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Kami Welch, Board Chair, W.A.C.E. & President/CEO, Greater Arvada (CO) Chamber  Chamber work is challenging and rewarding, testing our resolve while offering unique growth opportunities. As a seasoned Chamber leader, I've experienced the highs and lows of this journey, and I know many of you share similar experiences. Our work requires commitment, passion, patience, and innovation. In today's complex landscape of national, state, and local tensions, we must navigate carefully to avoid burnout while driving positive change for our communities.
Recent data from the ACCE Harris Poll underscores the importance of our role: 81% of U.S. adults view their local chamber as a trusted resource and partner for businesses, while 90% believe Chambers significantly influence local economic growth. These figures reflect the responsibility and trust placed in us, highlighting our unique position to bring together diverse stakeholders and address pressing issues. This role aligns with Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," which encapsulates our mission as Chambers. We don't simply react; we proactively lead, fostering positive change in our communities. As Chamber leaders, this data and philosophy serve as powerful reminders of our potential for impact, driving us to continually strive for excellence in serving our communities.
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The W.A.C.E. Foundation is committed to supporting our members by providing valuable scholarships for the Annual Conference and the W.A.C.E. Academy. To continue this important work, we need your help – and it’s easier than you might think!
One of the best ways to contribute is by donating an auction item for the Awards Dinner in February. Whether it’s a unique experience, a weekend getaway, or a curated local package, your donation can highlight the distinct character, thriving economy, and dynamic business community of your Chamber to a large and engaged audience. The W.A.C.E. Foundation Board is pleased to announce that the following chamber professionals will receive scholarships in the amount of $575 each to assist with their registration for the 2025 W.A.C.E. Conference in Henderson, NV on February 4-7, 2025.
Katie Stice, IOM, Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce  Ready to supercharge your chamber's impact?
Join us for a mind-blowing conference that will equip you with the latest insights, cutting-edge strategies, and powerful connections to drive your organization to new heights. Why You Can't Miss It:
The W.A.C.E. Nominating Committee convened over the past few months and is submitting the following slate of members for service as officers and members of the Board of Directors of the association. All members listed below have been contacted and have agreed to serve.
The U.S. Chamber has developed a new online tool to help businesses comply with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), after hearing from many Chambers about the confusion businesses are encountering with the new law.
The U.S. Chamber is working to delay the January 1st deadline, but in the meantime also want to make sure that businesses have the tools they need to be compliant with the CTA should this effort fail. Western Association of Chamber Executives Welcomes New Members to Emerging Leaders Council11/21/2024 The Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) is proud to announce the newest members of its Emerging Leaders Council, a dynamic group of chamber professionals dedicated to advancing their leadership in the chamber industry, and shaping the future of W.A.C.E.
The Emerging Leaders Council serves as a platform for upcoming leaders in the chamber industry to engage in meaningful conversations, share best practices, and address challenges facing chambers of commerce today. Emerging Leaders also contribute to the growth and development of W.A.C.E. by attending Board meetings, volunteering on W.A.C.E. committees, and assisting with the Annual Conference. Glenn Morris, President & CEO, W.A.C.E.
Recently, our friends at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) released the results of a public opinion poll they commissioned on the Impact and Value of Chambers of Commerce (https://www.acce.org/pages/poll). The poll, conducted by The Harris Poll organization, includes findings that affirm what many Chambers know and incorporate into their work as well as data about how Chambers are perceived by the general public that we may not have fully appreciated and capitalized on fully. ACCE’s report highlighted five key findings, which to me offered insights into two opportunities – 1) strengthening the relationship of a local Chamber with its broader community, and 2) providing additional support for our member recruitment efforts. With respect to our ACCE partners, I’ve taken the liberty of re-ordering the findings to fit into the my two themes: General Session speakers at WACE’s Annual Conference are often highlights of the overall experience. The Conference Committee is excited to introduce the four individuals who will headline our general sessions this year!
As a WACE member, your Chamber has access to a wide range of tools and resources designed to help you elevate the impact your Chamber has in your community.
One of the services offered by WACE is the Chamber Performance Survey. This tool gives you the chance to benchmark your members’ priorities and their perception of your impact against the responses from hundreds of Chambers around the West. The survey focuses on the key areas of performance identified by WACE as essential to the successful operation of a Chamber. The survey asks your members how important each of these focus areas is to them, and how well they perceive the Chamber doing in that area. |
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