Leader to Leader: Chamber Credibility & Influence

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: The W.A.C.E. 3-C Chamber Brand Project defined a set of key values that give Chamber credibility and influence. These included "Being a Trusted Convener and Connector," "Operating with a Results-Driven Focus," "Being a Proven Hub of Information", "Being a Defender of Business Values," and "Fostering a Culture of Collaboration." Of these, which of these are you leaning into now and why?

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"While I can say we are focused on each of these, we seem to already carry the perception of "Being a Trusted Convener and Connector" and having just started in this role, one of my strategic initiatives is to be "Operating with a Results-Driven Focus." What this means is getting down to the brass tacks of "why we are doing what we have done and continue to do." Any of the activities that the Chamber does and completes should be with the intention that it provides impactful results to our membership and community as a whole. Because the business environment and world at-large are constantly evolving we must always evaluate and adjust to make sure we are providing value."
- Michelle Carlen, President & CEO, Gilroy Chamber

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"Being a Trusted Convener and Connector - we have evolved to a point of being invited to and sought out to be at the table for many key conversations, community initiatives, and partnerships to elevate our community. "
- Trish Christensen, President & CEO, Modesto Chamber

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"The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is leaning most into our role as a trusted convener and connector—paired with a results-driven focus to make measurable progress on our region’s biggest challenges. Through our Elevate 2028 initiative, we’ve united business, government, and nonprofit leaders around a bold economic development vision focused on infrastructure, workforce, housing, downtown revitalization, and civic leadership. To date we've raised $5 million to fund the initiative and already, this work is turning strategy into action with tangible results.
We’re also building coalitions to tackle issues critical to our economy and quality of life. Our A.C.T. Now Lane initiative brings together housing, business, and service providers to address chronic homelessness, while our childcare business accelerator is expanding early learning options for working families. These efforts show the chamber is more than a voice for business—we’re a partner in solving community problems. By bringing the right people to the table, fostering collaboration, and following through, we’re strengthening our credibility and delivering real impact."
- Brittany Quick-Warner, President & CEO, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

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