Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce opened the application process for its 2018-19 Chamber Leadership Initiative: Mentoring for Business young leaders program, also known as CLIMB.

The ten-month experiential mentorship program is designed to connect young professionals with business leaders across multiple sectors of the Finger Lakes economy to facilitate perspective, collaboration, and growth. Top businesses that participated in the inaugural 2017-18 CLIMB program include Wegmans Food Markets, Constellation Brands, Genesee Brewing Company, LiDestri Food and Drink, and more.

Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “I ask our region’s employers to invest in your young professionals and give them the time to participate in CLIMB.

I guarantee that one day a month will pay huge dividends down the road for your employees as well as your company and our community.”

CLIMB gives participants an inside look at local success stories directly from top executives and their teams through nine signature events. Community and political leaders also weigh in on crucial issues facing the Finger Lakes region.

Inaugural CLIMB class graduate and The Perfect Granola Founder Michele Liddle, said, “CLIMB is the best thing that you can do for leadership.

To have the opportunity to learn from already successful business owners and to collaborate and network with other young leaders and young professionals is absolutely fantastic.”

The cost of CLIMB is $1,750 per participant and includes materials and attendance at all events.

Applicants must submit a resume, letter of intent to participate in CLIMB written by the applicant, and letter of recommendation from the employer or supervisor to [email protected] by July 15, 2018.

All applicants will be contacted and those selected for the program will begin by the end of August.

Learn more about CLIMB at http://bit.ly/CLIMB2018