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.
2024 Recipient: Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE Greater San Fernando Valley (CA) Chamber
WACE Board Chair Kami Welch (R) congratulates Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE, President/CEO of the Greater San Fernando Valley (CA) Chamber.
Award Eligibility: To qualify for the Steve Rose Memorial Scholarship Award, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must currently be the chief paid executive of a chamber of commerce.
Must be in the chamber of commerce industry for a minimum of 10 years (time served may include time as a staff member and executive combined).
Must be employed full time during the preceding year and plan to continue working as the chief paid executive.
Must be a current member in good standing of W.A.C.E.
Applicants should be working toward obtaining or renewing their Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) designation.
Must attend the W.A.C.E. Conference to accept the award
Previous Recipients (*still in chamber work)
2021 - Patrick Ellis, ACE* 2022 - Colin Diaz, ACE 2023 - Bobby Spiegel, ACE*
