Emerging Business Leaders Takes Off

The Buffalo Niagara region has a history of strong civic leadership, dating back to the early 1900s.  Unfortunately, over the last twenty years, we have experienced a significant population loss, predominately in the under 40 year old demographic.  Currently, there is a void in the region as it relates to providing opportunity for the emerging generation of leaders to participate and drive civic engagement.

To combat this, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce has launched a new program focused on the regions' young professionals - Emerging Business Leaders (EBL).  EBL was created to fill the void and develop and roll out programs and opportunities for interested and progressive young leaders to get engaged.

Last week over 100 young professionals from all areas of Western New York attended the EBL's kick-off event at Blu Martini in Williamsville.  They heard from the Advisory Board and learned more about what the EBL has planned for the remainder of this year and 2011. 

The program of work that the EBL Advisory Board developed has been broken down into three distinct categories - Skill Development, Leadership Training and Building Relationships.  Skill Development programs will provide fun, interactive programs that increase and diversify the skill sets of all participants.  The goal of Leadership Training is to host forums and workshops that will provide tangible tools to grow the leadership skills of the individuals who partake in them.  Building Relationships programming will work to increase each member's sphere of influence by hosting targeted events which provide opportunities for building relationships with the regions influential leaders.

On December 2, 2010, the EBL will host their second event at Miller Tennis Center, located at 5959 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.  This event will draw from the Leadership Training aspect of the groups' programming.

Dr. Dionne Kress, Professional Leadership Coach, will present the program "The Athletic Leader: Train Like an Olympian."  This presentation will encourage participants to understand the return on investment of a balanced approach to leadership development; teach attendees recovery rituals and take home techniques; and inspire you to train like an athletic leader, dramatically improving performance, enhancing health and overall happiness.  Dr. Kress believes that leaders should be trained like corporate athletes.  In order to maintain a high level of performance over a long period of time, they need to develop their leadership skills on the same multi-levels as professional athletes develop their athletic skills. 

Dionne Kress is the President of D.M. Kress LLC, Performance Exceeding Possibility.  She specializes in leadership development from a holistic perspective.  Dr. Kress has 16 years of business experience and has personally experienced the positive impact of engaging in the practice of developing a healthy mind, body and spirit.

Non Chamber members can attend, participate and learn more about our exciting plans for $10.  That fee will be credited to your membership and we are sure you will want to join when you experience our exciting initiatives.