Recognizing the increasing importance of effective communication and collaboration in a growing community, local business leaders in the Billings area come together to Connect, Learn, and Serve in Leadership Billings. Started in 1986, and refreshed annually, this program of the Billings Chamber of Commerce provides a platform for leaders to foster strong community connections.

Each year business owners, executives, and leaders from various sectors enroll in Leadership Billings. This initiative serves as a forum for sharing knowledge and expertise among participants, facilitating a deeper understanding of the local business landscape and community dynamics. Over the span of eight months, attendees engage in a comprehensive curriculum featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, team activities, problem-solving sessions, and site visits.

Through these activities, participants can:

Gain insights into the local economy
Explore the historical roots of Billings
Interact with prominent figures from business, government, and academia
Cultivate and refine their individual leadership skills
Deepen their understanding of pressing community issues

Beyond simply acquiring knowledge about the local business environment, participants also forge valuable relationships that contribute to a more unified and influential business community. Collaborative efforts within the group pave the way for collective action, crucial for the city’s progress.

The objectives of the Leadership Billings Program can be summed up as follows:

Connect: Forge connections with fellow leaders, engage with community issues, and foster meaningful relationships.
Learn: Assess and enhance current leadership capabilities to maximize contributions to one’s respective business or organization.
Serve: Embrace opportunities for community service through volunteerism, leadership roles, and ongoing education.

Individuals seeking to enrich their professional endeavors and expand their connections are encouraged to register for the Leadership Billings. Class sizes are deliberately limited to ensure optimal interaction and engagement, with a maximum of 35 participants per cohort. The 2025 session is scheduled to commence in October 2024.

Leadership Billings consists of a kick-off, six program days, a community service work day, and a graduation celebration. Attendance at the kick-off retreat is mandatory. Participants are highly encouraged to attend all other classes as well. Participants must attend a minimum of six sessions to graduate. Tuition is $950/person for Chamber members, $1,250 for non-members. Class A typically meets the first Wednesday of the month. Class B typically meets the second Wednesday of the month.

FY 25 Leadership Billings Flier Download