Step Into the Spotlight: Apply for W.A.C.E. Awards & Scholarships!

In a season of uncertainty and rapid change, Chambers and their leaders continue to support local businesses and their broader communities with innovative and impactful programming, on-point and trustworthy communications, and real community-oriented leadership.    The work of local Chambers – including yours - is noteworthy.

​One of our highlights each year is the opportunity to recognize excellence to inspire Chambers everywhere to step up their game.   “When I first started in Chamber work, I had some great mentors who told me that R&D in the Chamber industry means “rip off and deploy,” shared Glenn Morris.   “One of the reasons I was successful as a local Chamber CEO was the willingness of peers to share and work collaboratively across communities.”

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WACE Chamber and Individual Awards
WACE’s Awards program is designed to highlight excellence in local Chambers and the individuals who lead those Chambers. Specifically, WACE provides recognition through these awards as part of each Annual Conference:

• E-Newsletter
• Newsletter/Magazine
• Social Media Campaign  (NEW In 2025!)
• Video
• Website
• Overall Communications
• Outstanding Chamber Programs
• Executive of the Year
• Hathaway Team Member of the Year
• Pettit Memorial Excellence in Leadership Award
• Hammer Memorial Scholarship
• Rose Memorial Scholarship

Details about the awards and the judging criteria can be found on the WACE website.   New this year, WACE has partnered with VoterFly to provide a fresh and user-friendly application portal.   The portal will be open by the end of October and will remain open until November 28.  A notice will be sent to all members when the site opens!
 
Regardless of whether an entry wins or not, all applications receive feedback from the judging panels, which alone is worth the effort and cost to apply.
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Annual Conference Scholarships
The WACE Educational Foundation annually provides scholarships to help Chamber professionals attend the Annual Conference. This year, the Foundation is offering fifteen (15) scholarships of $760 (full early-bird registration) to help defray the costs of attending the conference. Applications can be submitted through the WACE Award/Scholarship Application Portal before November 28.  Award selections will be shared by the middle of December.