ACCE Convention Notebook 2008 - (Page 54)

ACCE YEAR IN REVIEW Sustainable is Sustained In March, 37 Fellows completed their full-immersion ride in ACCE’s Regional Sustainable Development Fellowship by creating regional action projects that are now coming to fruition. The program’s success has prompted the Ford Foundation to allocate an additional $450,000 to allow even more “riders” to participate in 2008–2009. Built for Networking ACCE’s convention has been remade to add not only greater depth and variety of training, but also to proactively foster formation of networks and relationships among members. The new convention model features open hours as well as structured get-togethers around common themes, rather than formal presentations. In addition, networking opportunities have been integrated even more into other aspects of ACCE; in April, ACCE teamed with the U.S. Chamber’s Invested Leaders program to engage the ACCE Board and others in a productive networking exchange in Memphis; and ACCE has begun to form smaller networks of chamber staff professionals in sessions that build camaraderie and idea exchanges. Alliance Aligns In the summer of 2007, the Alliance for Regional Stewardship became an afﬁliate of ACCE, adding a new wealth of professional development resources for chamber leaders. In addition to a powerful new network of regional strategy specialists from the public, private and nonproﬁt sectors, the afﬁliation provides members of both organizations with new bodies of knowledge. Much work has been done by staff and volunteers, culminating in the re-launch of the Regional Strategies Forum on July 30 in Pittsburgh. It’s an Honor As chambers reach a new apex, ACCE is there to recognize them. While only launched in 2007, the process for selecting the Chamber of the Year has been revamped for the second edition of the “crowning” to ensure greater accuracy and access to the prestigious award. Other awards, such as the Award for Communications Excellence, have been streamlined from both the entry and judging perspective; many thanks to the scores of judges who lent their expertise and time to the important evaluation process. Push and Pull Regionally delivered in-person education was put on hiatus for maintenance work, however, more and more demand for DIALogue teleseminars has driven ACCE’s expansion of distance education offerings on topics including green business strategies, membership sales and workforce enhancement. The most striking thing about professional development over the last year, though, is how much learning has turned into a “pull” activity. Traditional “push” programming, like regional seminars, remains important, but more and more, members are reaching into ACCE to ask, download and link their way toward deeper understanding of important issues. It’s all here for those with drive and desire to learn. Information Answers, Before You Have Questions The newest information service developed by ACCE was made possible by a contribution from Wal-Mart. At the urging of members facing similar emerging and contagious policy debates at the state and local level, ACCE has provided support and services aimed at issue understanding and coalition building. ACCE’s Policy Clearinghouse provides sample position papers and draft legislation and many other web-accessed services. The full-time dedicated staff person for the Clearinghouse has also become the “answer man” for members seeking information and direction. Through multi-media exchanges called Issue Jams, the Clearinghouse multiplies the knowledge of individuals through the wisdom and power of the group. Network Development Nets Cast Wider With substantial member investment, ACCE was able to launch the Economic and Community Development Division with programming, resources and peer-to-peer networks previously unavailable to members. Other network expansion includes a new community-based peer group for chambers located in destination cities, as well as a business-social network for women in leadership. The latter focuses on the growing number of women in CEO positions at chambers, recognizing their unique leadership styles. Periodically Informed With a glossy color magazine and half a dozen topical e-periodicals, ACCE delivers news about chambers, their programs and their issues on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. Each Division now also features its own e-newsletter. Chamber Executive continues to receive high marks from members, with new features (advice column, fast facts section) that make the magazine even more valuable. A New Ticket Taker ACCE has added director-level staff support to boost subgroup activity and interaction. Peer groups require encouragement and service from staff, while volunteer advisory boards provide guidance, connections and drive for several peer-to-peer networks based on either professional interest (“Divisions”) or community type (“Community Peer Groups”). 54 ACCE Convention 2008: INNOVATE!

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ACCE Convention Notebook 2008 - DEMO

ACCE Convention Notebook 2008 - DEMO Contents Schedule at a Glance Westin and Convention Center Maps On-Site Convention Information Keynote Speakers Issue Forums: Speakers Regional Strategies Forum 2008: Schedule Convention Schedule/Session Detail Destination Innovation Map Destination Innovation Workshops Notes ACCE Year in Review Official Corporate Sponsors Convention Sponsors & Exhibitors Exhibitor Index Exhibit Hall Map 2008–2009 ACCE Board of Directors ARS Board of Directors CGEF Board of Directors FBI Board of Directors Benefit Trustees CCE Commission ACCE Division Chairs ECD Supporters List CPG Chairs 2008 CCE Class ACCE Staff Top 10 Member Benefits

ACCE Convention Notebook 2008 - DEMO

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