Kami Welch, ACE, President & CEO, Arvada (CO) Chamber; Chair-Elect, W.A.C.E. Board of Directors

​​At the August 2024 Board Meeting, the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) enthusiastically approved a new Strategic Plan that promises a bright future for the Chamber of Commerce industry. This plan is the result of several months of work by the Board to affirm our purpose and vision, and to ensure the work the association engages in aligns with our mission and delivers value to our members.

Earlier this month, W.A.C.E. held the 2024 session of the W.A.C.E. Academy.   More than 150 Chamber professionals spent three days in intensive training sessions designed to help build their capacity to lead Chambers.
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Both during Academy – and in many conversations we have with local Chamber throughout the year – we are asked for referrals to Chambers that are doing particular things well.   One of the real strengths of our industry is the collective willingness to share, mentor, and help another Chamber improve their effectiveness and impact.

To that end, we created a quick survey to identify Chambers that have strong programs related to some foundational (and emerging) topics and are willing to be a resource to others in our industry.   At the same time, we also want to identify topics that Chambers feel they need help with to help direct our future training and educational offerings ... so be honest!