By Mark Dolinski, VP of Training & Professional Development, GRCA
When prioritized, professional development fuels innovation, engagement, retention and a stronger workplace culture. When overlooked, it drains motivation, stifles growth, weakens performance and top talent walks out the door.
In 2025, investing in professional development may be the most strategic decision leaders make to secure success in 2026 and beyond. In a tight labor market where employees are actively job-hopping, can you afford not to invest in their growth?
Some employers hesitate to invest in professional development, viewing it as expensive and risky. They worry that after gaining new skills, employees will leave for other opportunities—so development gets deprioritized. But consider the alternative: What if you don’t invest in development, and your employees stay? That’s a bigger risk—one that can lead to stagnation, growing skills gaps, disengagement, a toxic culture and a decline in innovation.
The truth is simple: Employee turnover will always be a risk. But investing in development increases performance, engagement, loyalty and reduces the chances employees will leave in the first place. It’s not just a cost; it’s a strategic advantage.
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) is proud to offer a high-impact lineup of professional development programs designed to build essential skills, enhance leadership effectiveness and help you finish the year strong while positioning yourself and your organization for a successful 2026.
This September don’t miss the Lead Worker Certificate Program—a transformational experience that equips emerging leaders with the practical tools and mindset needed to take the next step in their careers. Many participants describe this program as a turning point in their leadership journey.
Also launching in September is the popular Supervisor Training Certificate Series, which is an essential course for current and aspiring supervisors looking to sharpen their ability to lead high-performing teams and manage operations with confidence and efficiency.
Whether you’re a supervisor, manager or part of the support team, the Essentials of Effective Leadership Series is a can’t-miss opportunity launching this September. This transformative program pushes participants beyond their comfort zones, empowering them to grow into the kind of leader others are inspired to follow.
For current leaders and those ready to take on greater responsibility, the GRCA Executive Leadership Academy offers a powerful path forward. This fall, four high-impact programs will be available: Effective Executive Leadership, Financial Analysis for Executives, Strategic Planning and Mastering Transformational Change. Each course is designed to sharpen strategic thinking, enhance decision-making and equip leaders to drive meaningful, lasting changes within their organizations.
Emotional intelligence, project management and critical thinking are essential competencies in today’s workplace—and all three will be featured in GRCA’s upcoming season of workshops and programs. These sessions are ideal for individuals and teams alike, and for added convenience, they can be delivered at your organization’s location.
Finally, GRCA’s new Coaching Program offers a powerful opportunity to accelerate growth for high-potential employees while also supporting those who may be struggling to become more effective, confident contributors. It’s a strategic investment in both individual development and overall organizational success.
Whether you’re preparing for a leadership role or looking to strengthen your team’s performance, GRCA’s professional development programs are designed to help you finish 2025 with momentum—and start 2026 with confidence. Contact me at mdolinski@greaterreading.org to learn more or to register your employees.