Award Guidelines Among the criteria used in the evaluation will be:
Overall Design—overall impression of the look and feel of the web site, graphics, ease of use and navigation, support of chamber brand, photography, feature rich, content prioritized by use and importance, etc.
Content—overall quality, timeliness and relevance of information, clear concise text, high quality photography, no typos or bad grammar, addresses primary audience(s), etc.
Search Engine Optimization—does the chamber web site appear on the first page listing of major search engines like Google, etc.
Awards may be made in categories based on chamber size, if required minimum point total is achieved. While top web sites will be recognized at the association’s annual conference in February, ALL entries will receive evaluations from judges. Judging will take place between December 1–11, 2023 (approx.) NOTE: Specialty sites are not eligible. Application Fee: $50
Newsletter/Magazine Awards
2025 Awardees: Small Chamber – Vista (CA) Chamber Large Chamber - Eugene Area (OR) Chamber 2024 Awardees: First Place – Roseville Area (CA) Chamber Special Merit – The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County (OR) Special Merit – Vegas (NV) Chamber
Award Guidelines: Evaluations will be based on the following criteria in judging newsletter or magazine entries:
Photos
Alerts to members
Communicating the chamber core competencies
Headlines and copy
Photo captions
Editorial style
Editorial content
People intensive
General design
Production
Printed/electronic newsletter or magazine awards may be made in categories based on chamber size. A minimum point total is required in order to be eligible for an award. In addition, special awards including Outstanding Achievement, Journalistic Excellence and Strong Business Image may also be presented. NOTE: Only printed/electronic newsletters or magazines published/distributed during the current year are eligible for submission. Directories and annual publications are NOT eligible. Application Fee: $50
E-Newsletter Awards
2025 Awardees: Small Chamber – Mammoth Lakes (CA) Chamber Large Chamber - Tacoma-Pierce County (WA) Chamber 2024 Awardees: First Place – Boise Metro (ID) Chamber First Place – Greater Irvine (CA) Chamber Special Merit – Atascadero (CA) Chamber Honorable Mention – Long Beach Area (CA) Chamber
Award Guidelines Criteria in judging e-newsletter entries will include:
Professional look/first impression
Content — good balance of stories, not all events
Good headlines
Quick read/overall length — (use of “more” or for the “full story click here”)
W.A.C.E. showcases the best examples of videos produced by Chambers of Commerce in the West to tell their story and communicate value. This is your chance to highlight what your chamber is doing and accomplishing for your members, your local economy and your community... being a Catalyst, Convener & Champion. 2025 Awardees: Small Chamber - Red Bluff Tehama County (CA) Chamber Large Chamber - Long Beach Area (CA) Chamber 2024 Awardees: First Place - Atascadero (CA) Chamber Special Merit - Greater Conejo Valley (CA) Chamber Honorable Mention - Vegas (NV) Chamber Honorable Mention - Carlsbad (CA) Chamber
View the actual videos in our Video Library (membership needed to access)
Award Criteria 1. Videos should not be longer that 90 seconds. 2. Videos cannot contain copyrighted content or music without proof of authorization from the owner. 3. By entering the contest, you are agreeing to allow your video to be used by W.A.C.E. and posted on the W.A.C.E. website in the video library. 4. Video cannot have been previously submitted. Must have been released in 2023. Judging: will be based on: • Message Effectiveness • Image & Professionalism • Creativity Recognition: The winning video(s) will be recognized and shown at the annual W.A.C.E. Conference in February. Application Fee: $50 per video. Chambers may submit more than one video. There is no limit but a separate application is required for each video.
Outstanding Communications Achievement
This award is presented to a chamber with an outstanding communication program. In order to be eligible for this "best of show" type of award, chambers had to provide copies of their membership sales packet, be entered in the Web Site Award judging, be entered in with the Newsletter/Magazine Awards OR the E-newsletter Awards judging, and needed to demonstrate how it is incorporating the use of social media and tool kit terminology into their overall communications program. 2025 Awardee: Vegas (NV) Chamber 2024 Awardee: Chino Valley (CA) Chamber
Award Criteria Awards will be presented in two categories based on chamber size Eligibility: Entries for the Overall Communication Award need to meet the following criteria:
Submit a sample of your chamber’s membership sales packet.
Be entered in two of the following: 2023 Web Site Awards, 2023 E-Newsletter Awards OR the 2023 Newsletter/Magazine Awards
Submit a 150 word essay on how your chamber is incorporating various social media platforms into your overall communications program
Submit a 150 word essay on how your chamber is incorporating messaging from the recent W.A.C.E. Chamber Branding research.
