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Westfield Chamber Partners with IU Indianapolis and Invest Hamilton County to Launch Manager Development Lab

Westfield Chamber members receive a 10% discount on a new leadership development program designed to equip managers with the skills to lead teams effectively.

The Westfield Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a new partnership with Invest Hamilton County and IU Indianapolis to bring the Manager Development Lab (MDL) to the Westfield business community.

The Manager Development Lab is a leadership development program designed to equip managers with the practical skills needed to lead teams and organizations effectively. Developed in collaboration with the Tobias Leadership Center at IU Indianapolis, the program bridges the gap between technical expertise and people-management readiness through hands-on, interactive training.

As part of this partnership, all Westfield Chamber members receive a 10% registration discount — paying $1,350 per participant instead of the standard $1,500 rate. Use discount code WestfieldChamber when registering.

“Leadership development is one of the most important investments a business can make. Our members are eager to develop their managers into stronger leaders, and the Manager Development Lab gives them an accessible, high-quality way to do that. We’re excited to bring this opportunity to the Westfield business community.”

— Courtney Albright, CEO, Westfield Chamber of Commerce

Program Format

The program is delivered in a flexible format — either four half-day sessions or two full-day sessions — and is designed for working professionals transitioning into management and leadership roles. Four cohorts will be offered during spring and summer 2026, each enrolling approximately 25 participants.

Curriculum Overview

Most managers are promoted because they are strong performers. This program grows strong performance into strong leadership. Participants will build essential management capabilities across six core areas:

 

Leading Self & Others

Emotional intelligence and self-awareness for managers; transitioning from individual contributor to manager; delegation, prioritization, and leading team outcomes

 

Communication, Feedback & Accountability

Delivering clear, constructive feedback; coaching vs. discipline — knowing when and how; balancing care and accountability

 

Navigating Conflict & Building Trust

Leading difficult conversations with confidence; managing conflict productively; creating psychological safety within teams

 

Leading Across Differences

Managing a multigenerational workforce; adapting leadership and communication styles; strengthening collaboration across diverse teams

 

Operational & Business Acumen

Budgeting basics and financial stewardship; project management fundamentals; planning, tracking, and adjusting priorities

 

People Management Fundamentals

Hiring, interviewing, and onboarding best practices; performance management and employee relations; building systems and processes for team success

 

What Participants Will Gain

  • Practical leadership tools they can apply immediately
  • Increased confidence in managing people and performance
  • Stronger communication, delegation, and decision-making skills
  • Strategies to build trust, accountability, and team engagement

 

Registration & Contact

Westfield Chamber members can learn more or register at investhamiltoncounty.com. Use code WestfieldChamber at registration to receive your 10% member discount ($1,350 vs. $1,500).

For questions, contact Kate Walters at kwalters@investhamiltoncounty.com.

About the Manager Development Lab

The Manager Development Lab is a partnership between IU Indianapolis’s Office of Workforce and Community Engagement, the Tobias Leadership Center, and Invest Hamilton County. The program is expected to serve approximately 100 emerging managers across four cohorts in 2026.