Fostering Connection & Industry Retention a Priority for Emerging Leaders

The focus this year for the W.A.C.E.’s Emerging Leaders is to maximize the opportunities we provide for professional development, peer networking, and ultimately retention in the Chamber industry.

I still cringe when I think back to my interview for a communications position with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. I specifically remember being asked if I knew what a Chamber of Commerce was, and my unprepared self, muttering and stuttering my way through an “I’m not exactly sure” response. I was there looking for a marketing job that I hoped would be a stepping stone in my communications career. Eight years later, I can’t imagine myself doing anything besides Chamber work.
When I meet others in our industry, I always enjoy hearing their “origin stories” of how they got into Chamber work. And perhaps more interesting, I enjoy asking those who have been in this industry for a number of years, what made them stay.

While people’s paths for getting into Chamber work can vary greatly, I’ve found a lot of similarities in why people say they chose to continue working in our industry. It’s the impact we can make in our communities. It’s the people we get to work with, the people we get to serve, and the relationships with industry peers we develop through programming like W.A.C.E. Perhaps, like many things, it comes back to connections and feeling a sense of belonging.

W.A.C.E. had a direct impact on my decision to shift my career goals from marketing to the Chamber industry. Attending conferences, completing Academy and being part of the Emerging Leaders Council has introduced me to industry leadership who have inspired me by the impact they’ve made in their community. I’ve seen from others unique opportunity I have to make a similar impact in the community I love. I’ve also made countless connections with industry peers who have become friends. When it comes to industry retention and professional development, I’ve seen first-hand the impact W.A.C.E. can have. Frankly, I’m not sure if I’d still be in this industry if I hadn’t been fortunate enough to be introduced to W.A.C.E. so early in my career.

The focus this year for the W.A.C.E.’s Emerging Leaders is to maximize the opportunities we provide for professional development, peer networking, and ultimately retention in the Chamber industry.

W.A.C.E's Emerging Leaders program is open those with less than 10 years of professional experience in the Chamber industry, and who are looking to grow their Chamber industry career. Emerging leaders meet monthly on zoom and are invited to attend W.A.C.E. Board Meetings as non-voting members. The group is actively involved in the conference planning, connects with Chamber industry leadership, and serves as a trusted peer group for support through the challenges and triumphs this industry can bring.
This year, the changes in W.A.C.E. have brought new opportunities for the Emerging Leaders Council to look at how we’re structured, our value, and how we can make sure we’re providing opportunities for professional development and peer connection. Ultimately, how do we provide a space of growth, connection, and belonging that encourages talented individuals to stay in this industry?

I’m honored to serve at Chair for the Emerging Leaders Council through this time of change, growth and opportunity for the Association. This year’s Emerging Leaders Council is made up of a group of talented, insightful and dedicated Chamber professionals. They’ve already shown they are not only committed to how they can grow professionally through this group, but also to building a Council that can serve as a pipeline for retention in our industry for years to come.

I look forward to working with our Council and W.A.C.E. leadership to see how we can continue building and retaining a strong pipeline of talent for this crazy, challenging and incredibly rewarding industry we all chose to work in.

Molly Schiff is the Director of Advocacy & Initiatives at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, and Chair of W.A.C.E.’s Emerging Leaders Council. A full list of council members is available at https://www.waceonline.com/emergingleaders.html . To learn more about the Emerging Leaders Council, email Molly at [email protected].

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