GNACC Leadership Program
The GNACC Leadership Development Program helps develop existing and emerging leaders.
Participants from diverse backgrounds and different perspectives will explore and enhance their existing leadership skills
and gain a better understanding of themselves and their role in the community.
Participants from diverse backgrounds and different perspectives will explore and enhance their existing leadership skills
and gain a better understanding of themselves and their role in the community.
The Program is designed to:
· Identify emerging and existing leaders · Enhance leadership competencies · Foster commitment for leadership roles · Demonstrate how strong leadership can enhance your business and support our community in reaching its goals Participant Benefits: · Strengthened leadership abilities · Access to a network of diverse colleagues · Exposure to a variety of regional leaders, organizations and community leaders · An understanding of the realities, opportunities, and challenges of our region · An opportunity to become involved with, and bring about positive change in, our communities · Session begins April 15th, 2025 · 2025 Finals/Presentation - February 2026 · 2025 Graduation - March 2025 (tba) Class Specifics for 2025 tba soon: 2024-25 LEADERSHIP Session to open soon!! · Participant Cost: $650.00 (ask about CC Member Discount) Please contact GNACC for additional details. Email: [email protected] Phone: (860) 887-1647 "The Chamber leadership class is a great way to be introduced to fellow members of community who work in different industries. You get to develop great relationships and learn how to become a great leader. Hearing from different guest speakers and their “stories” really inspire me to believe that you don’t have to be anyone in particular you just have to “Want” it. I was honored to be given this opportunity to be part of the 2016 leadership class." Erin Tirrell, Dime Bank
"Attending the Community Leadership Workshop through the The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce has been an experience and a eye-opener. I have been an employee with the City of Norwich for over seventeen years. I have been to just about every place and every business we have had our classes. I have never experienced any of these places the way I have while being involved with GNACC forum. I have gained a better appreciation for the businesses, organizations, and people I have met during this journey. The experience would be invaluable to anyone who is involved with the City of Norwich and the connections made could only enhance the growth of our city. Thank you for the experience!"
Michael, Norwich Police Dept "So far, my time spent in the Leadership Program has been a very rewarding experience. I have met a lot of knowledgeable people who are passionate about their business and helping others to succeed. The whole experience has been so positive. If you have the opportunity to join LEAD, I highly recommend it!"
~Lori Torres, Eastern Savings Bank. "The lead program delivers! The program immerses it's participants into the local business environment while also emphasizing the importance of community involvement. The quality of the information passed on by the speakers cannot be underestimated. Their career paths are inspirational, and their knowledge of their industries and commitment to their local communities are aspiring. The lead program is a great opportunity for anyone seeking to take the next step in their careers and community. As a participant in the lead program, I have grown both personally and professionally. I hope to share the knowledge that I have gained with my coworkers, family, and friends because leadership goes beyond the regular work hours. I'm grateful to have been part of such an invaluable program." ~Heather Terluk, Norwich Public Utilities
"The lead program delivers! The program immerses it's participants into the local business environment while also emphasizing the importance of community involvement. The quality of the information passed on by the speakers cannot be underestimated. Their career paths are inspirational, and their knowledge of their industries and commitment to their local communities are aspiring. The lead program is a great opportunity for anyone seeking to take the next step in their careers and community. As a participant in the lead program, I have grown both personally and professionally. I hope to share the knowledge that I have gained with my coworkers, family, and friends because leadership goes beyond the regular work hours. I'm grateful to have been part of such an invaluable program."
Heather Turluk, NPU "I am very much enjoying the program. I have found the networking and collaboration to be the best part for me. I have learned a lot about local businesses and look forward to completing our project as a team." ~Jean McGran, Chelsea Groton Bank
"The time that I have spent in the LEAD program has been very eye opening. To see inner workings of local businesses and the history about them is fascinating. I enjoyed the guest speakers encouraging you to network and hearing them speak on the path to success they chose. The LEAD program has given me the confidence to network with the people I work with as well as people in the community. I have recommended participating in the program to my colleagues and friends." ~Michael J Pighetti | US Foods "LEAD brings up in coming leaders in business together to develop skills that are critical to career development. The program is hosted by seasoned business leaders that are ingrained in the community at all different levels and have a full commitment to growing the potential in future business leaders. LEAD is a door-opening opportunity to really get grounded with other local business that support the Greater Norwich Area. Not only does LEAD provide insight into what business are involved in supporting community development but it lends way to future sustainability." Eric Reale, US Foods |
2024 Leadership Students
Amy Diggett, Byrnes Agency Alicia Hudak Chelsea Groton Bank Brenna Miner, Chelsea Groton Bank Nicole Bellisle, Eastern CT Savings Bank Tamie Murray, Eastern CT Savings Bank Stephanie Whitney, Eastern CT Savings Bank Lucas Girard, Mattern Construction Cole Mileski, Mattern Construction Kyle Seitz, Norwich Fire Department Kaylie Brear, Norwich Public Utilities Matt Hross, Norwich Public Utilities Xenia Martinez, Reliance Health, Inc. Jason Sirois, Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. Kelly Walsh, Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. James Hymon, The Arc Eastern Connecticut Michelle Torres, The Arc Eastern Connecticut Norma Glover, UCFS Healthcare Johanna Irzarry-Ortiz, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut Johnny Flores, US Foods Want to learn more about the GNACC Leadership Development Committee? CLICK HERE
LEAD STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"I'm just thrilled to have the opportunity to be a member of the LEAD Program. During the program, I had access to numerous successful community leaders who shared their leadership stories helping me to broaden and define my leadership style. I now realized that my leadership journey is always evolving. I'm truly grateful for my team members and LEAD mentors during this a time of personal and professional growth." ~Jodie Bartinick, CorePlus Credit Union
"I am honored to be a part of the LEAD program. I have truly enjoyed learning more about local businesses and listening to all of the guest speakers. Everyone had different paths in life, some challenging, some funny, some heart breaking, but the one thing they all had in common is that they were all inspirational. It was amazing to hear how others have achieved success in their careers. We all live and/or work in an amazing community with compassionate leaders, who are all trying their best to contribute to making a difference. Going forward, as I continue my personal journey, I am positive that I will have my own challenges and triumphs. The LEAD program has provided me with confidence and tools that I can utilize to be successful in the future. Thank you for the opportunity. " ~Amy Turner, Eastern CT Savings Bank
"I am very grateful I was able to attend/be a part of the 2018 LEAD program. First, I was able to connect with many great people and businesses that I otherwise would have never even heard of in the Norwich area. Another reason being I have learned a lot about how businesses grow and develop from the start. Lastly, I have learned a lot about myself as a leader and how to work as a team more effectively. I would recommend this leadership program to anyone who is looking to grow and be a part of the greater Norwich area." ~Katelyn Paradis, Farmers Insurance – Afanador Agency
"The LEAD Program provides incredible networking to the community. This program exposes students to other organization and leadership in the community that many are not familiar with, giving students the most opportunities possible to learn from other area leaders and to use these experiences to hone and develop their own leadership style and abilities. This is an invaluable experience that will stay for a lifetime." ~Kyle Ridenour, American Professional Educational Services
"The GNACC Leadership course is a professional experience like no other. There are so many opportunities to learn from local business owners who have a wealth of knowledge to share. This class has given me more confidence in my ability to be that leader we all strive to be not only at my current job but also in the community. I have REALLY enjoyed my time in this class and the networking that is able to take place. I am very appreciative to have been given this opportunity to grow and learn!" ~Zack St. John, TVCCA
“The LEAD program has been a great opportunity to get to know the businesses and business leaders that are making a difference in the greater Norwich area. It has been both a great opportunity to network and meet new people, but also to hone some important leadership skills that I can put to use to further my career. I have found the experience invaluable.” ~Melissa Banks Floyd, UCFS "Although I’ve worked in Norwich for the past decade, I was shocked to find out how unaware I was of all that’s happening throughout the city. Through classroom time, interactive facility tours, and group collaboration work I was able to get a much richer appreciation for all this city has to offer for its residents and those wishing to network, learn, and even advance their careers. Working with and listening to other area employees who were also considering or currently in leadership and management roles helped me to see that the path doesn’t always have to be direct and everyone’s story is unique. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to learn more about the community around them and those looking to progress in their careers and are wondering where to start." ~Katie Moors, NPU "I’ve worked in the Norwich area for many years and had little knowledge of the true nature of some of the businesses and organizations serving this area. The LEAD program has given me an opportunity to meet various local leaders and business owners and learn about their businesses in a fun and interactive way that many people will never get an opportunity to experience. The commitment these individuals have to improving the needs of the greater Norwich area community and helping to develop future leaders is inspiring. Participants are given the opportunity to work with other professionals from a diverse range of industries who are looking to enhance their leadership skills and broaden their networking opportunities. The guest speaker sessions are fun and thought provoking, and I always leave having learned something new. I am thankful for being given the opportunity to participate in this program and would encourage anyone thinking about attending this program to do so, you won’t be disappointed!" ~ Sarah Dion, Chelsea Groton Bank "The exposure to the business world that I received in the LEAD program has been invaluable. It was an unknown opportunity to see all that the City of Norwich and surrounding local communities have to offer. The LEAD program gives you the ability to refine your leadership skills, but also teaches you how to interact others learn based on their behavioral and motivational drivers. The networking opportunities you receive form this class are great for career development and advancement. The ability to see and meet local leaders and business owners, hear their stories and how they achieved their goals will help you on your personal path to success." ~Shawn Rector, Collins & Jewell Company 
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