Leadership is a trait, not a title and leaders exist at all levels and walks of life. Emerging leaders will build new skills and experienced leaders will benefit from refreshers or new and emerging concepts.

Whether you live, work, play or just want to increase your organizational reach in NEJC, this professional development program is for you.

The application deadline for Leadership NEJC 2027 is October 31, 2026. The class of 2027 will be announced in mid-November.

See the LEADERSHIP NEJC TUITION & BENEFITS section for pricing breakdown for NEJC Chamber members and non-members.

 Leadership NEJC 2027 tuition of $1,500 covers all program costs, including:

• CliftonStrengths 34 access code to:
  • take the CliftonStrengths assessment
  • unlock the CliftonStrengths 34 Report
  • access other personalized reports and strengths-based development resources 
• Behind-the-scenes access to local and county leaders and agencies
• Curated leadership content for professional development
• Professional headshot
• Session meals, refreshments, and transportation as applicable
• Lifelong connections for personal and professional growth

Leadership NEJC offers a curriculum to connect established and emerging leaders in our community to networking, learning and service-related content. Each one-day session will include leadership skill identification and development. Three sessions are coordinated with the other Chamber Leadership programs in Johnson County with a focus on learning more about State, County and Regional efforts to improve the NEJC quality of life. The class will organize a community service project to benefit an organization in the NEJC region.

Leadership NEJC includes ten sessions between January and June. Sessions focus on core leadership competencies and skills through educational opportunities, instructional workshops, group conversations, and individual or team-building activities. Coursework builds throughout the sessions to provide deeper understanding and application of skills. Curriculum is based on proven leadership theory and real-world experience of professionals in business, community and nonprofit leadership positions.

Each class organizes one service project based in the Northeast Johnson County area to support the community. Selection and management of the project is led by the class under the direction of the class officers and will require extra-curricular volunteer service time. Participation in the Community Service project is a requirement of the NEJC Chamber Business Leadership Certification.

The schedule of content and locations will be published in early December.

Most sessions will be held on Wednesdays, but scheduling of speakers and content may require adjustments.

Flexibility and open communication are critical leadership skills that will be leveraged to ensure that all participants are well-informed and available to benefit from all session content. Most sessions will be held on Wednesdays, but scheduling of speakers and content may require adjustments.

Sessions will start with a casual Bring Your Own Breakfast from 8:00-8:30am for networking and class planning. Each session will include an optional social event from 4:30-5:30pm.

Locations will vary for each session.

Leaders honor their commitments. Focus and participation are critical to earning the NEJC Chamber Business Leadership Certification. The program includes ten pre-scheduled sessions. Leaders will prioritize this investment by attending all sessions, but we know that things happen. Should a conflict arise, please work with the Program Consultant to establish alternate plans to cover the missed course material. Options include additional volunteer work, attending a city council meeting, topic research, facilitating future courses, etc.

Membership investments vary based on organization size and other factors. Please contact The Chamber at 913-262-2141 or check out our investment schedule.

If your employer is a member, then so are you. The Chamber is happy to help you determine your membership status. Please contact us, or search our online Member Directory to see if your employer is listed.

Your organization can be a driving force for professional development of leaders and emerging leaders in Northeast Johnson County. Sponsorship opportunities are available at varying investment levels.  Expand the reach of your brand with your logo on all marketing collateral and program materials including email, website, social media, presentation slides and coursework. Present at a Leadership NEJC, get reduced tuition rates, attend networking or graduation lunches and more!

Program tuition is for the application year, only. Tuition is not transferable but may be refundable upon written notice received up to 30 days prior to the first session date. The refund schedule is as follows:

• 100% refund for written notice received up to 45 days prior to the first session date
• 50% refund for written notice received between 45 and 30 days prior to the first session date
• Tuition is non-refundable if written notice is received after 30 days prior to first session date

The program includes networking opportunities and community service, but also includes focused content to develop critical leadership skills including:

• The Self-Aware Leader: Learn about self assessment tools to ensure that you care for yourself in order to effectively lead others
• Connected Leadership: Community Connections to access opportunities and build your personal leadership style
• Lifelong Learning: Expand your leadership skills in diversity, inclusion, belonging and change management
• Leading with Trust & Safety: Learn to build trust and maintain a safe environment through fun team activities
• State Day, County Day & Regionalism Day: Exposure and learning about state, county and local governments – plus interaction with other Chamber Leadership Programs in Johnson County
• Leading across all Generations: Build cross-generational communication and leadership tactics
• Leading for Health & Wellness: Gain insight to foster inclusive and comfortable environments
• Leading with Innovation: Put leadership skills by applying your expanded toolkit 
• Community Service: Work with your classmates to design, develop and execute a meaningful project to give back to the NEJC community
• Graduation: Celebrate your accomplishments, connections and skills
• Stay connected: Use your NEJC Alumni network to continue your future growth