Blue Ox Business Academy: 2026-2027 Leadership Experience

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. Erik is the founder of Think GREAT and draws from his experiences as a U. S. Marine, executive business leader, sales professional, and entrepreneur to help organizations achieve new levels of success. He uniquely combines leadership development, team building, sales training, and goal-setting into strategies and techniques that empower team members and leaders to exceed expectations. Erik has inspired audiences at companies such as US Bank, Sam’s Club, Shutterfly, RE/MAX, Hubbard Broadcasting, Thomson Reuters, U. S. Foods, armed services commands ranging from the Air National Guard to the U. S. Marine Corps, charities like The American Cancer Society, law enforcement and government agencies, and organizations in the health care and education industries. Think GREAT is a Certified Veteran-Owned Business and Erik is also author of The Think GREAT Collection. Erik shares the successful, proven concepts in his six books to give individuals and organizations the competitive edge needed for achieving new levels of success. Liz Uram is a top-rated, nationally-recognized speaker and trainer who works with organizations that want to make a bigger impact, get better results, and motivate others to do their best. Whether she’s training onsite at a client location or speaking at a conference, audiences get practical solutions to everyday leadership challenges they can apply in the real-world. After 20 years of experience practicing, studying, and teaching leadership communication skills she developed systems that work. She is the author of four books that help leaders get real results, real fast. She lives in East Bethel MN where she enjoys golfing, competitive carrot growing, and being with family. With 30 years experience working with profit and non-profit organizations, as well as owning three businesses, Paula is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur. As an ICF Master Certified Coach and owner of Aiyana Coaching she specializes in coaching executive and emergent leaders. Paula helps leaders hone their leadership goals and develop strategies for enriched personal, team, and organizational performance. Paula’s approach is warm, purposeful, and action oriented. She uses high level coaching strategies along with her deep professional experience coaching leaders to gain momentum toward their goals. Her passion for excellence is brought to every session, along with her humor, calming personality, and sense of curiosity. Paula has developed training programs, loves to teach adults, and has facilitated boot camp business programs. Panel Discussions will be conducted by area business owners, representatives and nonprofit organizations. 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.