Chairman's Message: Building Chamber Resilience in the Face of Burnout

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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As we look ahead to the opportunities and challenges before us, I'd like to share my approach to managing the roller coaster and avoiding burnout. While I am far from perfect at implementing these practices, I feel more empowered and motivated to take on the work when I do these things consistently.

• Embracing growth: While striving for excellence, I recognize that setbacks are part of the journey. By fostering a culture of innovation, we can learn from our mistakes and continually improve without losing faith in our efforts.
• Leveraging peer relationships: I value the insights gained from fellow Chamber leaders and industry professionals. Through networks like W.A.C.E., we can share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate on initiatives.
• Commitment to learning: Ongoing professional development through conferences, workshops, and industry publications helps us stay relevant and equipped to handle complex issues.
• Prioritizing personal renewal: I recognize the importance of recharging to maintain peak performance. By intentionally carving out time for activities that energize me—whether it's exercise, reading, or spending time with family—I ensure I'm consistently bringing my best to both personal and Chamber responsibilities. This approach helps me stay focused and resilient when facing new challenges.
  
  

The recent 2025 W.A.C.E. conference served as a powerful reminder how these practices fuel me and our industry. It provided a much-needed opportunity to step back from daily operations and gain fresh perspectives and offered incredible connections. 

As Chamber leaders, we have the potential to shape our communities' futures. By harnessing the trust placed in us and implementing thoughtful strategies, we can drive meaningful change. Let's continue to share our experiences and work together to create resilient, thriving communities. Here's to another year of making a difference, one step at a time.

Kami Welch is the Chair of the Board for W.A.C.E. and serves as the President/CEO for the Greater Arvada (CO) Chamber.