ACCE - American Chamber of commerce executives

Cost: $69 - $399
Pricing is tiered by chamber staff size for 1 year of unlimited access 

Module 1: Background & History of Chambers of Commerce
Presented by: Chris Mead

Chris Mead shares a wonderful pictoral montage that captures the story of how chambers were created and have grown to be an integral part of each of our communities. Based on his book, Magicians of Main Street: The Story of Chamber of Commerce in America, Chris shows us how key figures, historical events and public monuments are just the few examples of how chambers have changed the landscape of this nation. From the early sixteenth century to moden times, chambers have been influencial in developing communities, and from this module you will learn to appreciate the role that you play in being a significant part of chambers of commerce. Course attachments include the article, Not Born for Ourselves Alone: A snapshot of the chamber world in the early 20th century, by Chris Mead, ACCE.

Module 2: Understanding Chambers of Commerce
Presented by: David May

David May walks you through a terrific overview that details the answers to such key questions: What is a chamber of commerce? Why do chambers exist? i.e.its purpose, What are the different types of chambers and How are chambers structured? From understanding the IRS tax exempt status for not-for-profits, to the importance of key governing documents, to the roles that policies and procedures manual plays, you will be sure to gain a greater appreciation for the complexity and uniqueness of chambers of commerce. Course attachments include the article, What Is A Chamber by Chris Mead, ACCE.

Module 3: Membership Services
Presented by: Shaun Frecska

Shaun Frecska presents in this introduction to Memership Services, a look at what membership is and how its role varies based on chamber membership size. Additionally, Shaun reviews two primary membership dues models being used today as well as the role that 'Hunters' and 'Farmers' play in the membership recruitment and retention process. Course attachments provided by the Columbus (OH) chamber include, Membership Benefits Tiered Dues Model; Transformational vs. Transactional Customer Service Guide; Identifying Your Ideal Prospect Guide; Membership Breakout By Industry Summary; and A Business Advocacy Prospectus used by the Columbus Chamber Membership Services Team.

Module 4: Communication & Marketing
Presented by: Rebecca Martin

Rebecca Martin takes us through the nine primary components of chamber marketing and communication; the distinction between your chamber's vision and mission and how marketing plays a significant role; the four elements your chamber's value proposition should include; as well as what the foremost important skill that you want from a chamber's communication staff liaison.

Module 5: Government Relations
Presented by: Jay Byers

Jay Byers explains what government relations is and five ways how public policy provides value to your chamber. Jay shares ways that you can engage your members and elected officials, along with sharing a case study highlighting the Greater DesMoines Partnership's Federal and State legislative programming. Additionally, Jay details what ten things chambers should keep in mind when choosing advocacy issues, along with listing the fifteen comandments to successful lobbying.

Module 6: Education & Workforce Development
Presented by: David Rattray

David teaches us what Education & Workforce Development (E&WD) is, how it serves the chamber's mission and vision, and what staff roles contribute to LA's E&WD initiatives. Additionally, David shares how LA measures success for their E&WD policy and program strategies; what the three buckets of work that outline LA's E&WD work; what the two non-traditional revenue sources used by LA to increase their staff from one part-time employee to a team of 20; and lastly, what a Business Compact is and what role chambers can take for facilitating a Business Compact locally. Course attachments include links to LA's E&WD Program and Policy Initiatives website and ACCE's Information Office resource page on Education & Workforce Development.

Module 7: Finance & Administration
Presented by: Barbara L. Denny

Barb introduces what the seven basic organizational systems that chamber finance and administration is responsible for and what is entailed for each; what two fundamental roles finance and accounting plays within a chamber's financial system; what critical role the technology-use policy plays for a chamber and the three factors of a chamber's overall technology strategy; and what the three key components a chamer's policies and procedures manual communicates.

Module Eight: Economic Development
Presented by: Robert L. Quick, Jay Chesshir, Michael Dalby, Nancy Spivey, Roy H. Williams

Bob, Jay, Michael, Nancy and Roy give us an outstanding intrduction to the components of economic development for chambers of commerce. From a foundational overview of what is economic development to the following program strategies that chambers can either lead or collaborate on within their communities, Business Attraction & Recruitment; Business Retention & Expansion; Workforce Readiness; and Total Community Development. Together, this team of dynamic community leaders provide any new staff, executive or board member insight for how chambers of commerce play a key role in developing its community. Attachments include links to ACCE's Information Office on Economic Development, Business Recruitment & Attraction, Entrepreneurship, along with an animated sketch profiling, Roy Williams on Trade Sector.