We Will Help You Grow Professionally

BRLI Mission Statement: Educate, Challenge, Inspire, Engage, and Connect leaders for the future of the Bangor Region.

The Bangor Region Leadership Institute (BRLI) is an intensive, regionally-oriented leadership development program of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. BRLI is designed to give potential and emerging leaders the skills, knowledge, and ongoing support they need to succeed in the greater Bangor community.

For Participants

The BRLI program spans October through May each year over nine separate day-long sessions. Each session occurs at a different area location that ties into a specific theme or topic the region is facing today.

The curriculum generally includes:

  • Tours of several key regional businesses and institutions
  • A dynamic array of presenters that represent a variety of backgrounds and occupations
  • Team building exercises
  • Professional development activities and presentations
  • Group project with a non-profit partner from the community

Although COVID restrictions have required changes to some of our traditional activities, including the addition of virtual meetings to supplement reduced in-person sessions, we have continued to provide an enriching experience for class participants while following CDC guidelines.

As a member of BRLI, you will grow professionally and personally from the variety of leadership, team building, communication, and self-awareness exercises that are part of the curriculum. Coordinated by expert facilitators, these activities will grow and shape you as a leader, enabling you to take on any challenge that comes your way and lead effectively.

Through a variety of presenters and tours, you will discover many opportunities that the Bangor area has to offer. In addition, you will gain a solid understanding of the challenges that face our region and learn how you can give back to our communities.

The group project you and your class take on will allow you to put your leadership and collaboration skills to work, outside of your workplace environment. Working together to achieve a goal for a local non-profit partner allows your class to make a real impact for an organization that serves our region.

For Employers

BRLI begins in the fall of each year and continues through the spring over nine separate day-long sessions. Each session takes place at a different area location which ties into that session’s specific theme. Locations range from a large manufacturing facility to the Bangor International Airport, a local college, to the Jackson Laboratory.

The schedule includes behind-the-scenes tours of several key regional businesses and institutions. The curriculum consists of a dynamic array of presenters representing a variety of backgrounds and occupations. Presenters are chosen based on their expertise, leadership capacity in a particular field, commitment to the community, and excellent communication skills.

Classes follow a set schedule so you and your employees can be prepared for their participation in the program, with potential contingency dates during the winter months in the event of inclement weather. We follow all CDC guidelines to keep all presenters and participants as safe as possible.

Your employees will join other Bangor area leaders of varying personal and professional backgrounds and with a wide range of leadership experience. Class participants will learn and grow together through the planned curriculum and from each other. They will learn about challenges and opportunities in our region, and often look for ways to give back to their communities. Your employees will gain new knowledge and skills that will enable them to become stronger members of your team.

For Sponsors

BRLI is a program crucial to developing new and emerging leaders in our growing, changing region. With an alumni network of more than 300 individuals, supporting BRLI gives your business or organization excellent visibility. It allows you to partner with an organization vital to the growth of the region. Your sponsorship allows us to continue our critical mission of growing our local leadership.