2026 Leadership Institute Application - Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce

2026 Leadership Institute Application

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce's Prestigious Leadership Institute is an immersive, cohort-based professional development program designed to cultivate confident, ethical, and effective leaders. Participants move through a structured curriculum that blends self-awareness, communication, leadership fundamentals, and business acumen with real-world application and meaningful community engagement.

Each session combines expert-led instruction, interactive activities, and a Community Leader Panel, providing participants with direct access to local leaders and practical, real-world insights. The program emphasizes reflection, application, and continuous growth, ensuring participants leave with tools they can immediately apply in both their professional and personal lives.

The Leadership Institute is facilitated by Rick Lochner of RPC Leadership Associates and Dr. Laticia Thompson of Legacy Blueprint, whose combined expertise brings depth, perspective, and actionable learning to each session.

Applicants must demonstrate the following:

Interest in developing leadership and workplace skills
Commitment to fully participate in the Leadership Institute, including consistent attendance throughout the program duration
Engagement in their organization or community
Openness to learning, feedback, and new perspectives

To apply:

Applications are open to both NACC Members and members of the community
All applicants must complete the application form in full

Investment: $1,500
Open to Chamber members and the broader business community.
Participation is by application only.

Selection Process

Applications will close on Monday, March 9, 2026.

After applications close, a committee will review all submissions. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. Selected applicants will be provided with an outline with next steps and additional program details.

Thank you for your interest in the Leadership Institute. We look forward to welcoming the next class of leaders and continuing to build a stronger, more connected Naperville community.

Fields marked with an * are required.

Full Name: *

Preferred Pronouns *

Phone Number

Email *

Business/Organization Name *

Can you commit to the full Leadership Institute program? *

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the following dates:

Is your business a Chamber Member? *

Why are you interested in participating in the NACC Leadership Institute? *

What do you hope to learn, achieve, or contribute?

What are your greatest strengths as a leader, and how have you leveraged them in the past? *

What core values guide your decision-making? *

How do you ensure those values are upheld in your leadership style?

How do you maintain a positive attitude and motivate others during challenging times? *

What behaviors do you think are most critical for a leader to inspire trust and credibility? *

Describe your process for setting and achieving goals, both personally and professionally. *

What tools or strategies have been most effective for you?

What do you believe makes a successful team, and what role do you typically play in a team setting? *

How do you approach conflict resolution, and what techniques have you found most effective? *

Who is a leader you admire, and why? How have they influenced your approach to leadership?

What leadership skills or qualities do you most want to develop through this program? *

Scholarship Opportunities

We understand that professional development is an investment. If cost is of consideration, scholarship opportunities may be available. Please let us know if you would like to determine whether you qualify:

Yes, please contact me about scholarship eligibility

No, thank you

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