2025 Communications Excellence Best in Show Winners

Three chambers' communications projects were named Best in Show at the annual Awards Show, presented by Comcast Business, during #ACCE25 in Philadelphia.

ACCE’s Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE) program is designed to showcase the top communications and marketing work of chambers of commerce and similar organizations. Several thousand award entries have been submitted since the competition's launch over 40 years ago. These entries highlight some of the freshest and most innovative marketing and communications work coming from ACCE member organizations of all types and sizes.

"Clear communication and compelling storytelling are key to advancing a chamber’s mission and demonstrating its impact," said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Their work to drive engagement and create meaningful results in their regions is inspiring and very deserving of this recognition.”

A panel of communications and marketing professionals from 12 U.S.-based chambers of commerce evaluated entries submitted for this year’s competition. Entries were organized by category — based on the chamber’s annual revenue — and entry type: campaigns, websites, digital media and print and electronic publications. See all 12 ACE finalists here.

Best in Show Winners

CATEGORY 1

Unity in the Community 25th Anniversary Marketing Campaign | Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce (Colo.) 

Unity in the Community is the Longmont Chamber’s most established event, and for its 25th anniversary in 2024, the chamber launched a comprehensive advertising campaign inviting the community to “party like it’s 1999.”  With a limited marketing budget, the chamber team designed a cohesive campaign that included promotional videos (written, directed and edited by chamber staff and featured event sponsors), social media posts and tangible collateral reminiscent of the 90s. The campaign, fueled by nostalgia, resulted in a 56% increase in attendance and an ROI of 1,761%.  

CATEGORY 2

Elevating Your Business with the Lancaster Chamber Advertising & Media Kit | Lancaster Chamber (Pa.) 

This media kit compiled the chamber’s marketing resources into a comprehensive guide designed to help businesses maximize visibility, build brand awareness and connect with the local business community. The resource allows businesses of all sizes and industries to tailor their advertising approach based on their unique goals and budget. To maximize reach, the chamber promoted this booklet via a dedicated website landing page, targeted email campaigns and in-person promotions at chamber events. This multi-channel approach was successful in helping members leverage chamber resources to elevate their businesses. The chamber acquired 61 new advertisers, generating over $32,000 in revenue in 2024. 

CATEGORY 3

BusinessLNK Video Podcast | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (Neb.) 
This video podcast has redefined how the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce does digital storytelling. BusinessLNK is a tool to amplify the voices that drive their community forward. With over 80 episodes (34 produced in 2024), they continue to evolve and drive important conversations in the community. The chamber expanded their offerings to reach a diverse audience, including Latino Connect, Lincoln Visits and TalentLNK. In 2024, they reported a 77% increase in views and listens. With year-over-year audience growth, BusinessLNK proves to be a catalyst for important conversations, a platform for storytelling and a valued tool for promotions.