Business Leadership Academy

Above: BLA Class of 2025

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.

Applications Are Now Open For 2026!

Apply for 2026 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 2026 Academy.
    • Meet exemplary community leaders who impact our business community.
  • Collaboration & Communication
    • Tackle a Chamber of Commerce strategic project that benefits our community.

2026 BLA Details

Registration Now Open • Academy Duration: January 6–June 26, 2026 • Academy Cost: $750

Session 1: Welcome Session

  • Introduction to the program, focusing on strengths-based leadership and creating personalized development plans.
  • Jan. 9, 2026 • 9:00 am–3:30 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Speakers: Dr. Suzy Ames; Beth Pratt; Marc Abshire; Camilla Rico

Session 2: Leading Yourself—Time, Energy &  Accountability

  • Personal leadership isn’t just mindset—it’s management. Learn about the concepts of time vs. energy management.
  • Jan. 16, 2026 • 1:00–3:30 pm • Sequim
  • Guest Speaker: Laurel Martin

Session 3: Strategic Project Kickoff 

  • Launch the Chamber of Commerce and Peninsula College project to benefit the community.
  • Jan. 23, 2026 • 1:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Speaker: Camilla Rico

Session 4: Personal Brand & Leadership Identity

  • Define your unique leadership value and communicate it clearly.
  • Feb. 16, 2026 • 1:00–3:30 pm • Sequim
  • Guest Speaker: Laurel Martin

Session 5: Strategic Project Work Session #1

  • Learn from Indigenous leadership perspectives and continue work on the strategic project.
  • Feb. 20, 2026 • 1:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Speaker: TBD

Session 6: Personal Leadership Journey Panel

  • Local leaders share their leadership journeys, focusing on strength development and overcoming challenges.
  • March 6, 2026 • 1:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Panelists: Eran Kennedy; Colleen McAleer; Ed Bedford; Bill Hermann; Emily Little 

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.
  • March 20, 2026 • 1:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Speakers: Rob DeCou; Christian Bruhn

Session 8: Effective Messaging

  • Develop communication strategies for high-stress situations, including public speaking, media interactions, and de-escalation techniques.
  • April 3, 2026 • 2:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Speaker: Dr. Suzy Ames

Session 9: Building a Vibrant Community Panel

  • Explore how community leaders collaborate to build a vibrant,  sustainable community.
  • April 17, 2026 • 2:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Panelists: TBD

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 1, 2026 • 1:00–3:30 pm • Sequim
  • Guest Speaker: Laurel Martin

Session 11: Nonprofits in Clallam County Panel

  • Understand nonprofit leadership, board roles, and how nonprofits support the community.
  • May 15, 2026 • 1:00–4:30 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Panelists: Panelists: Andrea Smith; Christy Smith; Bruce Skinner; Priya Jayadev 

Session 12: Clallam County History & Tour

  • Understand Clallam County history and its influence on regional industry.
  • May 29, 2026 • 1:00–4:30 pm • Sequim
  • Guest Speaker: David Brownell, North Olympic History Center 

Session 13: Leadership Project Presentations

  • Participants present their final leadership projects.
  • June 12, 2026 • 1:00–3:30 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Speaker: Camilla Rico

Session 14: Celebration & Closing Luncheon

  • Joint celebration with Port Angeles and Sequim Chambers to honor cohort achievements with recognition and certificates.
  • June 26, 2026 • 10:00 am–2:00 pm • Peninsula College, PUB, Room J-47
  • Guest Speaker: Camilla Rico