2008 W.A.C.E. Conference Photos – Doubletree Mission Valley  – San Diego CA

W.A.C.E.’s newest Accredited Chamber Executives (ACE) are (L-R) Kara Kelley (Las Vegas NV), Marnie Uhl (Prescott Valley AZ) and Lesie Carnes (Pendleton OR).

W.A.C.E. Chairman Circle member Century Publishing (L-R) Jim Carlson, Natalie Carlson, Dana Kopecky, and Pamela Hewett.

 
W.A.C.E.’s 2008 Executive Committee includes (L-R) Wayne Griffin (Catalina Island CA), Diane Schwenke (Grand Junction CO), Cindy Roth (Riverside CA), Betty Nokes (Bellevue WA), Debbie Moreno (Bakersfield CA) and Jim Goodwin (Chico CA)

Comedian Russ Stolnack provided plenty of laughs at Thursday night's Installation Dinner. Stolnack's appearance was sponsored by Sempra Energy.

Larry Winget was this year's keynoter and told conference participants to "Shut Up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life!"

Friday’s morning panel on “WACE's Hispanic Business Research Project” included (L-R) Scott Raty (Pleasanton CA), Barbara Glennie (Torrance CA), and Jack Camper (Tucson AZ)

Thursday's luncheon speaker was Jean Twenge talking about "Generation Me"

2008 W.A.C.E. Chairman Wayne Griffin (Catalina Island CA) presents the Past Chairman’s plaque to Kara Kelley (Las Vegas NV)) at Thursday night’s Installation Dinner.

Newly elected WACE Board members were (L-R) Steve Van Dorn (Santa Clara CA), Gary Toebben (Los Angeles CA), Betty Nokes (Bellevue WA), Simon Brackley (Santa Fe NM), Tom Pierson (Federal Way WA), Al Smith (Fresno CA). Seated are (L-R) Deanna Palm (Hillsboro OR) and Lorraine Clarno (Beaverton OR)

Bill Stainton closed out the conference at Friday's luncheon with a program titled "The Five Best Decisions the Beatles Made and Why You Should Make Them Too."

Academy officially graduated its 2007 class – 18 members in all!  The class also presented WACE with a scholarship for the 2008 Academy, August 10-14.

Chris Frank (L) (formerly with the Bakersfield Chamber) was presented with a Life Membership in WACE by 2007 Chairman Kara Kelley (Las Vegas NV)

Jan Sobel (R) formerly with the Encino and Carlsbad chambers was presented with a Life Membership in WACE by 2007 Chairman Kara Kelley (Las Vegas NV)

W.A.C.E. Chairman Circle Platinum member – Village Profile (L-R) Dave Mason, Stu Silk and Mark Waligorski.

The Riverside Chamber was a big winner in the publication and web site categories. 2007 W.A.C.E. Chairman Kara Kelley represents awards to Cindy Roth, President/CEO of the Riverside Chambers.

Ed Guiles, EVP of Sempra Energy Pacific Gas & Electric sponsored the Thursday night Installation Dinner and entertainer - Russ Stolnack.

Retiring W.A.C.E. Board members (L-R) Tina Bruess (Payson AZ), Matt Mahood (Sacramento CA), Richard Luehrs (Newport Beach CA), Wilda Parks (N. Clackamas County OR) and Ken Oplinger (Bellingham WA). Not pictured are Dave Hauser (Eugene OR) and Mike Hauser (Santa Rosa CA)

Nichole Chambers (Dana Point CA) was one of eighteen Academy graduates to receive her Academy certificate from Academy Steering Committee chairman Wayne Griffin (Catalina Island) at Friday’s Graduation ceremonies.