Community Leadership Program Collaboration with Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Leadership Springfield
Develop Your Leaders. Strengthen Your Team. Advance Your Industry. This leadership program is built exclusively for the manufacturing sector — whether you’re leading today or preparing to lead tomorrow. Through monthly, high-impact sessions hosted at local manufacturing facilities, participants will sharpen their leadership skills, expand their network, and gain practical insights from industry experts and peers. This program equips manufacturing leaders to grow personally and professionally, drive meaningful action within their organizations, and contribute to the continued strength of our regional manufacturing economy.
What to Expect:

Applications are open for the second GEARS cohort
Registration opens: Aug. 24, 2026
Applications deadline: Oct. 20, 2026
Cohort begins: Jan. 2027
Program Cost:
$1,250 for Chamber Members
$1,600 for Non Chamber Members
Program Benefits
- Six cohort sessions and a formal graduation ceremony.
- Subgroup learning based on discipline, job type or management levels.
- Monthly professional development and networking opportunities
Additional Benefits:
Option 1 - For young professionals under 40
- One year membership to The Network
- One ticket to the SBDC Manufacturing Outlook held in Dec.
Option 2 - For experienced professionals
- Four Good Morning, Springfield! tickets
- One annual Business After Hours pass
- One ticket to the SBDC Manufacturing Outlook held in Dec.