Our Chamber Snapshot surveys provide a timely look at trends in the Chamber Industry. In October, we asked Chamber industry leaders about membership trends they are seeing in their organization. Check out the results below, and be sure to participate in our November Snapshot Survey on Chamber Issues & Outlook.

We've all heard that AI is important, but what does it actually mean for daily chamber operations? The recent WACE webinar, "AI: Real World Use Cases for Chambers," brought together chamber executives to share concrete, replicable ways they're putting AI to work to boost efficiency, retention, and revenue.

WACE’s recently completed Chamber Operations survey covered a wide range of issues and surfaced interesting trends.  The full survey results will be released shortly, but I wanted to respond to one concerning trend the survey surfaced.

If, when, and how much to raise member dues is a discussion as old as Chambers.   Chamber leaders must balance economic conditions, local support levels, and a host of other variables in setting a price for their members.  Many Chambers try to simplify the decision by adopting bylaw or policy provisions that essentially automate the decision.  
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Yet, it was surprising to see these data points:  56% of responding Chambers did not raise membership investment rates in 2025, and 58% report they do not plan to do so in 2026.

For our first “Chamber Snapshot” Survey, we asked about two celebrations and what (if anything) Chambers are planning to do to celebrate. 

The Board’s Executive Committee recently approved the appointment of the following individuals to serve as members of the 2024 Nominating Committee:

• John Brewer, Billings Chamber (chair)
• Jeremy Harris, Long Beach Area Chamber
• Todd Sanders, Greater Phoenix Chamber
• Kami Welch, Greater Arvada Chamber
• Valerie Zizak-Morais, American Canyon Chamber
• Glenn Morris, WACE

The W.A.C.E. Bylaws (Article VI – Elections and Appointments) charge the Nominating Committee with two responsibilities, e.g. recommending a slate of candidates to serve on the WACE Board of Directors, and nominating a slate of officers to lead the Board during the next fiscal year.

W.A.C.E.’s mission calls on us to lead and promote the development of Chamber professionals.   Through programs like the W.A.C.E. Academy, Annual Conference, and others, we seek to ensure Chamber professionals have the opportunities necessary to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective catalysts and change agents in their communities.

In a season of uncertainty and rapid change, Chambers and their leaders continue to support local businesses and their broader communities with innovative and impactful programming, on-point and trustworthy communications, and real community-oriented leadership.    The work of local Chambers – including yours - is noteworthy.

​One of our highlights each year is the opportunity to recognize excellence to inspire Chambers everywhere to step up their game.   “When I first started in Chamber work, I had some great mentors who told me that R&D in the Chamber industry means “rip off and deploy,” shared Glenn Morris.   “One of the reasons I was successful as a local Chamber CEO was the willingness of peers to share and work collaboratively across communities.”

​Conference planning season is in full swing, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be serving as Chair for this year’s WACE Conference, February 3–6 in Tucson, Arizona. This year, we’re taking a fresh approach: elevating you as a whole person. Our theme, IGNITE: Mind, Chamber, Soul, reflects our commitment to spark your professional mindset, strengthen your leadership within your chamber, and fuel your creativity with opportunities that nurture your soul.
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A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Westin La Paloma resort in Tucson AZ where the conference will be held, and it is stunning! I know you will love the desert landscape, the resort amenities, and, of course, the authentic food. 

W.A.C.E.’s “Leader to Leader” column poses timely questions to Chamber leaders across the Western region to provide valuable insight and ideas to our readers.

This month, we asked: What are Chamber leaders not talking about enough and why should we?​