Purpose
To enhance and promote the
professional growth and competence of
Chamber of Commerce
Executives.
History
Incorporated in 1924, the
association has played a significant role in the growth and development of
chamber of commerce professionals, including management assistance for new
chamber executives and other staff. Over the years, membership has become
synonymous with access to a network of experienced chamber executives and
exposure to emerging trends and usable ideas on every facet of chamber of
commerce management. In 1995 the association dropped its California
boundary and became the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.).
Membership Services and Benefits
Annual Conference — a three-day management conference held in
early February.
Annual Salary and Benefit Information - an
annual survey of salaries and fringe benefits allows for good
comparative data that is available by size of chamber.
Career Opportunity Bulletin - known as "the pink sheet," the Career Opportunity
Bulletin is a monthly publication that lists employment
opportunities available in chambers throughout the West.
Membership Directory — a listing of all
association members with addresses, phone and fax numbers and other
information — a great networking tool. Available in electronic form.
Professional Recognition
— W.A.C.E. recognizes outstanding performance by chamber executives
and staff through a number of awards presented at the annual conference.
Reduced Fees
— charges for publications
and registration for the annual management conference are significantly
reduced to W.A.C.E. members.
Research Publications —
W.A.C.E. has published research papers on membership
retention, membership recruitment, a guide for chamber board members, a
guide to setting up a foundation, a guide to value-added benefits and
others.
Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE)
Designation — initiated in 1992 to encourage
chamber executives to continually upgrade and expand their skills through
continuing education, and encourage chamber boards of directors to
recognize chamber professionals and provide funding for training for their
executives. Recipients of the accreditation are honored at the annual
conferences. Must be updated every five years.
Data Files —
numerous files (both hard copy and electronic) of up-to-date chamber
information, including samples of chamber publications, program
brochures, job descriptions, employment contracts and samples of other
materials.
Scholarships —
awarded to chamber executives and staff through the
association’s Educational Foundation to assist with costs associated with
the W.A.C.E.'s Academy and the U.S. Chamber’s Winter Institute and registration to the association’s
annual conference and other professional development opportunities.
Webinars - In the Fall
of each year, W.A.C.E. puts on a series of
webinars (that utilizes both telephone and
internet technology) and features outstanding
speakers on subjects of interest to local
chamber executives. Members can participate in
these seminars from the comfort of their own
office.
Executive Leaders Roundtable
— in 1999, W.A.C.E. debuted a special professional development
seminar for chamber CEOs with more than 10 years experience in chamber
work. These day-long seminars are typically held in May of each year
at various locations throughout the West.
Chamber Insider — a
newsletter focusing on chamber trends, success stories, commentaries from
chamber leaders and association news.