#Chamber Best Practices: State Chamber Executive Professional Organizations Offer Ongoing Education, New Insights, Scholarships

Courses are available throughout the year on topics like professional staff networking and education in marketing and communications, membership recruitment and retention, program development and financial responsibility. Community and statewide recognition can be earned through an awards program that measures organization excellence, performance and service.There is access to state and national education programs including the Institute for Organization Management. In Illinois, up to $5000 is available annually for professional development scholarships to be awarded to members of the IACCE. -Dave Hinderliter of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce and a member of IACCE offers this thought:

"No matter how long you have worked in the chamber business, you still have lots to learn. Why not consider continuing your education by participating in one of the training options made possible by your membership in IACCE? DO IT OR LOSE IT!"

Professional contacts by state are:

Illinois - Lisa Weitzel - Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE)

Indiana - Shelli Williams - Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA)

Missouri - Ann Kleffner - Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri (CCEM)

Michigan - Bob Thomas - Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals (MACP)

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John Dussman: email - jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com