DePaul University’s O’Hare Campus will join the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce Foundation this fall in offering a series of six Thursday morning business and technology workshops designed to expand access to education and build workforce development in the region.

Faculty from DePaul’s College of Commerce and School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems (CTI) have teamed up with local leadership experts to present the workshops on Sept. 19 and 26, Oct 3, 17 and 31, and Nov. 7 as part of the 2002 Chamber Leadership Series entitled, “Relationships in the Workplace.”

Convening at the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, 1401 Oakton St. in Des Plaines, the series will explore the important dynamics and challenges of professional relationships for business owners, managers, sales people and others who work with clients and customers. The programs will offer insights into key leadership principles and practices and provide practical application of these principles within the workplace.

The partnership between DePaul and the chamber is designed to benefit the local community and promote sustainable economic development in the region, said Kurtis Todd, campus administrator for DePaul’s O’Hare Campus in Des Plaines. “The workshops are a cooperative effort that continue DePaul’s commitment to service in the O’Hare region,” Todd said. “The goal is to build the local economies by educating area professionals about creating greater efficiencies in business practices and improved customer service. By providing access to education through this type of community-focused program, DePaul strives to provide the means for individual and community growth.”

The workshop series includes the following events:

Sept. 19: Chris Palabrica from SB Adventures, a strategic planning and leadership consulting organization based in Des Plaines, will kick off the series by discussing “Sustainable Business Management.”

Sept. 26: Corporate consultant Laurie LaMantia, a lecturer in DePaul’s College of Commerce and the co-author of the book “Breakthrough Teams for Breakneck Times, Unlocking the Genius of Creative Collaboration,” will discuss “Innovation and Team Collaboration.” In this session, participants will build a set of innovative skills for collaboration and problem solving while learning how to maximize each co-worker’s or client’s unique contributions.

Oct. 3: Phil Addante, a licensed clinical social worker with experience in coaching and training for many organizations, will present “Generations in the Workplace.”

Oct. 17: Julie Kollada, the founder and president of Business Development Group, will provide a system for increasing new business development and working with clients in a workshop entitled “Break the Rules and Close More Sales.”

Oct. 31: Olayele Adelakun, assistant professor at DePaul’s CTI, will present “Your Relationship With Technology.” Designed for employers and employees who want to keep pace with the rapid changes in information technology, the workshop will acquaint participants with new and existing technologies and their relationship to the successful operation and sustainability of today’s business.

Nov. 7: Helen LaVan, professor of management at DePaul’s College of Commerce, will present the final workshop in the series, “Developing Your Leadership Style.” This session will relate leadership style to business practice and success. Each participant will conduct an individual assessment and gain understanding of how individual style enhances a variety of behaviors, including career choice or change, stress management, coaching, decision-making, change management, improved interpersonal communications and team building.

Each session will begin with registration and a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m., followed by the workshop presentation from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All workshops are free and open to anyone interested in learning more about how to relate to those they work with and serve in their professional life. Participants who attend all six workshops will receive a Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry Leadership Certificate at its Community Enhancement Awards presentation Oct. 24. For more information and to register, contact the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce at (847) 824-4200 or register online at www.DesPlainesChamber.com.