Leader to Leader: Chamber Blind Spots

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?​

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"As chamber leaders, we are not talking enough about succession planning for our both organizations and our local businesses. We are so focused on our mission that we do not often pause to think about what happens when key people, whether staff, board, community leaders or business owners depart. The need to move on can be sudden or planned, but either way, preparation makes all the difference. Strong succession planning protects valuable knowledge and allows the work and relationships we have built to continue with less disruption.

Succession planning is just as important for the businesses we serve. Many are family-owned or long-standing community anchors. Without a plan for what happens when an owner or key leader steps away, businesses risk closing or changing in ways that alter the fabric of our community. As chambers, we can raise awareness, share resources, and connect business owners with the tools they need to plan ahead. By encouraging succession planning both inside our organizations and within our business community, we can keep positive momentum going while maintaining the lifeblood and character of our communities."
- Angie Anderson, President & CEO, ​Glenwood Springs Chamber

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"The Chamber’s Role in Workforce and Talent Pipeline Development. As local businesses struggle with labor shortages and evolving skill needs, Chambers are uniquely positioned to align education, training, and employer demands. There needs to be a stronger, visible narrative around how the Chamber is influencing or collaborating with schools, colleges, or workforce boards. It is imperative to position the Chamber as a catalyst for workforce readiness – connecting employers to interns, apprenticeships, or upskilling programs."
- Mark Creffield, President/CEO, Greater High Desert Chamber

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"One thing Chamber leaders don’t talk about enough is the mental health and well-being of our small business owners. Running a business can be incredibly isolating and stressful. Many owners are carrying the weight of staffing shortages, rising costs, and constant change. Chambers often focus on providing resources for financial success, but if business leaders are burned out, it affects their employees, their families, and ultimately the stability of our local economy. 
Chambers are uniquely positioned to normalize this conversation, connect owners with resources, and remind them they’re not alone. If we’re truly champions for a stronger community, we must talk about mental health with our businesses. Supporting well-being is just as essential to a thriving business community as access to capital or new customers."
- Rebecca McCourt, Executive Director, ​Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce

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