The Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) presents an annual award to a chamber executive in recognition of outstanding contributions in advancing the professionalism of the chamber business and encouraging others to make chamber work a career.
The award is NOT a one-year award and is normally presented to a W.A.C.E. member who has a long track record of assisting his/her peers and advancing the professionalism of the chamber business.
The award is presented in memory of Russell E. Pettit, who served as the chief executive of the San Jose (CA) Chamber of Commerce for 40 years. Pettit served his community and his fellow executives in the highest professional manner and always gave unselfishly of his time.
No Award was given in 2024
Award Eligibility: Any chamber of commerce chief executive or department head, who is a W.A.C.E. member in good standing, is eligible for nomination.
Nominations can be made by chamber executives acting together in a county, regional or state association or by any three W.A.C.E. members in good standing. The recipient will be announced and the award presented during the annual W.A.C.E. Conference.
