023.

What will be learned through the Business Leadership Academy?

Participating in the Business Leadership Academy will increase your awareness of your own unique leadership and teamwork skills.

Each of the sessions will be facilitated by industry experts, certified trainers, and other business leaders from the community. Through the Business Leadership Academy, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to:

• Discover their leadership style and core values
• Work with and effectively manage other individuals
• Advocate for change in your workplace
• Engage a team for success and inspire others to action
• Understand and apply business finances to their work
• Care for yourself and prevent burnout
• Make a difference in your community through leadership opportunities
• Broaden their perspectives and engage in healthy debate and discussion

Through the program, you’ll be connected to an exceptional network of cross-sector civic, business and community leaders and form long-lasting and impactful professional relationships that will aid in your leadership development.

At the beginning of the program, each participant will take an Insights Discovery assessment to learn more about their personal and professional leadership style to build a framework of success as leaders in the workplace. Sessions will also feature a number of readings and case studies for group discussion so that participants can apply the learnings to real-world situations.

Benefits of Completing the Business Leadership Academy

At the conclusion of the Business Leadership Academy, all those that complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion, public recognition by the Chamber as a program graduate, and the ability to list the program on your resume.

Graduates also be eligible for participation in the Business Leadership Academy’s Alumni Network which will connect you with previous program graduates for continued learning, professional development, and networking.

Program Schedule and Time Commitment

The 2023 Business Leadership Academy will meet in-person in Milwaukee once a month from February to November on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be a total of 10 sessions for the program. We do ask that all attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and we will continue to follow CDC guidance on mask usage.

While all sessions will take place in-person, we recognize that not everyone may be able to travel to Milwaukee for these meetings. While we would prefer attendees to be in-person, we will be providing a hybrid option for those that need to join sessions via Zoom.

Attendance Requirements

Successful completion of the program requires a minimum attendance at 80% of the sessions (minimum of 8 of 10 sessions) and being an active participant in the work of the program.

Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Business Leadership Academy. Participants and their employers must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in the program. If issues do arise during the Program year, we encourage you to reach out for a conversation with our Program Director.

Eligibility

Any Chamber member is eligible to apply to participate in the year-long Business Leadership Academy. Ideal participants are those who have:

• An interest in growing their leadership skills.
• A desire to advance in their career.
• A strong interest in influencing change and having a positive impact on their community.
• A desire to develop new professional relationships.
• A minimum of 5 years of work experience.
• A willingness to commit to attending all Academy sessions during the course of the year and being an active participant in discussions and activities.

Application Process and Timeline

Applicants for the program will be required to submit an online application on the Chamber’s website, which includes submitting a resume and providing short answers to a few questions. Applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of Chamber members supporting the program.

Applications for 2023 are currently open and due by January 13, 2023. Click here to apply to be a part of the 2023 Business Leadership Academy.

Here is a schedule of the application process:

• December 1, 2022: Application process opens.
• January 13, 2023: Application submission deadline (5:00 p.m.)
• January 21, 2023: Applicants notified of acceptance decision
• February 7, 2023: Tuition Payment Due
• February 14, 2023: First Session of Business Leadership Academy in Milwaukee (3:00 to 7:00 p.m.)

After that the Business Leadership Academy will continue to meet on the second  Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Tuition

The cost for each participant in the program is $1,500.

This fee includes the registration fee for all sessions, the Insights Discovery assessment, as well as additional leadership and program materials.

Employers are eligible to sponsor employees to participate in the program. In addition, a limited number of scholarships are available, as well as various payment plans if needed.

Further Information

If you have additional questions on the program, please contact Phillip Bailey, Program Director, at phillip@wislgbtchamber.com.

Happy Holidays from Community Living Connections!

We are fortunate to have much to celebrate this holiday season. Most importantly, the communities we are part of. We are proud to serve people in Madison, Stoughton, Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, and Platteville.  These communities are what make us great. Each person brings a special gift to share, be it their individuality, knowledge, or experiences. Together we help each other to be stronger, more dynamic and inclusive communities.

People we support share with us their goals and dreams for their life. Whether that is within their home or the neighborhood in which they live. CLC’s mission is to support individuals to live their best life in their own home and in their community.  Key to living your best life is building meaningful relationships, and accessing and contributing to your community.

The support people receive from CLC direct care staff not only ensures access to basic amenities like healthy food and a clean home; supports are geared toward outcomes that build a happy, fulfilling life. CLC employees genuinely care about the people we support, want them to thrive within their community, and achieve their ambitions! CLC is honored to be chosen to support your adult friends and family members to live their best life.

Support the CLC mission!  Here are a few ways you can help us support people to build meaningful relationships in their community.
 

Write a “Thank You” note!	Words of appreciation and encouragement go a long way at CLC.  Send letters of appreciation for Supported Living Staff, so they know how valued they are!
Make a donation	Please consider making a donation of $300. Your gift can go to CLC’s greatest need, or it can be reserved for staff Appreciation. Gifts of all sizes are highly valued!

The QTI Group: Edgewood Campus School Seeking New President

Endres Foundation Announces November 2022 Grants

Read the press release here

Patrick Flesch Promoted to CEO at Gordon Flesch Company

MADISON, WI – Patrick Flesch, President of Gordon Flesch Company (GFC) was unanimously elected at the recent Board of Directors meeting as the company’s new CEO. He will now carry the dual title of President and CEO.

As a part of this change, former CEO Tom Flesch will retain the title of Chairman and will continue to be involved in the strategic direction of the company. Bill Flesch will retain his title of Chief Development Officer and Mark Flesch will retain his title of Chief Operating Officer.

In addition, Brad Samuel, Vice President of Service and Logistics has been unanimously elected to the Board of Directors at the annual GFC shareholders meeting.

“These changes are in the best interest of our family and our business,” says Tom Flesch, Chairman at GFC. “I have been with GFC for 45 years and have been honored to serve as President or CEO for the past 36 years. Both Mark and Patrick have proven their leadership and dedication to the business and the industry. We look forward to their leadership in the years to come.”

About Gordon Flesch Company

The Gordon Flesch Company is one of the largest independent providers of office technology solutions in the nation. Family-owned since 1956, the Gordon Flesch Company employs more than 650 people throughout 32 offices in the Midwest, with their corporate office in Madison, Wisconsin. They deliver unique business process expertise to solve challenging problems and achieve organizational goals. This includes integrating industry-leading software and hardware to build custom solutions that are supported by technical expertise, customer service and flexible, in-house financial services. Follow us on Twitter at @GordonFlesch.