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Emerging Business Leaders

The Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) consist of young professionals, under the approximate age of 40, who convene to increase their network, expand their leadership skills and support local philanthropic causes.

Goals And Objectives
  • To provide forums for young professionals to interface and build their networks.
  • To access Leadership Training to assist them in growing professionally.
  • To interface with current regional leadership via the Mentorship Program.

Watch our Calendar of Events for EBL hosted Summer ProMix!

Emerging Business Leaders logo

EBL Leadership Program

As young professionals advance down their career path, it’s imperative that they build leadership strengths and learn new ways to achieve greater impact.
The EBL Leadership Program focuses on the key personal development skills needed to help young people become strong leaders within the business community and continue to advance our region.

The program consists of classroom training, mentoring with the Amherst Chamber Board and Councils, networking and mixer opportunities, as well as, community engagement.

Opportunities to meet and network with classmates outside of the classroom (online or in person) will be in interspersed throughout the program.

New for 2026: EBL participants can opt into a free 6-month (April-October 2026) membership with the Amherst Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters, which typically meets from 8-9 am the third Friday of each month at the Chamber.

  • For planning, classes and commitments for 2026 are as follows - typically 2nd Friday of the month (8am -10am) except first class that is 2/6/2026:
    • 2/6/2026 *First class = 1st Friday of February (8am-11am)*
    • 3/13/2026 *Daemen University Symposium (10am-4pm)*
    • 4/10/2026
    • 5/8/2026
    • 6/12/2026
    • 7/10/2026
    • 8/14/2026
    • 9/18/2026
    • 10/16/2026
    • October 2026 EBL Leadership Program Celebration at the Amherst Chamber The Event - Celebrating Business Excellence
    • EBL Summer ProMix tentatively July 2026 (Not included in tuition)
    • Plus 2 volunteer/community service commitments to be announced

*Applications are accepted year-round. For more information, email ebl@amherst.org.*

Workplace Big 5 2025
Workplace Big 5 2025
Daemen Symposium 2025
Daemen Symposium 2025
Leadership Workshop 2025
Leadership Workshop 2025

Emerging Business Leaders Council 2025

Sarah Just *Co-Chair
Horizon Health

Lynsey Zimdahl Weaver *Co-Chair
Kevin Guest House

A.J. Baynes
Amherst Chamber

Tiffany Dillon
Amherst Chamber

Lauren Harvey
Amherst Chamber

Christine Langenfeld
Amherst Chamber

Jake Adams
NOCO Energy

Richard Arnaud
National Fuel

Erica Brecher
Buffalo Jewish Federation

Mallory Bryant
Horizon Corporations

Sheri Courteau
StaffBuffalo / HRBuffalo

Laryssa Domagala
OneBridge Benefits

Erin Reszel
Highmark Western & Northeastern NY

Kimberly Herrington, MHA
Forrester

Sarah Just
Horizon Corporations

Carolyn Leed
Law Offices of Carolyn E. Leed

Jim Lougen
M&T Bank

Crystal Morgan
Pursuit

Patrick Rost
InfoSecurity Blueprint

Sean Ryan
UB CEL

Tara Slowik
Independent Health

Britt Tuzzo
Mental Health Advocates of WNY

“Participating in the EBL program was a fun way to add to my personal and career growth. The monthly sessions which were presented by local leaders allowed me to learn more about myself as a professional and provided me with tools/strategies that I could implement towards my success in the workplace. The program also provided a great opportunity for networking with other professionals in my age range that I wouldn't encounter otherwise."

John Grabowski, Wendel, EBL Class of 2022

“The Amherst Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business Leaders program brought together professionals from a wide range of organizations, creating a truly diverse and inclusive environment. This made our role-playing exercises both engaging and seamless, as participants were open and collaborative. The presenters were excellent, providing valuable insights that enhanced our understanding of the material.”

Lindsay Gregg, Forest Lawn Cemetery Group, EBL Class of 2025

“The EBL program was a great starting block for young professionals looking to grow. The variety of topics and practical methodologies were discussed with positivity and encouraged us to implement new ideas after each class. I have seen a difference in my own leadership and my influence around my office because of this class.”

Taylor Bruno, Mach Architecture, EBL Class of 2025

EBL September 2024
EBL September 2024
EBL Leadership February 2025
EBL Leadership February 2025
AKG 2024
AKG 2024
EBL-Leadership-2026-1-Flyer-TMNEW

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