Leader to Leader: Industry Advice

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 is one piece of advice you received from a fellow Chamber executive that fundamentally changed the way you run your Chamber?

---

"Lorraine Clarno, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, has been an incredible mentor to me but what has stuck with me the most is her commitment to being a catalyst, convenor and champion. That commitment and message that Chambers can move communities forward by backing initiatives and being involved at the civic level has made an immense impact on me in my work as a Chamber executive and in the work that my Chamber does. I am forever grateful to Lorraine for pushing me to be brave for our community!"
- Callie Aschim, President & CEO, Helena Area Chamber of Commerce​

---

---

"Stop attending every city council meeting.  Watch online to stay aware of what is happening. But only show in-person when commerce related items are on the agenda.  Being there every week, desensitizes them to your presence. When you do arrive,  everyone will want to know what item you are there for and will pay attention to your input.  This has saved me hours of my time and really does get council's attention."
​- Jill Rowland-Lagan, ACE, CEO, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce and Nevada Welcome Center

---

---

"Year two of my now 28-year chamber career brought me to my first WACE Conference where I received great advice in a session led by chamber legend Dave Kilby. The conversation focused on building strong boards, and one key element was to make certain you are part of the nominations process for new directors. My chamber, at that time, had not included the executive in the process, so it would be a shift change to do so moving forward. Everything Dave presented made sense, and I was excited to implement all of the great recommendations starting with adding myself to the nominating team process. What a difference it makes if you as the executive participate, and even better, bring names forward, of those you’ve already vetted, to the table for consideration. I keep a list of potential director recruits that I add to and delete from regularly, and bring those names forward during the nominating process.
The executive works closely with directors, and being connected to your directors through your chamber efforts prior to them joining the board is important as well. We need to have individuals who welcome the opportunity to invest more of their time and resources in our organization, and who have already demonstrated they are a chamber champion. Additionally, with regard to potential directors, consider the demographic makeup of your board members to ensure a cross-section representation of your membership and community."
- Donnette Silva Carter, IOM, President & CEO​, Tulare Chamber of Commerce

---