Business Leadership Academy

Above: BLA Class of 2026

The Business Leadership Academy is a regional program for current and emerging leaders, offered in partnership with the Sequim and Port Angeles Chambers and Peninsula College. 

The Business Leadership Academy is a regional program designed for current and emerging leaders, offered in partnership with the Sequim and Port Angeles Chambers and Peninsula College. This program was developed in response to a strong need for leadership development, as identified through community surveys, and consistent requests from local businesses. Participants in the Academy will engage with the business community, enhance their leadership skills, and learn from exemplary leaders who drive our region's vitality.

2027 Application Open Now! 

Apply to 2027 BLA

BLA Program Highlights & Benefits:

  • Grow and strengthen leadership skills.
    • By building your personalized development plan.
    • Engage in assessments to learn your strengths and opportunities for growth.
    • Increase your knowledge and understanding of the region, leaders, and decision-making processes.
  • Personal Network Growth
    • Build long-lasting relationships with peers in the Academy.
    • Meet exemplary community leaders who impact our business community.
  • Collaboration & Communication
    • Tackle a strategic project that benefits our community.

2027 BLA Details

Academy Duration: January 15–June 18, 2027 • Academy Cost: $750

Session 1: Welcome Session

  • Introduction to the program, focusing on strengths-based leadership and creating personalized development plans.
  • Jan. 15, 2027 • 10:00 am–4:00 pm • Peninsula College
  • Guest Speakers: Dr. Suzy Ames; Beth Pratt; Marc Abshire

Session 2: Strategic Project Kickoff 

  • Launch the strategic project to benefit the community.
  • Jan. 22, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College

Session 3: Personal Brand & Leadership Identity

  • Define your unique leadership value and communicate it clearly.
  • Jan. 29, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm
  • Guest Speaker: Laurel Martin

Session 4: Personal Leadership Journey Panel

  • Local leaders share their leadership journeys, focusing on strength development and overcoming challenges.
  • Feb. 12, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm

Session 5: Leading Yourself—Time, Energy & Accountability

  • Personal leadership isn’t just mindset—it’s management. Learn about the concepts of time vs. energy management.
  • Feb. 26, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm • Zoom
  • Guest Speaker: Laurel Martin

Session 6: Equity Assessment + Strategic Project Work Session #1

  • Mar. 12, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College
  • Guest Speaker: Alex Muya

Session 7: Leading Change & Taking Risks Panel + Strategic Project Work Session #2

  • Local leaders share about risk-taking and leading change while continuing project work.
  • Mar. 26, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm
  • Guest Speaker: Laurel Martin

Session 8: Effective Messaging

  • Develop communication strategies for high-stress situations, including public speaking, media interactions, and de-escalation techniques.
  • April 9, 2027• 2:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College
  • Guest Speaker: Dr. Suzy Ames

Session 9: Building a Vibrant Community Panel

  • Explore how community leaders collaborate to build a vibrant, sustainable community.
  • April 23, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm

Session 10: From Uncertainty to Action + Your Personal Leadership Plan

  • Learn to lead yourself through uncertainty and create a personal leadership action plan that aligns with your strengths and commitments.
  • May 7, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm
  • Guest Speaker: Laurel Martin

Session 11: Nonprofits in Clallam County Panel

  • Understand nonprofit leadership, board roles, and how nonprofits support the community.
  • May 21, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm

Session 12: Clallam County History & Tour

  • Understand Clallam County history and its influence on regional industry.
  • June 4, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm
  • Guest Speaker: David Brownell, North Olympic History Center 

Session 13: Leadership Project Presentations & Celebration Luncheon

  • Joint celebration with Port Angeles and Sequim Chambers to honor cohort achievements with recognition and certificates. Participants present their final leadership projects.
  • June 18, 2027 • 2:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College