Local Chamber president attends Institute, brings back ideas to aid local economic efforts
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Sara Lochner-Goff, president of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce, attended Institute for Organization Management in early June, an intensive training program to better help her lead initiatives pertaining to the enhancement of the local business environment.
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Sara Lochner-Goff, president of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce, has recently completed her first year at Institute for Organization Management (Institute), an intensive week-long nonprofit leadership training program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, held June 5-9, 2011, at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. 
“Institute participants are recognized across the country as talented leaders in their organizations and communities,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Since 1921, chambers of commerce and associations have used the U.S. Chamber’s Institute program as a training platform for the professional development of their top talent. Institute’s curriculum consists of four, weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Each week, participants receive training in leadership, advocacy, finance, membership, emerging technologies, and many other organization management competencies.
Graduates of Institute receive the IOM recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn points toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.
Institute is a 501(c) (3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.