The Steve Rose Memorial Scholarship Awards has been established by the W.A.C.E. Foundation Board to encourage chamber chief paid executives with 10 or more years experience to continue to upgrade and expand their skills. The award includes a $1,500 professional development scholarship.
Steve Rose was a 30-year chamber executive who served on the W.A.C.E. Board, W.A.C.E. Foundation Board, Southern California Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (SCACCE) Board, and the Board of the Westside Council of Chambers. Steve recognized that supplemental funding to support opportunities for professional development would enable chamber professionals to advance their knowledge or career paths and improve their own chamber. Upon his passing, he bequeathed a portion of his estate to the W.A.C.E. Foundation for that purpose. Steve had a deep commitment to professional development, as well as loyalty and dedication to the goals of both W.A.C.E. and the W.A.C.E. Foundation and felt that professional conferences are essential to improving both the individual and the chamber in which they serve.
2025 Recipient: Sara Watts Gilbert (AZ) Chamber
WACE Board Chair John Brewer & Past Chair Kami Welch congratulate Sara Watts, President/CEO of the Gilbert (AZ) Chamber.
Previous Recipients (*still in chamber work)
2021 - Patrick Ellis, ACE* 2022 - Colin Diaz, ACE* 2023 - Bobby Spiegel, ACE 2024 - Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE*
Award Overview & Criteria:
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