Leadership Billings - Billings Chamber of Commerce

Recognizing the increasing importance of effective communication and collaboration in a growing community, local business leaders in the Billings area come together to Connect, Learn, and Serve in Leadership Billings. Started in 1986, and refreshed annually, this program of the Billings Chamber of Commerce provides a platform for leaders to foster strong community connections.

Each year business owners, executives, and leaders from various sectors enroll in Leadership Billings. This initiative serves as a forum for sharing knowledge and expertise among participants, facilitating a deeper understanding of the local business landscape and community dynamics. Over the span of eight months, attendees engage in a comprehensive curriculum featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, team activities, problem-solving sessions, and site visits.

Through these activities, participants can:

Gain insights into the local economy
Explore the historical roots of Billings
Interact with prominent figures from business, government, and academia
Cultivate and refine their individual leadership skills
Deepen their understanding of pressing community issues

Beyond simply acquiring knowledge about the local business environment, participants also forge valuable relationships that contribute to a more unified and influential business community. Collaborative efforts within the group pave the way for collective action, crucial for the city’s progress.

The objectives of the Leadership Billings Program can be summed up as follows:

Connect: Forge connections with fellow leaders, engage with community issues, and foster meaningful relationships.
Learn: Assess and enhance current leadership capabilities to maximize contributions to one’s respective business or organization.
Serve: Embrace opportunities for community service through volunteerism, leadership roles, and ongoing education.

Individuals seeking to enrich their professional endeavors and expand their connections are encouraged to register for the Leadership Billings. Class sizes are deliberately limited to ensure optimal interaction and engagement, with a maximum of 35 participants per cohort. The 2026 session is scheduled to commence in October 2025.

Leadership Billings consists of a kick-off, six program days, a community service work day, and a graduation celebration. Attendance at the kick-off retreat is mandatory. Participants are highly encouraged to attend all other classes as well. Participants must attend a minimum of six sessions to graduate. Tuition is $950/person for Chamber members, $1,250 for non-members. Class A typically meets the first Wednesday of the month. Class B typically meets the second Wednesday of the month.

2025-2026 Dates

Kick-Off
October 1, 2025 (Class A)
October 8, 2025 (Class B)

Community & Social Services Day
November 5, 2025 (Class A)
November 12, 2025 (Class B)

Government Day
December 3, 2025 (Class A)
December 12, 2025 (Class B)

Education Day
January 7, 2026 (Class A)
January 14, 2026 (Class B)

Business & Agriculture Day
February 4, 2026 (Class A)
February 11, 2026 (Class B)

Health & Wellness Day
March 4, 2026 (Class A)
March 11, 2026 (Class B)

History, Culture & Tourism Day
April 1, 2026 (Class A)
April 8, 2026 (Class B)

All-Class Community Service Day and Graduation Celebration
May 6, 2026

Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 cohort will open April 1, 2025 and close September 20, 2026, on a space available basis.

Leadership Billings Registration

Full Name *As you wish for it to appear on your nametag

Employer (if any)

Title

Supervisor

Street Address

City

State

ZIP

Business Phone

Cell Phone

Email *

How did you hear about the Leadership Billings program? *

Which class are you registering for? Class A is held the first Wednesday of each month. Class B is held the second Wednesday.Class A (1st Wednesday of the month)Class B (2nd Wednesday of the month)

Additional Registration Questions

Completion of the questions below is required for your registration. Incomplete registration forms will not be accepted. Answers to your questions may be shared with the class.

Why do you wish to participate in Leadership Billings? What do you hope to gain from participation in the program? *

Tell us about yourself (work, family, what you do in your spare time) *

Identify two issues the Billings community should address within the next five years. *

Tuition

Tuition is $950/participant (Chamber member rate) and $1250/participant (Non-Member Rate). This includes all program materials, content, snacks, and lunch for all educational sessions, Community Work Day, and graduation. Participants will provide their own transportation. Invoices will be sent within 30 days of registration.

How will your tuition will be paid? *EmployerSelfPart employer, part selfOther

Attendance Requirements

Leadership Billings consists of nine sessions: a kick-off, six program days, one community workday, and a graduation celebration. Since it is vital to the success of the program that you are present at each meeting to add your perspective and interact with your classmates, you may not miss more than two (2) full sessions (or the equivalent) throughout the year. If you miss more than two (2) full program days, you will not be awarded a certificate of completion. Attendance at the kick-off is mandatory, and you are strongly encouraged to attend all meetings. If necessary, you may request an excused absence from a program day. If you miss four or more hours of a program day, your absence will be considered a full-day absence. If you miss less than four hours of a program day, your absence will be considered a half day absence. Please review the LB program calendar dates and consult with your supervisor about attendance commitments. If selected, you will be expected to attend each full day’s meeting from the kickoff through the graduation celebration.

Cancellation Policy

Tuition includes a non-refundable $200 deposit.

In the event you register and are no longer able to participate, fully paid registrations may be transferred to another individual without penalty.

No refunds or transfers after September 1, 2025.

Photo

You may submit a photo of yourself no later than September 20, 2025. Your photo will be used in a Leadership Billings class directory. If your photo is not received by September 20, 2025 you will not be pictured in the class directory. (Submitted photos do not need to be taken professionally. A passport photo, digital photo or personal snapshot are acceptable.) Please email your photo to cathy@billingschamber.com.

Acceptance of 2026 Leadership Billings Program Commitments *AgreeDo Not AgreeYour submission of this electronic application verifies that you understand and agree to abide by the programs’ tuition, photo, and attendance requirements and policies. I understand the goals of the LB Program and will devote the time and resources necessary to complete the program. If I withdraw or am required to withdraw from the program within two weeks of the kickoff, my tuition will not be refunded but may be transferred to the following year. If my photo is not received by September 20, 2025, it will not appear in the class directory. I understand and will abide by the attendance requirements described above.

Payments and Details

Leadership Billings is a program of the Billings Chamber of Commerce. If you have questions regarding the program, please call us at (406) 245-4111. Each class is limited to 35 participants who are selected on a first come, first served basis.

Supervisor Verification

A supervisor who has the authority to allow the applicant named above to devote the time necessary to be an active participant in the 2026 Leadership Billings program may be contacted to verify approval of this application. Please offer valid name, email and phone number for supervisor below.

Supervisor Name

Supervisor Email

Supervisor Phone

Leadership Billings is sponsored by: