Blogs
Meet the Interns: Summer 2019
Stephanie Reed - sreed@acce.org
Introduce yourself!
Hi, I am Stephanie! I am in my fourth year at the University of Georgia studying Political Science and Criminal Justice. After graduation I plan to attend law school.
What is your ideal career and why is that something you strive for?
My dream career is to work in intellectual property law, potentially working my way into a judgeship. With intellectual law is at the core of international discussions and ethical debates, intellectual property, with a focus in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, seem like the perfect blend of my varied interests.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy rock climbing and kiteboarding. I am also on the UGA Sailing Team and a member of Sigma Delta Tau.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would have to be something Italian! After studying abroad in Verona, Italy, I fell in love with the culture and the food.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
A few summers back I climbed the Grand Teton in Wyoming. It was a challenging climb that taught me more about perseverance.
How would you define a Chamber of Commerce?
Chambers of commerce are organizations that aim to advance the interests of business that encourage economic and local growth.
Haley Wadsworth - hwadsworth@acce.org
Introduce yourself!
Hi, I am Haley! I currently attend school at William Jewell College, studying political science, american history and economics with a pre-law emphasis. After reading To Kill a Mockingbird in high school, I knew I wanted to seek to change legal policy.
What is your ideal career and why is that something you strive for?
My ideal career is to be a judge for the US Court of Appeals. A judge holds much greater power to enact a positive change in judicial reform, and I believe that I can enact proper change to uphold the Constitution in a way that is just.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, watching the news or listening to politically focused podcasts. When I am not in class or studying you can typically catch me watching or reading any variety of news outlets.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
BBQ, hands down. Growing up in Texas, BBQ is one of our main food groups.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
In 2016 I interned for the Conservation Corps in Colorado. I was able to be part of a project at Long's Peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park, where we reconstructed and build a hiking trail from the base of the mountain to its peak. It was astonishing to see the impact that a small group of people can make when they work together.
How would you define a Chamber of Commerce?
A chamber of commerce is a local, state or national organization that seeks to further the interest of big business, but also seeks to better the life and welfare of their community.
Tags: #ACCE19, D.C., Internships, talent, Washington
"Why I love Long Beach"
The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce team is excited to welcome you to their hometown next month for #ACCE19. Read their reasons for loving Long Beach and how you, too, will fall in love with Southern California's urban waterfront playground. It's not too late! Register today and join us in Long Beach!
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"When I arrived in 1994, I quickly grew to love this seaside city. A city full of passionate business leaders who are not afraid to give back to their community. A city consisting of its own airport, seaport, health, gas and water departments. A city that our famous Mayor Beverly O’Neill referred as the three T’s: Trade; Technology; and Tourism. We are a first class visitor destination with top quality accommodations, award winning restaurants, unique shopping venues and must see attractions such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, world famous Queen Mary, and the largest road race in America, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. What is not to love about this wonderful city?" |
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"What stands out most to me about Long Beach is its beautiful diversity. Whether it’s the people who reside in it, the array of culture we possess or the number of food options we have. Long Beach is a one of a kind community that I am blessed to be part of." |
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"With great schools, outstanding parks and unmatched nature centers, Long Beach is the perfect place to raise a family. I love Long Beach because my family is never short on activities or ways to get involved within the community. From concerts in the park to attending a sporting event at California State University, everything you need is in Long Beach!" #GoBeach! |
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"The uniqueness that is Long Beach is found in our community-supported small businesses while still embracing a large corporate presence. A big city with a small town feel due to our diverse neighborhoods and business corridors – offering craft breweries, a robust local art scene, entertainment venues, and iconic views. I love Long Beach for all of these things and what’s yet to come!" |
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"Long Beach is often overlooked by people visiting the Los Angeles area…overlooked until they decide to go to the beach, attend an event at the Convention Center or visit the Queen Mary. In the past few years Long Beach has completely transformed itself into a beautiful place to live, play, shop and work. It has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, welcoming people from all walks of life." |
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"From festivals to farmer's markets, breweries to boutiques, museums and much more, Long Beach has activities for everyone to enjoy. It's a beautiful city with gorgeous views and a tight-knit community that's always looking to grow and develop. I'm proud to call Long Beach home!" |
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"Long Beach is truly an incredible place made up of many distinct individuals, as a result, the city offers something for everyone. Our community grows every day, not only stronger, but more diverse and exciting. For those just visiting, there is never a dull moment. For those who choose to live here, our people are warm and welcoming, with new opportunities available every day." |
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"I have loved being a part of Long Beach's development over the past few years. We have a forward-thinking city that is ripe for new opportunities. The residents and business owners of the city are extremely diverse, unlike any other city I've ever seen. Also, you simply cannot beat this weather." |
Tags: #ACCE19, Annual Convention, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Why ACCE's Convention is an Easy “Yes” For Me
We all know chamber work is about deadlines and meetings. And, of course, one is always getting in the way of the other. So, I’ve made it a priority to only spend my time on things that positively contribute to my chamber’s success.
Happily, the annual ACCE convention is an easy “yes” for me because I always take away great ideas, enthusiasm, and a warm feeling that I’ve spent my time well. I would say that if ACCE doesn’t produce a perfect annual convention, it’s pretty darn close every year. From the really cool convention app, to the amazing array of exhibitors, to the fabulous before, during and after parties, ACCE Convention delivers!
I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming #ACCE19 in Long Beach like a 10 year-old looks forward to Christmas! The ACCE team knows how to fill my professional head with exciting ideas in interesting and enjoyable formats. The presentations are clever, informative, and valuable to my chamber’s success. I learn a ton and am entertained doing it!
I especially look forward to the celebration of the annual winners – Chambers of the Year, Excellence in Communications and All-Star Sales. I’ll never forget the magical moment our chamber was announced as a Chamber of the Year. Talk about surreal. It was in Montreal, and we had with us a large group of staff and volunteers. We celebrated like there’s no tomorrow! I love seeing the glowing faces of all the winners each year, which makes me think fondly of our moment in the sun.
It’s hard to place a value on the opportunity to spend time with old friends and make new ones in a terrific venue like Long Beach. We can’t help but talk shop, and I mean that in the most positive way. Successful chambers thrive on the exchange of experiences and methodologies that take place in communities throughout the country. There’s no better way to get your batteries recharged than spending time with other experts in the wonderful world of chambers!
So don’t make the mistake of thinking you could be doing something better by staying home. ACCE knows chambers and chamber execs and how to throw a great annual convention. You will leave Long Beach thankful for the productive use of your time and, who knows, you’ll probably get an idea for your next best program! Looking forward to #ACCE19 and hope you are, too!
Tags: #ACCE19, Annual Convention
Top Three Reasons to Attend ACCE’s Annual Conference
With so many demands on our time and our money, we have to constantly justify where we invest our resources. Having worked in the Chamber business for nine years and in economic development for nearly twenty, I’ve realized that ACCE’s annual gathering is my favorite conference of them all, for three reasons.
First, the speakers and programs are top-notch. ACCE does a good job each year tackling the most current and toughest issues we face as Chambers. Whether your biggest challenge is increasing dues revenue, building the right team or retaining the members you’ve got, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to improve your organization. On top of that, you just might catch Casey Steinbacher talking about how we create collisions, or learn Molly Fletcher’s inspirational story or hear the Des Moines chorus singing about how us Texas Chamber execs can’t stop waving our flags. I always return home with way more ideas than I can implement, and the hardest thing to do is to figure out what NOT to take on next.
Second, the peer networking with colleagues and friends from around the world is the best I’ve ever experienced. If you’ve been through Chamber Institute, WACE or any programs like those around the country, ACCE will feel like a reunion. In the months leading up to Long Beach, the emails and texts have begun to fly, with everyone comparing arrival times and planning the location of that first drink. My Chamber world is one big mostly-happy family, and I can’t wait to see everyone again.
Finally, the host communities always give a great lesson on how to develop a city, and Long Beach should be no exception. Savannah showed us how the historic and modern aspects of a city can thrive together. Nashville was a non-stop music festival everywhere you went, intent on balancing history and down-home culture with nearly overwhelming growth. And Des Moines was the biggest surprise of them all. Jay Byers and his team are doing some amazing things, and I’ve been looking for a reason to go back ever since. Maybe to get another Zombie Burger.
Can somebody bring one to Long Beach?
Tags: #ACCE19, Annual Convention
Celebrating Communications Excellence
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives today announced winners of its Communications Excellence awards program.
Last week, six marketing and communications leaders from Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri and Tennessee gathered at #ACCEHQ to carefully review more than 160 award submissions. We thank our judges for joining us in Alexandria, Virginia, and lending us their eyes and expertise for this year's competition: Jeremy Henderson (Chattanooga Chamber); Joe Pellman (Indy Chamber); Jennifer Gerlock (Frederick County Chamber of Commerce); Mia Jankowiak (Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce); Kyle Oppenhuizen (Greater Des Moines Partnership) and Alesha Henley (St. Louis Regional Chamber).
These entries highlight some of the freshest and most innovative marketing and communications work coming from ACCE member organizations of all types and sizes.
Each submission was organized by type — advertising and marketing, campaigns, digital and publications — and by the submitting organization’s total annual budget range: under $1 million, $1 to $3 million and above $3 million.
In addition to awards listed below, three “Best in Show” awards will be presented at the 2019 Annual Convention in Long Beach, California. Learn more about the Awards for Communications Excellence here.
Grand Awards
These award winners represent the finest entries in each entry category in each of the three total annual budget categories. Winners of the Grand Award go on to compete for the Best in Show, which recognizes the best piece in each of the three categories.
Advertising and Marketing
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Champaign, Illinois
Dr. Rogers' Neighborhood: Photo 1, 2, 3, 4 | Facebook Invite
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce
Huntsville, Alabama
Second Chance Job Fair: Flyer | Handout
Campaigns
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Bentonville, Arkansas
BecauseBentonville Campaign
Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Electric Works Campaign: Regional Video | Website | Advocacy Brief
Digital
Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce
Dalton, Georgia
"When You're in D-Town"
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Lincoln, Nebraska
"Lincoln, We Chose It" Video
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Kansas City, Missouri
A New Website for the KC Chamber: www.kcchamber.com
Publications
Mason Deerfield Chamber
Mason, Ohio
Mason Deerfield Chamber's New Member Packet
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Eugene, Oregon
Open For Business Magazine Rebrand
Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce
Irving, Texas
2018 Irving-Las Colinas Chamber Annual Report
Awards of Excellence
A limited number of Awards of Excellence are presented; winners are selected from submissions of each entry type, from each category. Their work represent communications excellence in the chamber profession.
Advertising and Marketing
Greenville Chamber
Greenville, South Carolina
Marketing Materials
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky
Business Spotlight
Campaigns
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Buffalo, New York
Adaptive Reuse Campaign
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
2019-2022 City Budget Campaign
Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Fort Collins, Colorado
Bringing Business Home Campaign
Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce (dba: Greater Gainesville Chamber)
Gainesville, Florida
Rebranding Florida's Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce
Goshen Chamber of Commerce
Goshen, Indiana
Design & Brand Touchpoints
Greater Green Bay Chamber
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Startup Hub Launch
Loudon County Chamber of Commerce
Leesburg, Virginia
50th Anniversary Rebranding Campaign
One Acadiana
Lafayette, Louisiana
Regional Celebration
Salt Lake Chamber
Salt Lake City, Utah
Housing GAP Coalition Campaign
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Springfield, Missouri
Yes for OTC - Yes on A & B Advocacy Campaign to Pass Property Tax Renewal and Increase Proposals
The Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce (dba: The Chamber)
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Rebranding the Chamber
Digital
Aiken Chamber of Commerce
Aiken, South Carolina
Geofence Targets D.C. Market
Association of Washington Business
Olympia, Washington
AWB News/AWB Amplified
Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga Works
Community Development Foundation
Tupelo, Mississippi
Ignitecast - The Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Eugene, Oregon
Bold Leadership 2019 - Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Goshen Chamber of Commerce
Goshen, Indiana
Walk and Talk with the Chamber FB Live Weekly Series
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Create Great - GR Chamber Year in Review
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
Boston, Massachusetts
City Awake Website
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Des Moines, Iowa
"I'm Up" Music Video
Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Digital Marketing Strategy
Greater Houston Partnership
Houston, Texas
A Redesigned Houston.org
Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce
New Braunfels, Texas
Success Flows Here: Feature Film Highlighting Chamber's 100th Anniversary
Greenville Chamber
Greenville, South Carolina
Online Tier Selector
Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce
Holland, Michigan
Digital Transformation: New Member Journey
One Acadiana
Lafayette, Louisiana
Aligned for Impact Video Series - One Acadiana
St. Louis Regional Chamber
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis Regional Chamber: Making Social Media Trends
Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce
New Bremen, Ohio
Our Community
Tulsa Regional Chamber
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa Creativity Database
Publications
Bossier Chamber of Commerce
Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier Annual Manual
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Annual Report
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Buffalo, New York
2019 Advocacy Agenda
Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Atlanta, Georgia
New Georgia Economy Book
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Des Moines, Iowa
Quarterly Board Reports
Mason Deerfield Chamber
Mason, Ohio
Mason Deerfield Chamber's 2018-19 Community Profile & Relocation Guide
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville 2018 Regional Economic Development Guide
Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
Rogers, Arkansas
The Good Life Destination Guide
Salt Lake Chamber
Salt Lake, Utah
Utah's Growth: Today's Actions Create Tomorrow's Future
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Springfield, Missouri
Community Leadership Visit Report 2018: Chattanooga, TN
Tags: ACE Awards, Awards, Awards for Communications Excellence, Communications, Marketing, #ACCEAwards, ACE
2019 Chamber of the Year finalists
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives today announced finalists for the 2019 Chamber of the Year competition, sponsored by MemberClicks.
Finalists for 2019 Chamber of the Year are (sorted by category):
Category One:
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
Murray, Kentucky
Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
Wooster, Ohio
Effingham County Chamber of Commerce
Effingham, Illinois
Category Two:
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Kalispell, Montana
Longview Chamber of Commerce
Longview, Texas
Grapevine Chamber of Commerce
Grapevine, Texas
Category Three:
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Asheville, North Carolina
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership
Ocala, Florida
Category Four:
Salt Lake Chamber
Salt Lake City, Utah
Greater Louisville Inc.
Louisville, Kentucky
Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce
Irving, Texas
In the final phase of the competition, a judging committee conducts in-person interviews with leaders representing each finalist chamber. One winner from each category will be named at the 2019 ACCE Annual Convention in Long Beach, California.
Learn more about Chamber of the Year here.
Tags: Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, #ACCE19, Greater Louisville Inc., #ACCEAwards, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Longview Chamber of Commerce, Awards, Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce, Best Chambers, Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Salt Lake Chamber, Chamber of the Year, Top Chambers of Commerce, Chamber Professional, Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
10 Reasons to Attend ACCE Convention 2019
ACCE Annual Convention 2019, scheduled for July 14–17, is shaping up to be a sun-sational event for chamber of commerce professionals around the globe. Personalized and immersive with an inspiring focus on the future, the forward-looking innovation and insights featured at this year’s event are sure to give you chills—even in the vibrant warmth of the Long Beach sun.
- Breakout sessions: Get best practices and expert insights from the best in the business with sessions exploring topics and trends that matter most to you or your chamber. From digital communications and membership sales to education and workforce development, ACCE's convention offers sessions for all chamber professionals.
- Long Beach: Sandy beaches and waves ideal for splashing or surfing... a culinary scene that will delight your taste buds... an arts and entertainment scene where the fun never ends... Long Beach, California, has so much to offer. You'll quickly understand why Long Beach was voted one of America's “Most Walkable Cities.”
- Networking: As the saying goes, “If you’ve seen one chamber of commerce, you’ve only seen one chamber of commerce." Driven by your passion for building communities and connections, #ACCE19 provides the unique opportunity to build a strong network of peers from around the world. Start building your network on the first night of the convention! Be sure to sign up for a networking dinner at the convention registration desk when checking in.
- Exhibit Hall: Meet companies serving the chamber industry and see the latest innovative products and services for your organization. Experience the expo hall and the chance to win prizes in a new way on our interactive convention app.
- Food: Long Beach offers a diverse array of cuisines from all over the world. From authentic Spanish tapas to yummy oriental noodles, you will never run out of things to try...or complain about "Chamber Chicken".
- Awards Show: It’s your night to shine as we celebrate the men and women of the chamber world who have made an impact on the profession and those whose innovative efforts are influencing the work of chambers of the future. Hosted by ACCE’s favorite comedian James Cunningham, we’ll induct this year’s Life Member honorees, welcome a new class of Certified Chamber Executives, salute communications and membership superstars and cheer on the 2019 Chambers of the Year.
- Revitalize your passion: What better way to reenergize your passion for the profession than by being around 1,000 of the best and most fun chamber executives in the world. #ACCE19 is the ticket for taking your chamber from transactional to transformational.
- Closing Party: Step aboard the legendary Queen Mary as we visit the 1930s when this stately ocean liner hosted the world’s rich and famous. We will gather on the Verandah Grill and Deck where hand painted murals cover the walls of what used to be the first-class nightclub and restaurant. Enjoy music, fine food and drink as you stroll through to the sun deck to take in dramatic nighttime views of the Long Beach skyline. This is one party you will not want to miss.
- New Ideas, Tools, Tips, Tactics: Explore trends shaping the future of the chamber industry and take your skills to the next level. We’re making sure that you will go home with tactical and practical tools that can be used at your chamber of commerce.
- Keynotes: Ready to be inspired? This year’s keynote speakers will deliver knowledge, motivation, forward focused ideas and strategies for success. Stay tuned for the announcement of our closing keynote!
What are your reasons for attending? Tweet us @ACCEHQ to tell us why you are attending #ACCE19!
ACCE Partners with National Skills Coalition
ACCE’s new strategic partnership with the National Skills Coalition and its Business Leaders United for Workforce Partnerships (BLU) program pairs BLU’s business-driven skills policy expertise with ACCE’s robust member network to elevate the voice of employers in workforce policy discussions.
With the support of the Ballmer Group and J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation, ACCE and BLU will develop a network of seven state-based BLU affiliates in 2019, to be joined by a second cohort in 2020. These BLU affiliates, led by representatives of the chamber community in each state, will be charged with organizing a diverse coalition of businesses and business associations from across each state in order to develop a shared skills policy agenda on behalf of the state’s business community.
BLU will provide infrastructure support and policy guidance to each state affiliate, and ACCE will assist the lead organizations with targeted coalition building and network growth.
Tags: #workforce, workforce, Workforce Development
Bethany Orban Joins ACCE Team
Bethany Orban joins ACCE as the marketing and communications manager after directing the communications and programming efforts for the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance in Tennessee. Bethany will lead ACCE’s efforts to revamp the association’s communications strategy to more effectively showcase the evolving role chambers play as catalytic community leaders. Bethany is passionate about storytelling and wants to hear your stories. Share exciting news from your chamber by contacting Bethany via email at borban@acce.org.
Beth Bronder, Sarah Amoyaw Join ACCE Team
ACCE welcomes two new staff members.
Beth Bronder, vice president, development and partnerships joins ACCE with more than 20 years of development and organizational management experience. Previously, Beth spent several years consulting for the National Governors Association and held a leadership role at CQ Roll Call/The Economist Group. She also held senior-level positions at a number of companies including Bloomberg and Unisys. She can be reached at bbronder@acce.org.
Sarah Amoyaw joins the team as the community advancement and communications coordinator. In this role, Sarah will coordinate professional development activities for ACCE members and develop original content to highlight best practices, industry trends and community impact. She will also support the Education and Talent Development Division’s work with the National Skills Coalition and Business Leaders United. Sarah is a graduate of Towson University and an active member of the local Change Foundation. Contact Sarah via email at samoyaw@acce.org.