Bernard Dagenais – Connecting Students, Leaders, and Opportunity in Our Region

SUMMARY:

In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman sits down with Bernard Dagenais, President and CEO of The Main Line Chamber of Commerce, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, connection, and creating opportunity across a region.

Bernie shares how early moments of exposure—like meeting a journalist as a teenager—helped shape his career path, and why those same moments are critical for today’s students. He reflects on his journey from journalism to leading a major business organization, and how his work now focuses on bringing people together to grow businesses, develop leaders, and strengthen communities.

The conversation explores the Chamber’s role in supporting companies through leadership development, peer learning, and talent initiatives, as well as its growing focus on connecting students to real-world career opportunities.

Bernie emphasizes the importance of communication, mentorship, and experiential learning—especially for young people who may not otherwise have access to those opportunities. Listeners will hear how connection—whether through networking, shared goals, or mentorship—can shape careers, strengthen organizations, and create pathways for the next generation. As Bernie shares, helping people “find where they want to be” is at the heart of both strong communities and strong economies.

GUEST BIO:

Bernard Dagenais is the President and CEO of The Main Line Chamber of Commerce, a role he has held since 2010. He leads an organization of more than 1,100 member companies representing over 53,000 employees across the Greater Philadelphia region.

Bernie brings a diverse background in journalism and business leadership. He previously served as editor of the Philadelphia Business Journal, where the publication became the most award-winning among 40 American City Business Journals during his tenure. Prior to that, he was business editor of The Washington Times, overseeing coverage of international trade and congressional business issues, and was part of a technology media startup during the early days of the Northern Virginia tech boom.

At the Chamber, Bernie has helped expand initiatives focused on leadership development, talent attraction, and professional growth, including Leadership Main Line and the Main Line Society of Professional Women. He is a frequent speaker on the regional economy and serves on multiple boards focused on workforce development and education, including efforts to strengthen the pipeline between students and careers.

Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernard-dagenais-ba549310/

HELPFUL LINKS:

The Main Line Chamber of Commerce: https://www.mlcc.org

World Class Greater Philadelphia Initiative: https://economyleague.org

GEAR UP Program (college readiness support): https://www2.ed.gov/programs/gearup

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia Area and operating in multiple states. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing K-12 education, behavioral health care, outpatient therapy, wellness coaching, professional development, and grant management services.