Leading the Lakes: Reconnect. Rethink. Recharge.

Brainerd Lakes Chamber

For more than 100 years, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce has strengthened the businesses that strengthen our communities. We are Lakes Proud.

Since 2000, thousands of leaders have sharpened their skills and forged strong relationships through the Blue Ox Business Academy. Reconnect with people you know and meet people you should know at our NEW annual event – Leading the Lakes! Presented by CliftonLarsonAllen, this new event includes a superb keynote presentation and valuable networking that will help you succeed in 2023 and beyond. You’ll also hear about the Chamber’s new Peer 360 program!

Open to All Leaders, Owners and Managers!

Those who have completed Blue Ox Business Academy programs (including Leadership, the Lakes Area) and want to reconnect with their peers.
Those who enjoy leadership experiences that inspire them to think differently.
Those who want to have fun, expand their networks, and recharge their batteries.

Event Timeline

2-3PM: Welcome and Peer 360 Introduction
3-4PM: Keynote: Humor in the Workplace by Comedian C. Willi Myles
4-5PM: Table Discussions, Networking, and Happy Hour

Event Keynote: Humor in the Workplace

A veteran performer and an extremely funny guy, C. Willi Myles has the gift of connecting people with each other through humor and storytelling that everyone can relate to. After surviving his childhood growing up with nine sisters and one brother in Alabama, Willi moved to Minnesota to attend college and play football. With his stories about growing up in the south and acclimating to the cold of Minnesota, Willi tells extremely funny (non-offensive) stories and jokes and gives a unique spin to life’s everyday challenges by applying humor to them.

Performing across the U.S. and abroad, his career highlights include several appearances on national television and at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City. He has opened for many of the top musical and comedy acts throughout the country, has performed regularly on cruise ships and at casinos, and has performed in concert with some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Referred to as “America’s Everyday Comedian,” his hilarious down-to-earth performance will convince you that Willi is truly comedy at its best!

Brainerd Lakes Chamber