Adult Programs

Leadership Central Penn

Established in 1992, Leadership Central Penn (LCP) is the flagship program of the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, offering a nine-month leadership development experience that equips participants with the tools, connections, and insights needed to drive positive change in their workplaces and communities.

The Leadership Central Penn program runs from September through May, beginning with a full-day Opening Retreat to establish leadership goals and foster connections among participants. Monthly sessions are held on topics such as Economic Development, Education & Workforce Development, Healthcare and Civic Engagement. Participants also work in teams throughout the program to develop Community Non Profit Projects, addressing real-world regional challenges. The program concludes with a formal Graduation Ceremony in May, where projects are presented, and participants are recognized for their accomplishments.

Management and Leadership

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, offers a Management and Leadership Certificate Program designed to build essential leadership skills for today’s workplace. This five-session program is ideal for new or emerging leaders and current managers or supervisors seeking foundational leadership training. Participants gain hands-on experience with practical management tools and strategies, tailored to meet the needs of professionals across all industries and business sizes.

Each session focuses on key leadership topics, including:

The Role of the Supervisor and Effective Communication/Listening
Understanding Employee Motivation and Managing Change
Coaching, Feedback, and Performance Management
Navigating a Multigenerational and Diverse Workforce
Resolving Conflict and Reaching Agreement

The program is delivered in person, with cohorts limited to 15-20 participants for a more personalized experience. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate from Commonwealth University along with individualized development goals to share with their employers. Funding assistance may also be available.

K | 12 Educators Summit

The K-12 Educators Summit is all about connecting educators with local industry leaders to tackle workforce challenges together. This annual event, a cornerstone of the Foundation’s efforts to close the gap between education and industry needs, dives into key topics like job market trends, the skills students need for future careers, and how schools can better prepare kids for the real world. It's a space for open conversation, brainstorming, and creating practical solutions that can be applied in classrooms.

The summit highlights the importance of bridging the gap between education and the workplace. By bringing everyone to the table—teachers, business leaders, and workforce experts—it ensures that students are not only learning but also preparing for success in a competitive and ever-changing world. The ultimate goal? Helping schools and industries team up to empower the next generation of workers right here in our region.

Manufacturers Council

The Manufacturers Council is a vital initiative addressing the region's manufacturing skills gap and ensuring the sustained growth of this critical industry. Comprised of industry leaders, educators, and workforce development professionals, the Council collaborates to design innovative strategies that meet the unique challenges of the manufacturing sector. By focusing on the development of technical and soft skills, the Council helps prepare a workforce that can thrive in the increasingly advanced and technology-driven world of manufacturing.

In addition to identifying skills gaps, the Council creates partnerships to implement training programs, connect students and job seekers to career pathways, and advocate for resources that support the manufacturing sector. Through these efforts, the Manufacturers Council plays a central role in strengthening the local economy, fostering innovation, and supporting a competitive regional manufacturing landscape. By uniting diverse stakeholders, the Council exemplifies the power of collaboration in building sustainable workforce solutions.

Talent Pipeline Management

Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) is a data-driven framework addressing workforce challenges by aligning education with industry needs. A national initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, TPM is locally led by the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, with a certified TPM practitioner. This approach ensures students and workers gain the skills needed for today’s job market through targeted collaboration between schools, businesses, and workforce partners

K-12 Educators Summit: Connects educators and industry leaders to explore workforce trends and strategies for preparing students for future careers.
Manufacturers Council: Brings together manufacturers, educators, and workforce partners to address skills gaps and strengthen the local talent pipeline.
Leadership Central Penn (LCP): Develops leaders with skills, connections, and insights to tackle regional challenges and drive change in their organizations and communities.
Management and Leadership Certificate Program: Helps new and emerging leaders develop essential management tools, enhancing workforce leadership across industries.
Path to Careers: Bridges businesses, schools, and students by showcasing career pathways and facilitating meaningful connections.
Educator in the Workplace: Partners educators with businesses for job shadowing and curriculum development, bringing real-world insights into classrooms.
Classroom on Main Street and Classroom in the Hospital: Provide immersive career exploration in entrepreneurship and healthcare.
Skills That Pay and Foundation for Free Enterprise: Focus on foundational skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship to prepare students for career success.
What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?: Engages students with creative projects showcasing manufacturing careers.
Personal Finance Lab and Stock Market Game: Teach financial literacy and investment skills through hands-on, real-world applications.

Together, these programs ensure the Columbia Montour region develops a competitive, adaptable workforce ready for evolving challenges, driving local economic growth and opportunity.

Skills That Pay

This foundational skills program is currently offered to those out of work looking to enter the workforce or improve their work situation. We have partnered with the Gatehouse and local employers to offer this certificate to help connect real people with life-sustaining wage jobs that are in-demand.