Throughout Ohio, business coalitions are looking to turn good leaders into great leaders by providing top-shelf learning experiences. Here are some well-established programs in the state’s iconic cities.
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
Every September, the Cincinnati-based chamber of commerce welcomes a new class for its yearlong, time-tested program through a “Call to Leadership” dinner.
The program, entitled Leadership Cincinnati, provides the best in adult learning by allowing participants to immerse themselves with other members of the program in a hotbed of development. These members bring out the best in one another because they hail from different leadership environments—from entrepreneurs and leaders of every size of business to the nonprofit realm.
Leadership Cincinnati also gives its participants access to some of the most influential leaders in the region, including Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, Laura Brunner of the Port of Greater Cincinnati Developmental Authority and many more.
Participants will have unique learning opportunities, like riding with a Cincinnati Police officer, meeting with people who are helped by different human service agencies and sitting in for dinner with groups to expand the students’ sense of cultural appreciation.
Applying for the program ends in early May each year and 54 participants are selected.
Other programs to look into from Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber are WE Lead and WE Succeed, a leadership program designed to cater to accomplished female leaders and a three-month coaching experience for female executives, respectively.
For younger leaders, the chamber offers C-Change, a year-long program designed to help emerging leaders establish connections and make real changes in their lives, and Cincy Next, an introduction to community involvement for business professionals with eight years of experience or less.
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Dayton is the chamber’s top program to better prepare leaders to serve in the Dayton area counties 
including Butler, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby and Warren.
A class project is selected before graduation in June every year. This project presents leaders with a group learning process encompassed within the context of their community. It effectively engages its participants with local organizations and encourages interaction between the Dayton area and its most involved leaders.
The program’s annual meeting is Sept. 13 and will recognize the program, leader and volunteer of the year. Applications for 2017’s class will be accepted in mid-December.
Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
In Toledo, the Leadership Academy is in its 15th year of preparing leaders to effectively serve their communities.
Participants will interact for 10 weeks with the course’s instructors: higher education faculty, holders of public office and government decision makers. Graduates of this course learn about public service and many end up running for public office after participating.
Around the State
Cleveland’s chamber, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, offers speaker series and other activities to help area professionals achieve greater heights.
Cities like Akron and Columbus also have ample opportunities to get involved and learn how to positively impact their regions.
From Bowling Green to Troy, many metropolitan chambers provide local leadership programs and business resources and will work tirelessly to help develop local leaders who will, in turn, support communities.