Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce unveils new GRYP Leadership Program designed to guide early career professionals ready to grow and make an impact

Rochester, New York – The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is opening a new chapter in its long-running effort to prepare the region’s next generation of leaders. This winter, the Chamber will roll out the Greater ROC Young Professional (GRYP) Leadership Program, an intensive eight-month experience tailored for early-career professionals who want to sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and accelerate their impact. Registration for the inaugural class is already underway, with limited spaces available.

The program was designed to meet the demands of today’s rapidly changing workplace, where adaptability and innovation are more valuable than ever. Unlike traditional training models, GRYP blends interactive learning with real-world exposure. Participants will attend workshops designed to build leadership skills, join on-site visits at notable local organizations, and receive one-on-one mentoring from seasoned executives. A leadership coach will also provide personalized guidance to help each participant translate lessons into daily practice.

“Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to invest in the next generation of professionals leading the way for our region. Through the GRYP Leadership Program, we’re ensuring that our community is set up for success for years to come, with well-connected and well-prepared leaders at the helm,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber. “People are the most valuable asset at any company. I would encourage organizational and HR leaders to utilize this opportunity to provide staff with opportunities to continue to learn and grow with their peer leaders, some of our region’s best up-and-coming professionals.”

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The new program builds on the Chamber’s earlier CLIMB initiative, which gained national recognition and graduated 140 participants over seven cohorts. While CLIMB was widely seen as a success, Chamber leaders say GRYP represents a natural evolution, reflecting the changing needs of young professionals and the broader vision of the Greater ROC Young Professionals initiative.

Beyond the leadership program itself, GRYP also provides year-round opportunities for connection and growth. That includes regular networking socials, community volunteering projects, and a full-day leadership conference scheduled for Wednesday, October 1. Organizers say these offerings work together to give young professionals a platform not only to develop professionally, but also to contribute meaningfully to the community.

For Rochester-area companies, the program offers a chance to invest in their rising talent at a cost-effective rate. Exclusive discounts are available for Greater Rochester Chamber members, giving organizations a way to stretch their professional development budgets while offering employees access to a high-impact experience. By combining affordability with robust content, Chamber leaders hope to make leadership training more accessible for small and medium-sized employers, not just larger corporations.

The GRYP Leadership Program will officially kick off in January, with the first cohort embarking on eight months of programming that blends theory and practice. Participants can expect to leave with new confidence, stronger professional relationships, and skills they can immediately bring back to their organizations.

Rochester’s business community has long been recognized for its collaborative spirit, and Chamber officials view the GRYP initiative as an extension of that culture. By fostering connections across companies and industries, the program is designed not only to help individuals grow, but also to strengthen the region as a whole. The Chamber envisions graduates of the program stepping into leadership roles across sectors, carrying with them a shared commitment to innovation, inclusion, and regional progress.

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Seats for the first GRYP cohort are expected to fill quickly, and interested professionals are encouraged to register as soon as possible. More information, including a detailed overview of program highlights and registration instructions, can be found through the Greater Rochester Chamber’s official website.

For additional details, potential applicants and employers can also contact Events Manager Cassidy Pendell at [email protected].

With its mix of mentorship, practical training, and community engagement, the GRYP Leadership Program signals a bold new step for Greater Rochester Chamber’s professional development efforts. For the young professionals who take part, it promises to be more than just a course—it will be a launchpad for leadership.