Program empowers emerging and new managers and leaders

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Empire State University, is proud to announce the return of its Saratoga County Institute of Management program.
Designed for emerging or new managers, SCIM provides the essential skills and strategies needed to thrive in a dynamic workplace.
The program is organized into two six-week tracks that are meant to rapidly enhance skillsets and complement each other.
Track One focuses on foundational skills for new and emerging managers, including self-awareness, communication, conflict resolution, and leadership strategies to help them transition from individual contributors to effective team leaders.
Track Two centers on advanced managerial competencies—such as talent recruitment and retention, performance management, strategic planning, leading change, and financial acumen—to expand participants’ strategic impact and organizational leadership.
Participants have the option to enroll in one or both tracks, as Track One is not a prerequisite for Track Two.
The SCIM program was initiated as a pilot before the COVID-19 pandemic, then relaunched in 2025. The original program was also a collaboration between the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and then Empire State College and was funded with financial support from the Saratoga County Capital Resources Corporation (SCCRC).
“The Saratoga County Institute of Management underscores our dedication to developing strong leadership across every sector of our economy,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “SCIM offers local organizations a powerful opportunity to invest in their most valuable resource—their people.”
The Chamber is thankful to Empire State University for partnering to present this innovative program.
"Empire State University is proud to support the SCIM program and its mission to develop emerging leaders across our region,” Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf said. “This initiative strengthens the leadership pipeline in ways that benefit our entire community."
By enrolling in SCIM, participants will gain access to a network of fellow leaders and regionally recognized subject matter experts. The program enhances management capabilities, strengthens retention, and demonstrates an organization’s commitment to talent development.
Past participants report transformational growth. “I found the SCIM program to be incredibly valuable, offering me new perspectives and tools,” said E. Bradley Feiden Jr., Operations Manager of Earl B. Feiden Appliance. “The connections I made with other emerging leaders and area business experts were also impactful." 
Employers see the value as well. “SCIM provides us with the opportunity to identify, invest in, elevate, and honor our existing and emerging leaders who are the future of The Wesley Community,” said Shelly Amato, Chief Strategy Officer of The Wesley Community. “Because the SCIM program is offered at scale, we can offer, and have offered, our team members the opportunity to participate in this outstanding program, ensuring the legacy of strong leadership at The Wesley Community for many years to come."
Enrollment is now open, with each track priced at $945 per employee for Saratoga County Chamber members and $1,395 for non-members. Scholarships are available to support small businesses and impact sector organizations. Each class size is limited to ensure a personalized, engaging experience.
For more information or to register, please visit www.saratoga.org/scim.