2026 Chamber of the Year Finalists: Category Four

Since 2007, ACCE has annually recognized chambers of commerce for their work leading businesses and communities with the Chamber of the Year award. As the needs of businesses and communities continue to evolve, a chamber's ability to adapt, thrive and think strategically is paramount to achieving success and spurring economic growth. Here’s a look at a few programs that helped earn these chambers a spot as a Chamber of the Year finalist in Category Four.

You can watch all the finalists' short overview videos on YouTube.

Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership’s dual membership model connects local chamber membership with regional Partnership benefits, giving affiliate chamber members access to broader business support, professional development, networking, advocacy and regional resources. The model is also strengthening the affiliate chamber network itself through shared programming, peer learning and new resources, including ACCE membership for affiliate chambers. The network grew to more than 7,200 regional chamber members in 2025.

Mobile Area Chamber

The Mobile Area Chamber is working to reduce transportation barriers through the MoGo Rideshare Program, a workforce transportation initiative designed to improve access to jobs, education and opportunity across Mobile County. Launched as a 12-month, app-based pilot, the program serves a 17-mile zone and offers free rides to select employment and training centers, along with $1.25 rides to other destinations in the service area. Supported by a $500,000 grant and local seed funding, MoGo addresses a barrier that 31% of surveyed unemployed and underemployed Alabamians identified as their primary obstacle to employment. 

OneSpartanburg, Inc.

OneSpartanburg, Inc. is supporting small and minority-owned business growth through PowerUp Spartanburg, an initiative focused on capital, technical assistance, mentorship, supplier connections and business development resources. Since launch, the program has engaged more than 1,600 small businesses and entrepreneurs, provided 276 expert consultations, supported 38 mentorship teams, helped secure $12.4 million in contracts and awarded $3.6 million in loans and $663,000 in grants.

 Chambers of commerce qualify for Chamber of the Year through a rigorous multi-stage process that evaluates organizational performance, operations and programmatic work. Applicants are grouped by budget category, reviewed by peer chamber executives and finalists complete an interview with experienced chamber professionals, with conflict-of-interest policies in place to ensure a fair competition. Learn more.

Read more about finalists from other categories: Category One | Category Two | Category Three

Learn who will be the Category Four Chamber of the Year at the #ACCE26 Awards Show on Tuesday, July 21 in New Orleans.
The Chamber of the Year program is sponsored by GrowthZone. Can’t make it? Follow @ACCEHQ on any social media platform to see who wins as it happens!