Best in the West Recognized at 2024 Conference

WACE members excel in a wide range of activities, both as individuals and as organizations.   We’re thrilled each year to have an opportunity to highlight those who are leading the way.  ​

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Individual Awards

• Executive of the Year: Rana Ghadban, Roseville (CA) Chamber
• Gerald W. Hathaway “Staff Person of the Year Award:  Renay Sehgal Mehta, Chino Valley (CA) Chamber
• Russell J. Hammer Scholarship Award:  Bo Hellams, Bullhead Area (AZ) Chamber
• Steve Rose Memorial Scholarship Award:  Bobby Spiegel, ACE, Corona (CA) Chamber

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Accredited Chamber Executives

• 10 year renewal: Tallia Hart, ACE, Healdsburg (CA) Chamber
• 5 year renewal: Jeremy Harris, ACE, Long Beach (CA) Chamber
• New Accreditation:
  • Trish Christensen, ACE, Modesto (CA) Chamber
  • Whitney Diver McEvoy, ACE, Yountville (CA) Chamber​

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Service Awards

• 5 years: Tara Harman, Zeb Welborn, Kira Zavala, Valerie Zizak-Morais
• 10 years: Heather Estrada
• 15 years: Patrick Ellis, Lisa D. Farquharson
• 20 years: Nancy Lindholm
• 25 years: Tallia Hart, Dennis King, Donnette Silva Carter, Marnie Uhl
• 35 years: Judy Nelson

Board Chair Lorraine Clarno (right) recognizes Judy Nelson for 35 years of chamber leadership

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Communication Awards
Overall Outstanding Communication Award: Chino Valley (CA) Chamber

E-Newsletter Award:

• First Place (t): Boise Metro (ID) Chamber
• First Place (t): Greater Irvine (CA) Chamber
• Special Merit: Atascadero (CA) Chamber
• Honorable Mention: Long Beach Area (CA) Chamber

Newsletter Award:

• First Place: Roseville Area (CA) Chamber
• Special Merit: The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County (OR)
• Special Merit: Vegas (NV) Chamber

Video Award:

• First Place: Atascadero (CA) Chamber
• Special Merit: Greater Conejo (CA) Chamber
• Honorable Mention: Vegas (NV) Chamber
• Honorable Mention: Carlsbad (CA) Chamber

(Note:  videos can be viewed in the Video Library on the WACE website; membership access needed)

Website Awards

• First Place: Atascadero (CA) Chamber www.atascaderochamber.org
• ​Special Merit: Greater Irvine (CA) Chamber www.greaterirvinechamber.com
• Honorable Mention: Greater High Desert (CA) Chamber www.ghdcc.com