I’ve gotten used to waking up each morning and asking myself “What’s Next?” as I drink my coffee and prepare for the day. The chamber world has always been about leading forward, preparing yourself and your team to see just enough ahead to successfully deliver on relevancy, and be nimble and flexible enough to adapt on a dime. Today it seems like we have to do all three every day and with added vigor.
I’m thrilled to be joining W.A.C.E. as its next president/CEO. W.A.C.E. is an incredibly powerful organization, built for chamber professionals, and empowering the industry to truly embody the role of their communities’ champions, conveners and catalysts.
The value of this organization isn’t just theoretical; for me, it’s personal. During my career as a local chamber executive, the association was a huge asset for me and my colleagues. The training and development provided through Academy is unparalleled; it was one of the best things I did both for my career and the local chamber I previously led.
The “Best in the West” were recognized during the association’s recent annual conference in Sacramento, CA.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients!
Members of the 2022 W.A.C.E. Academy class, the 17th group to have completed the three-year program, were recognized at the graduation ceremony at the association’s annual conference last month in Sacramento, CA.
In order to graduate from the program, participants must successfully complete the 18 core Academy classes and secure 10 approved additional professional development credits.
Advocacy and workforce development best practices will be the focus of the association’s workshop on Thursday, May 11 in Denver.
“The workshop is designed to provide chamber professionals with best practices they can utilize in their organizations in the areas of workforce development and government affairs,” said W.A.C.E. Vice Chair Mike Neal, president/CEO of the Tulsa Regional (OK) Chamber. “Today’s number one problem for businesses of all shapes and sizes is finding available, trained workers. Our workshop will equip attendees to help their members address this challenge.
This month we are featuring our 2022 Outstanding Chamber Program Award winners. Copies of their award submissions can be found in the Resource Library under the section titled Outstanding Chamber Program Award Winners.
Sarah Leonard has been named the new CEO of the Steamboat Springs (CO) Chamber. Leonard previously served the chamber as the director of business and community development eight years before taking over. Leonard succeeds Kara Stoller who resigned in late January.
The Rancho Cucamonga (CA) Chamber has announced that they are conducting a search for their next executive director. Current Executive Director Flora Dugbartey is relocating out of state with her fiancée and starting her next chapter in life.
Advocacy & Workforce Development Best Practices Workshop May 11 Hilton Denver City Center Denver, CO W.A.C.E. Academy August 6 –…
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO (CA) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Position: Executive Director Salary: $90,000-$105,000 Benefits: Monthly Medical Insurance Stipend, Dental Insurance, Vision…