Leadership Greater Concord—the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s annual leadership program for area professionals—is accepting applications for the class of 2027. For over three decades, this initiative has introduced over 650 community members to the inner workings of the capital region. Each year, participants embark on a nine-month immersion into the inner workings of the greater Concord community. The LGC program includes hands-on and interactive session days that cover many aspects of our region’s public resources and governance, and each class connects with prominent business and civic leaders who are making decisions about Greater Concord’s future.
“You learn so much about what’s going on in your community,” remarked class of 2026 participant Patricia McLaughlin of Riverbend Community Mental Health, “It’s this deep knowledge level where you learn the soundtrack… meeting with stakeholders, meeting with community leaders… [it] has been really fascinating.” As explained by the class of 2024’s Garry Cornelius of Merrimack County Savings Bank, “[LGC] fast-tracked something that would have taken me years to do independently on my own.”
This year’s program begins in September 2026 and continues with monthly day-long sessions concluding with a graduation reception in June 2027. Participants get hands-on experience across different aspects of the region including history, arts, culture, education, housing, government, criminal justice, economic development, media, and health and human services.
LGC features a prestigious lineup of high-profile speakers features speakers such as Governor Kelly Ayotte, Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, City of Concord Mayor Byron Champlin, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services Lori Weaver, Jim Schachter of New Hampshire Public Radio, and members of the Concord Police Department—among others. LGC participants have personal conversations with these presenters and continue to engage with them after graduation.
Although known for its rich and insightful educational programming, the bonds formed between classmates and presenters are often considered the highlight of the program. “My most favorite thing about the class is the people,” affirmed Class of 2026 participant Sarah Glaude of Social Club Creamery, “I look forward each month to meeting with this great group and seeing how close we’ve gotten.”
These trusted connections create an environment where participants can openly discuss challenging issues, ask difficult questions, and share insights from the session days. LGC classmates form lifelong bonds, end up working together as community partners, or use these connections as stepping stones to find impactful volunteer opportunities and civic engagement roles. LGC is uniquely designed to prepare participants for leadership roles across the community—as elected officials, industry leaders, or nonprofit board members.
Ready to join the class of 2027? We invite individuals from any industry or community sector to apply. Learn more and access the application form below.
Incorporated in 1919, New Hampshire’s state capital chamber of commerce—the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce—develops economic opportunities, strengthens the business climate, and enhances quality of life in the Capital region. As the largest chamber in the state, it is deeply invested in the local community and dedicated to shaping competitive economic development strategy, advocating for policies and projects that benefit the region, and promoting Concord as a culturally vibrant visitor destination.