LEAD Program

LEAD is a leadership training program designed for residents or employees of Eaton County who are interested in developing or strengthening their leadership skills. 

Learn—leaders must be life-long learners, continually gaining new knowledge and skills. Engage—leaders must be involved in their work and create an environment where others can focus their attention and interest.

Advance—leaders are catalysts for professional development who promote the mission and vision of the organization through its people.

Direct—leaders organize and energize processes and people, and empower others to share responsibilities and successes.

The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce is adding leadership development to its programs by kicking off LEAD this year in September 2026. LEAD was started by CanDo! in 2014 and will continue to train local leaders. The Chamber’s mission is to provide opportunities for growth, collaboration and education and this will be a great partnership for years to come.

LEAD is a leadership training program designed for residents or employees of Charlotte or Eaton County who are interested in developing or strengthening their leadership skills.  The two goals for LEAD are:

1.)    To develop leadership skills for participants to utilize in their current and future workplaces.

2.)    To develop community leaders for the future. 

LEAD 2026 participants will be meeting for eight weekly half-day modules, Thursdays beginning in September (dates to come). 

Session location TBD.  Modules run from 7:45 -11:45 AM with continental breakfast and snacks (lunch not included except for the last session).

The cost per attendee is $325 for the entire 2026 LEAD program. 

To register please complete the form, https://forms.gle/neDSNPD62uZcwdj37

Payments can be made by card,

https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/lead

Or by check by mailing to Charlotte Chamber of Commerce 

PO BOX 356

Charlotte, MI 48813

 Modules: (Dates & Presenters may change)

• Leading with Impact: The Power of Generosity (Sep 10) – Kalli Dempsey, Executive Director, Eaton Community Health
• Communicate to Connect (Sep 17) – Leslie Charles, Professional Speaker and Author
• Leadership Spirit and Style(Sep 24) – Mike Oyster, University of Olivet
• Leadership Solutions and Innovation (Oct. 1) – Gregg Guetschow, Gregg Guidance, LLC
• Building Blocks of Teamwork (Oct 8) – Bill Barnes, Superintendent Grand Ledge Public Schools
• Money Matters for Leaders and Board Basics (Oct 15) – Don Sovey, President & CEO, School & Municipal Advisory Services, PC and Maria Davis, University of Olivet
• Character and Culture in the Workplace (Oct 22) – Bryan Myrkle, Village Manager of the Village of Paw Paw
• Developing Strengths—Yours and Others (Oct 29) – Adrian Bass & Mike Oyster