The Value of Attending the Annual WACE Conference: Strengthening Our Chamber and Serving Our Members

Each year, our team attends the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Annual Conference, a premier event dedicated to advancing the skills, knowledge, and impact of chamber professionals. This conference is not just an opportunity for professional growth—it directly enhances our ability to serve our members, advocate for businesses, and drive economic success in our community. Here’s how this year’s conference contributed to both our professional development and the strength of our chamber as a whole:

Investing in Leadership and Expertise

Our Communications Manager, Nadine, reached a major milestone by graduating from the prestigious WACE Academy Program, the leading three-year professional development program in the West dedicated entirely to chamber professionals. This achievement strengthens our chamber’s communications strategy, ensuring we remain innovative, influential, and member-focused. With her enhanced expertise, we can better amplify our members' voices, elevate advocacy efforts, and foster deeper connections within the business community. Nadine’s accomplishment is a testament to our chamber’s commitment to continuous growth and long-term success.

Additionally, our President/CEO, Patrick received his 5-Year Accredited Chamber Executive Recertification, a prestigious achievement that reinforces his expertise in chamber leadership, business advocacy, and economic development. This distinction ensures that our chamber remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering high-value programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful resources that support our members' success. His recertification enhances our credibility, strengthens our influence in local and regional business matters, and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Strengthening Our Commitment to Inclusion and Member Representation

After attending last week’s conference, Timarie, our Member Engagement Specialist, shared an important takeaway: we are more committed than ever to ensuring that our chamber is a welcoming and inclusive space where all businesses feel represented and supported. The courses we took provided valuable insights and tools to better serve the entire business community, creating opportunities for success and growth for everyone. Our goal is to advocate for and support businesses from all walks of life, ensuring that our chamber remains a place where all voices are heard and businesses thrive together.

Enhancing Member Value

A key theme throughout the conference was how we can provide even greater value to our members. Chris, Membership & Business Development, reflected on one of the most impactful lessons learned: the importance of truly listening to what matters most to our members. By actively engaging with them, understanding their challenges, and identifying their goals, we can create a clear, strategic path to success. Whether through tailored resources, meaningful connections, or impactful advocacy, we are committed to delivering the right support at the right time, ensuring that every member sees real value in their chamber membership.

Building Meaningful Programs and Events

Our Events & Program Coordinator, Maritza emphasized the importance of developing events that meet the unique needs of our business community. Whether through networking, advocacy, economic development, or community engagement, our goal is to ensure every event serves a clear purpose and provides real value. We’re excited to continue creating meaningful programs that drive impact, foster connections, and support business success.

Our Role as a Trusted Business Resource

The conference also reinforced the critical role we play in keeping our members informed about government actions and their impact on businesses. Our Executive Assistant, Debbie highlighted that we serve as a conveyor of information, ensuring businesses stay updated on policies that affect them. Additionally, we reaffirmed our role as a neutral party, bringing people together—regardless of their position on the political spectrum—to foster collaboration, dialogue, and solutions that benefit the entire business community.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Attending the W.A.C.E. Annual Conference is more than just a professional development opportunity—it’s a commitment to our members and our community. Everything we learn is applied to enhance our chamber’s leadership, strengthen our advocacy efforts, and create programs that truly make a difference. We’re excited to take these insights and put them into action, ensuring that we continue to serve as a trusted resource and a catalyst for business success.

Thank you for being part of our chamber’s journey. We look forward to applying what we’ve learned and continuing to elevate our organization for the benefit of all our members!