W.A.C.E. Board Approves Updates to Academy Curriculum

For nearly two years, the Academy Committee has been evaluating the program’s curriculum, design, and graduation requirements.    The intent of the review was to ensure 1) the curriculum continues to be both foundational and relevant, 2) to strengthen the connections between cohort members beyond the program, and 3) to more directly connect Academy graduation and the W.A.C.E. Accredited Chamber Executive recognition.

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Board and Academy Committee member Wendy Laros, president & CEO of the Kona-Kohala Chamber, stated that “our goal was to ensure Academy remains the premier Chamber professional training available and that it was fully aligned with the realities of running a Chamber in today’s evolving market.”   
Academy Committee Chair Chris Romer, president/CEO of the Vail Valley Partnership shared that the committee wanted to ensure that the program delivered on its promise to deliver a solid foundation for graduates, while still leaving room for appropriate changes.  “The temptation for both our chambers and our association is to constantly chase shiny objects to add whatever is new and trendy,” he said. “What makes Academy different is that we don’t do that … while we constantly seek to improve, we always ask ourselves, “what are the most essential knowledge areas Chamber leaders need to be successful now and into the future.” 
Ultimately, the Academy Committee recommended changes in three areas to the Board, which adopted their recommendations.   Starting with the 2026 Academy program will incorporate these updates:
New & Updated Courses

• First Year participants will see one new course, Chamber Operations, which will include elements of the previous Budget Development and Financial Policies & Procedures courses, along with an emphasis on technology and operational efficiency.
• Second Year participants will find three new or modified courses:
  • Community Development will include content related to strategic partnerships & alliances, community initiatives, coalition development, etc.
  • Policy Development will focus on both financial and operational policy development.
  • Revenue & Program Development will build on the previous course, going beyond fundraising opportunities to explore ways to fund the mission by linking programming to revenue.
• Third Year participants will find a more focused Economic Development Basics course exploring business retention & expansion, attraction, and workforce opportunities.

Strengthened Academy Cohorts: 

• Academy cohorts will participate in structured engagements in the months following the August program. These sessions will be facilitated by the Academy Committee and are designed to strengthen peer relationships, provide additional opportunities to explore and share real-world challenges, and prepare individuals to qualify for the Accredited Chamber Executive designation
  

More Flexibility to Customize "Elective Credits". 

• In addition to completion of the three-year core coursework, Academy graduation requires participants to engage in additional professional development activities that apply to their current or desired responsibilities. Traditionally, credits have been earned by completing workshops or webinars; going forward, credits will also be available for individuals engaged in significant professional service opportunities.

Full details about the refreshed Academy program, along with registration information can be found at this link.