2026 Chamber of the Year Finalists: Category Three

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 Three.

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

El Paso Chamber | El Paso, Texas

The El Paso Chamber is using data-driven advocacy to protect cross-border trade and regional economic competitiveness. After the General Services Administration issued a record of decision to remove commercial cargo from the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) without completing an economic impact analysis, the chamber commissioned an independent study expected in early August. 

The chamber has also engaged business leaders, stakeholders and government officials, collected more than 250 support letters submitted to Washington and continued advocacy at the local, state and federal levels to press for a pause in the decision.

The stakes are high as BOTA handles about 1,500 cargo trucks daily, processed $20.6 billion in trade in 2024 and could face a 40% reduction in commercial capacity if commercial lanes are removed.

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce | Eugene, Oregon

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is helping lead a cross-sector response to homelessness through A.C.T. Now Lane. The coalition focuses on housing and prevention, stabilization and support, public safety, employment pathways and systemwide coordination.

The chamber shows the number of people experiencing homelessness has started to decline over the past year, while workforce training efforts have produced graduates in industrial sewing, warehouse and bike repair programs, with trainees receiving additional support through Goodwill Job Connections.

Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce | Toledo, Ohio

In Toledo, the chamber is addressing the benefits cliff through Benefit Bridge, an initiative designed to help workers advance without immediately losing essential public assistance. The program supports workforce participation, employer retention and economic mobility by helping employees navigate the gap between increased earnings and the loss of benefits.

The issue has moved into broader policy conversations, with Benefit Bridge positioned as a model for workforce and benefits reform.

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 Four

Learn who will be the Category Three 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!