Register Now for WCMA Fall 2020 Educational Leadership Trainings

The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today announced adjusted plans for its Fall 2020 educational offerings, including the popular WCMA Front-Line Leadership Training courses and WCMA Advanced Leadership Series for mid-level managers, and a brand-new class, WCMA Next Step Leadership, designed for established leaders who want to expand their skills.  Registration is open now at WisCheeseMakers.org.

“WCMA leadership trainings were put on hold earlier this year, as we focused all attention on our members’ health and their essential, critical work,” said Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Communications, Education and Policy Director.  “But the demand for industry education remains, and WCMA has made plans to ensure the delivery of impactful, engaging trainings this fall.”

In Fall 2020, WCMA leadership courses are scheduled for in-person delivery but may be moved online at WCMA’s discretion.  WCMA’s training partner Intentionaleaders has successfully delivered training in person and via live online courses. Announcements regarding delivery will be made no less than three weeks prior to the date of training, and registrants will be given the opportunity for a full refund, if desired.

WCMA Front-Line Leadership Training returns with offerings in Eau Claire and Madison. The courses in this training track can be taken à la carte and in any order.

• Part A, focused on exploring the essential skills to own your role as a supervisor, will be held Thursday, September 24 at Staybridge Suites Eau Claire-Altoona.  Space is now very limited in this class, and only three spots remain available.
• Part B centers on positively impacting staff performance, and will be held on Thursday, October 15 and at Herzing University in Madison.  This class has 16 available spaces.
• Part C breaks down the key ingredients for cultivating a team, and will be held on Wednesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 5 at Herzing University in Madison.  The November 4 class is completely full, but nine spaces remain available in the November 5 offering.

Tuition for Madison-based courses is $135 per person while Eau Claire-based offerings run $159. Both include materials, instruction, and meals. Sign up at WisCheeseMakers.org.

The highly rated WCMA Advanced Leadership Series, designed for mid-level managers and employees transitioning to such positions, is set to be held at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection facilities in Madison, WI, via three sessions.  Those enrolling participate in all sessions as a cohort to better facilitate relationships.

• Session 1 is set for Tuesday, September 22, and will push participants to take initiative in driving change and generating positive results for their company.
• Session 2 will be held Wednesday, November 11, and focuses on the application of a creative and collaborative problem-solving process.
• Session 3 wraps the series on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, and will explain the tools and strategies leaders can use to foster collaboration and resolve workplace conflict.

The series also features guest speakers from industry detailing their leadership successes and challenges, and requires participants to complete projects that implement their new knowledge.  The cost for the entire series, including materials, instruction, and meals, is $495 per participant. Enrollment is limited to 20 individuals, and 16 spaces are available now. Sign up at WisCheeseMakers.org.

WCMA Next Step Leadership, set for Tuesday, October 6 at Herzing University in Madison, Wisconsin, is open to established leaders and encouraged for those member employees who have completed any of WCMA’s previous leadership course offerings.  In 2020, this course will offer a deep dive into strategies for inclusion and diversity in your workplace. Tuition costs just $135 per person with materials, instruction, and meals included, and 16 spaces are available. Sign up at WisCheeseMakers.org.

“These trainings are high quality, low cost opportunities for industry employers not only to train, but also demonstrate an investment in their most valued workers,” said Sweeney.  “WCMA is pleased to support its members in their efforts to build strong, productive teams and advance their business goals.”

For more information and to register now, visit WisCheeseMakers.org.

CORONAVIRUS NOTICE: These training classes will not be canceled or rescheduled due to public health concerns, but may be moved online at WCMA’s discretion.  This decision will be made no less than three weeks prior to the training date. Participants may cancel their registration and receive a full refund up to two weeks in advance of the training date.