Category Archives: Leadership Development

By Rod Bacon

People who are successful in business have a deep understanding of the dynamics of the communities in which they live and work, and they support them to the best of their ability.

To ensure that their members have the best chance to achieve these goals, the Capital Region Chamber offers Leadership Capital Region, a program designed to provide participants with all the information necessary to fully understand the needs and goals of their communities and offer strategies to successfully attain them.

“It’s an extremely impactful experience for the participants who go through it and for the non-profit that is the beneficiary of the class project,” said Sami Gowen, director of talent development, who administers the program.

Since its advent in 1987 over 1,500 business people from the eight counties the chamber serves have gone through the program. Many graduates have gone on to serve on the boards of directors of area companies or moved into management positions within their own firms.

By Rod Bacon

In order for a community to thrive and reach its fullest potential it must develop the strengths and talents of its most important resource–its people.

In 1985, Linda Toohey, then executive vice president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, lead an ad hoc group of community leaders with the goal of engaging area business people in volunteer activities that would benefit both themselves and the region. Toohey retired in June 2012 and Program Director Kathleen Fyfe led the initiative until 2023.

“Linda’s vision was to develop a program to foster future volunteer leadership throughout Saratoga County,” said Greg Dixon, chief strategy officer, who currently administers it

Those interested in the program must submit a detailed application that is reviewed by the 13-member advisory board. This is followed by an in-person interview with Dixon and up to two advisory board members to determine the level of commitment of the applicants. Up to 24 members of the business community are selected for each class. The application process for the class of 2026 must be completed by May 30. It will open on April 1, 2026 for those interested in joining the next class.