Leadership TriCounty Reimagined: New Ignite and Impact Cohorts Put Leadership Development in the Hands of Employers and Individuals

October 08, 2026

Chamber NewsMember News

Leadership TriCounty Reimagined: New Ignite and Impact Cohorts Put Leadership Development in the Hands of Employers and Individuals

POTTSTOWN, PA — October 2026 — After more than two decades of preparing emerging and established leaders throughout the region, the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce is reimagining its Leadership TriCounty program with two brand-new opportunities designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s leaders, businesses, and communities.

For more than 20 years, Leadership TriCounty has operated as a 10-month leadership development program. Beginning in 2027, the program will expand into two distinct, customizable experiences: Ignite: Leadership Development for Business and Impact: Community Engagement and Volunteerism.

“Leadership development doesn’t look the same for every person or organization, and we wanted Leadership TriCounty to reflect that,” said Harrison Santangelo, President of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce. “Ignite and Impact give participants the opportunity to choose the experience that best aligns with their goals while still providing the connections, education, and community perspective that have made Leadership TriCounty successful for decades. We are excited to build on the program’s history while creating something that meets the needs of the next generation of leaders.”

A Leadership Program with a Proven History

Leadership TriCounty is a tuition-based program administered through the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc., the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to workforce development, leadership education, and community advancement.

Since its inception in 1993, Leadership TriCounty has prepared more than 250 community members for leadership positions throughout the region. Each cohort is intentionally limited to no more than 25 participants who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to their workplace and community.
Participants have historically represented a wide range of industries and sectors, including business and industry, government, education, healthcare, utilities, professional organizations, nonprofits, the arts, labor, and volunteer and social organizations.

The program is designed to help participants better understand the challenges, opportunities, resources, and people that make up the tri-county region, which includes Southeastern Berks, Northern Chester, and Western Montgomery Counties.

Ignite: Leadership Development for Business

Ignite is designed for professionals and organizations looking to strengthen leadership skills, improve workplace performance, and prepare employees for greater responsibility.
The cohort will feature training and experiences focused on:

Strategic thinking and decision-making
Effective communication and listening
Systems, tracking, and expectations
Delegation and accountability
Workplace culture
Leadership characteristics, authenticity, and transparency
Team building and cohort coaching
DISC Behavioral Assessment, group debrief, and workshop
Presentations and conversations with local business and community leaders
Immersive field trips and experiences throughout the region
A passion project and team-based experiences

Participants will learn from experienced facilitators and local leaders while gaining practical tools they can immediately bring back to their organizations.

Planned facilitators and contributors include Jenna Armato of Armato & Associates Training and Development, Will Omlor of EOS, Lauren Erbicella of Windrose LLC, and Lana Potgieter of Lighthouse Leadership, along with additional business and community leaders throughout the program.

Ignite will also provide participants with opportunities to explore local businesses, infrastructure, community organizations, and regional resources through immersive experiences and field visits.

Ignite 2027 Schedule

Orientation: December 3, 2026
Retreat: January 20, 2027
February Class: February 11, 2027
March Class: March 11, 2027
April Class: April 8, 2027
Final Class: May 6, 2027
Graduation Dinner: June 3, 2027

Registration for the 2027 Ignite cohort closes at the end of November.

Impact: Community Engagement & Volunteerism

Impact is designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of the community, strengthen their volunteer leadership skills, and become more engaged in the organizations and initiatives shaping the region.
The cohort will explore:

Community leadership and engagement
Volunteer engagement
Board development and nonprofit leadership
Financial literacy, funding, legal and ethical considerations
Workforce development and education
Community wellness and human services
Local government and legislative processes
Grant writing and nonprofit resources
Community needs and available resources
Connections with nonprofit, government, education, and community leaders
Immersive field trips and community experiences

Participants will have the opportunity to visit and connect with organizations throughout the tri-county area, learn from community leaders, and gain a deeper understanding of how local nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations work together.

Impact 2027–2028 Schedule

Orientation: July 15, 2027
Retreat: August 12, 2027
September Class: September 9, 2027
October Class: October 7, 2027
November Class: November 4, 2027
Final Class: December 2, 2027
Graduation Dinner: January 6, 2028

More Than Professional Development

While Ignite and Impact have different areas of focus, both cohorts provide participants with opportunities to build relationships and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Participants in both programs will receive:

Group and team-building experiences
Cohort coaching and engagement
Retreat experiences
Opportunities to build a strong professional and community network
Access to the Leadership TriCounty Digital Resource Library
Exclusive access to the Leadership TriCounty alumni network

Through an agreement with Alvernia University, Leadership TriCounty graduates also receive a 20% tuition discount on undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as three credits that may be applied toward a master’s or bachelor’s degree, subject to university requirements.

A Benefit for Participants — and Their Employers

Leadership TriCounty is designed to create value for both the individual participant and the organization investing in their development.

Participants can expect to gain an increased understanding of the tri-county region, enhanced leadership and public speaking skills, stronger critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities, improved team-building skills, and an expanded network of informed colleagues and community leaders.

Organizations benefit from strengthening employee leadership and strategic-thinking skills, increasing access to community leaders and resources, encouraging employee volunteerism, and developing more confident decision-makers.

“Leadership TriCounty has always been about more than putting people in a room for a series of classes,” said Santangelo. “It is about creating connections that last, giving people a better understanding of the community they serve, and developing leaders who are willing to step forward. Ignite and Impact allow us to take that mission even further.”

Invest in the Future of Leadership

Tuition is $2,000 per cohort, or $3,500 for individuals participating in both Ignite and Impact.

Tuition includes program materials, retreats, tours and transportation, immersive experiences, meals, access to the Leadership TriCounty network, and the Graduation Celebration.

Employers and individuals are encouraged to apply early, as cohort participation is limited.

Leadership TriCounty is also seeking corporate sponsors and individual contributors to help expand access to leadership development and support the experiences offered to participants.

Sponsorships directly support leadership training, educational experiences, community engagement opportunities, and professional development resources. Because sponsorships and contributions are made through the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they may qualify as tax-deductible charitable contributions to the extent permitted by law. Sponsors and donors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor regarding deductibility.

Individuals may also contribute at any level to support the continued development of future business and community leaders throughout the region. Contributors will be recognized on the Leadership TriCounty website and through the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce's social media platforms.

To apply for the 2027 Ignite and/or Impact cohort, click here to complete the Leadership TriCounty interest form.

To learn more about Leadership TriCounty, sponsorship opportunities, or contributing, contact Harrison Santangelo at harrison@tricountyareachamber.com.

About the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce

The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce has served as a business advocate and strategic business connector since 1927, representing businesses and organizations throughout Southeastern Berks, Northern Chester, Western Montgomery, and the Route 422 Corridor. Through Resources, Relationships, and Recognition, the Chamber works to strengthen the regional business community and create opportunities for its members and the communities they serve.