For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Sarah Spoonholtz

Membership Director

Regional Chamber

sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com 

REGIONAL CHAMBER, LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE, AND LEGATA LEADERSHIP SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCE

2026 MANAGEMENT ACCELERATOR COHORT

Applications now open for Cohort 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MAY 12th, 2026

 

SAINT JOSEPH, MI — The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, in partnership with Lake Michigan College and Legata Leadership Solutions, is proud to announce the continued success of its Leadership Academy program, Management Accelerator, now entering its second cohort following a highly impactful inaugural launch.

 

Designed specifically for individuals who manage teams and lead people, the Management Accelerator builds on the foundation established by the Chamber’s Leadership Accelerator Program. While the original program emphasized individual leadership development, the Management Accelerator focuses on equipping leaders with practical tools to enhance team performance, boost employee engagement, improve customer satisfaction, and drive organizational success.

 

The first cohort delivered exceptional results, earning a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 93, an indicator of outstanding participant satisfaction and program effectiveness.

“The response to our first cohort exceeded expectations,” said Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “We’re excited to build on that momentum with a second group of managers ready to lead with clarity, empathy, and effectiveness.”

 

Program facilitation is led by Kim Kavala, owner of Legata Leadership Solutions, whose expertise in leadership development and team dynamics brings a highly practical, real-world approach to each session.

 

Key learning outcomes include:

 

  • Increasing self-awareness
  • Inspiring and motivating employees
  • Maximizing team performance
  • Enhancing communication skills
  • Making difficult decisions with confidence
  • Balancing time and energy effectively

 

“Great management isn’t about having all the answers but creating the conditions where people can do their best work,” said Kavala. “Management Accelerator is designed to give leaders immediately applicable tools they can use to strengthen their teams, build trust, and drive meaningful results.” 

 

Due to the interactive and high-impact nature of the program, participation is limited to 25 individuals.

 

Session Dates:



  • August 13
  • September 10
  • October 8

 

All sessions are full-day experiences and will be held at the Todd Center on Lake Michigan College’s Benton Harbor campus.

 

Applications are due by June 26, 2026.

Selected participants will receive a formal invitation with additional program details.

APPLY HERE NOW!

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