Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce > Leadership Academy

Leadership Academy: Building Leaders, Building Communities

Unlock Your Full Potential as an Influential Leader.
Your future leaders are already on your team. Help them grow!

Presented by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Ivy Tech Community College

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center logo

The Leadership Academy is designed to cultivate informed, engaged, and connected leaders who are passionate about strengthening our community. This immersive program brings together emerging and established leaders to learn, connect, and gain a deeper understanding of Batesville and the region—while building the skills needed to lead with confidence and purpose.

Program Overview

The Leadership Academy is a seven-session leadership development series designed to equip participants with practical skills, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of leadership in action.

Program Theme: Building Leaders; Building Community

Program Facilitator: Bernadette Lewis, Business Professional and Ivy Tech Adjunct Professor

       

Instructor Bio: Bernadette Lewis recently retired as Director of Operations at a design and consulting firm, where she spent decades leading teams and supporting organizational growth. She brings more than 40 years of business experience and holds four business-related degrees, including an MBA in Organizational Leadership. Bernadette is passionate about sharing knowledge, developing leaders, and encouraging continuous growth. She strongly believes in lifelong learning and lives by the philosophy, “It’s never too late to learn something new.”

Sessions are led by Bernadette Lewis and hosted by local businesses, combining classroom-style learning with behind-the-scenes industry tours.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for:

  • Emerging leaders and young professionals
  • Business owners and managers
  • Nonprofit and civic-minded individuals
  • Employees being prepared for leadership roles
  • Anyone interested in becoming more involved in the Batesville community

No prior leadership experience is required—just a willingness to learn, participate, and grow.

What You’ll Gain

Participants will:

  • Strengthen leadership and communication skills
  • Gain a deeper understanding of local government, education, healthcare, and economic development
  • Build meaningful relationships with community and business leaders
  • Expand professional and personal networks
  • Increase confidence to serve on boards, committees, and civic initiatives

Program Structure

The Leadership Academy consists of seven monthly sessions, each focused on a core leadership competency. Sessions include facilitated leadership training and an industry tour hosted by a local business.

Class Dates & Topics – 2026

  • March 19 – CliftonStrengths® (Hosted by Ivy Tech)
  • April 16 – Introduction to Leadership
  • May 21 – Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness
  • June 18 – Communication & Active Listening
  • July 16 – Team Building & Conflict Resolution
  • August 20 – Decision Making & Problem Solving
  • September 17 – Coaching, Mentoring, & Delegating

Graduation celebration will take place in October.

Time Commitment

Session Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Typical Session Agenda:

  • 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. | Welcome & introduction from the host business
  • 8:45 – 11:00 a.m. | Leadership training session
  • 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. | Industry tour (Optional)

Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions to gain the full benefit of the program.

Investment

Program Cost: $699 for Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Members; $799 for Non-Members

Tuition includes all leadership training sessions, program materials, industry tours, and graduation recognition.

Registration & Important Dates

  • Registration Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026

  • REGISTER HERE

  • Space is limited to ensure a high-quality experience

Recognition:
Participants will be recognized as the inaugural cohort of the Chamber’s Leadership Academy and will be invited to attend the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner.

Annual Dinner:

  • Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
  • Location: Knights of Columbus, Batesville

Why It Matters

Strong communities are built by strong leaders. The Leadership Academy is an investment in people who care about Batesville—today and in the future. Graduates leave better equipped to lead within their organizations and to serve our community with insight, integrity, and purpose.

Get Involved

Interested in sponsoring a session or supporting the Leadership Academy? Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations that want to invest in leadership development and community growth.

📩 For more information, contact the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or 812-934-3101.

👉 Apply Today and Help Build the Future of Our Community

Thank You to our Co-Sponsors:

City of Batesville, IndianaFCN Bank