APOGEE Professional Development Series
The word Apogee means reaching your highest point, and that’s exactly what this program is about. The Apogee Professional Development Series is a leadership and professional development opportunity designed to help business professionals, emerging leaders, and community members grow their skills, gain practical insights, and connect with others in an interactive setting. It’s a space where people come together to learn, share ideas, and strengthen themselves-and ultimately our community.
Originally create as an annual fall conference, in 2025 the program shifted from a large scale event to a series of smaller, more focused events. Rooted in the Chamber’s commitment to leadership growth and community advancement, each session brings together business professionals, emerging leaders, and local practitioners to explore timely topics, share best practices, and solve real-world challenges. The APOGEE experience is:
- A Quarterly Coffee Series designed to strengthen leadership skills in an engaging, small-group setting. These events are held each February, May, August, and November on the first Tuesday of the month.
- Workshops & Webinars hosted by fellow members, these training sessions provide valuable information to your employees and business operations.
Many include CEC opportunities.
Our Mission: To cultivate confident, connected, and forward-thinking professional by providing accessible, engaging professional development experiences that inspire growth, collaboration, and community impact. Goals include:
- Targeted Learning: Focused sessions on leadership, strategy, and team effectiveness
- Collaborative Exchange: Connect with peers, share insights, and expand your network
- Practical Tools: Actionable strategies you can apply immediately
- Expert Insight: Learn from experienced facilitators and guest leaders
Sponsors
The quarterly programming is free to members through the support of the following Chamber Members.
| Quarterly Coporate Sponsor | Quarterly Hospitality Sponsor |
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Sponsorship Opportunties Available |
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APOGEE 3Q Coffee Series Event
Understanding Each Other Through Real Colors How personality preferences can strengthen communication, teamwork, and workplace relationships Great communication starts with understanding—and that was the focus of the August 4th APOGEE coffee series gathering featuring...
Growing a Wealth Generating Business: July 7th
Small businesses are often built while they are already in motion—more like a plane being assembled mid-flight than a machine designed in a lab. That makes survival an ongoing discipline, not a one-time milestone. For business owners, long-term sustainability is not...
APOGEE 2024 Professional Development Event
2024 Professional Development Event We would like to thank everyone that came out for a day of listening, learning, and networking at the 2024 APOGEE event on October 24th. This event featured dynamic speakers with valuable lessons and takeaways for attendees. Along...
APOGEE 2023 Professional Development Event
2023 Professional Development Event We would like to thank everyone that came out for a day of listening, learning, and networking at the 2023 APOGEE event on October 26th. This event featured dynamic speakers with valuable lessons and takeaways for attendees. Along...
APOGEEce Took Place on April 19th
APOGEEce April 19th at the Pavilion About 60 attendees gathered at the Pavilion on April 19th to sit down with Tim Miles, a motivational speaker from Nashville TN and ties to the Southern IL area. He spoke about building powerful connections within your workforce...
APOGEE 2022 Professional Development Event
2022 APOGEE: DEFYING GRAVITY Leadership Marion has brought leadership conferences to Southern Illinois since 2017. After several events in partnership with John Maxwell, Leadership Marion is excited to present our annual event this fall. Featuring regional speakers...