Resources for Chamber Leadership
 Each month, we profile a national organization with which ARS has partnered to reach a broader audience capable of initiating action across sectors and jurisdictions. (For a full listing of ARS Strategic Partners, click the About Us button the home page of this website.) Founded in 1914 as the National Association of Commercial Organization Secretaries (NACOS), the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is a national association dedicated to serving individuals involved in the management of chambers of all sizes. The organizations programs and services are designed to meet the needs of chamber executives and professionals, who hold positions requiring leadership, vision and strong management skills. ACCE is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. and represents over 1,300 members servicing 5,400 staff throughout the United States and internationally.
ACCE dedicates its resources and energies to enhancing the professional growth, career development and management effectiveness of chamber executives and staff, while working to upgrade the professional standing of those active in the fields of chamber management, community leadership and economic development. The organization pursues these objectives through an annual national convention (scheduled this year for August 11-14 in Orlando, Florida), periodic regional and on-line conferences and seminars, an on-line resource library, and various publications. ACCE also offers its members a range of cost-effective health insurance and retirement plans. It offers an array of educational and learning opportunities, from practical how-to products to visionary leadership and problem-solving programs, all intended to sharpen leadership and management skills. ACCE also works to identify, analyze and document trends, benchmarks and best practices.
Recognizing that a sound communications program can position a chamber as a major information and community resource, ACCE sponsors the annual Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE) program to honor members who excel in the communications field, whether through printed, web-based or other electronic media. Awards are made in the following categories: Electronic Communications, Advertising Materials, Member/Community Communications, Reports/Special Publications, and Programs and Campaigns.
ACCE sponsors four Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that are organized to provide targeted professional development programs and services. Addressing the topics of Business Development and Strategic Programs, Communications, Government Relations, and Workforce Development, the SIGs permit ACCE members to connect with other chamber professionals possessing specialized knowledge, resources and expertise. They are described in detail below:
Business Development and Strategic Programs. This ACCE SIG concentrates on the trends and strategies chambers can utilize in business retention and expansion programs. Topics and areas addressed through this network include: models and strategies for community economic development; retention, expansion and marketing programs; analyses of issues such as regionalism, sustainability, virtual communities, clusters, and incentives; development of services for small businesses, minority-owned businesses, micro enterprises and manufacturing; and training, finance and assistance programs for business segments.
Communications. This SIG is designed to provide participants with the tools to effectively and efficiently communicate information on services, initiatives and issues to various audiences. Issues addressed by this group include: new developments in the communications and public relations arena; communication delivery vehicleswhen and how to use the World Wide Web, broadcast fax, fax-on-demand, or traditional communications media; media relations and community imaging; crisis planning and management; techniques for efficient and cost-effective communications; and management and dissemination of information to chamber constituencies.
Government Relations. Designed to maximize the effectiveness of government relations programs at the state and local levels, this SIG enhances the professional and technical expertise of chamber professionals charged with outreach to the public sector. Key topics addressed include: constructing the government-relations framework; lobbying techniques and strategies for addressing issues; development and management of grassroots initiatives and lobbying efforts; building relationships with federal, state and local officials; communicating policy issues to chamber constituents and maximizing the outreach role of chamber membership; and using public opinion polls and survey and other research methods.
Workforce Development. No issue is more pervasive or demanding of the talents of chamber staff than workforce development and competitiveness. Consequently, this SIG focuses on the following competencies: the chamber as a convener of schools, the business sector and the community at-large; labor market analysis and employer needs identification; developing workforce strategies; mobilizing and sustaining employer, student, parent, and worker involvement; and chamber involvement in strategic policies, program commitment, leadership, funding, and marketing.
Mr. Mick Fleming is president of ACCE. For more information on the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and all its resources, visit the ACCE website at , send an inquiry to or call .
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