Early Friday Workshops

Friday, August 6, 9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

 ***ACCE is highlighting the connection between the convention's workshops and the ACCE Body of Knowledge.  Look for icons that will identify the focus of each workshop.   

Economic Betterment   General Management 

Becoming an Economic Development Powerhouse
Room 202A
Successfully taking the lead on economic development for your community could lift your chamber's influence and investment to new levels. Learn how some chambers have evolved from a traditional membership service organization to a regional economic development leader.
Speakers: James Hizer, CEcD, President & CEO, Bowling Green (KY) Area Chamber of Commerce; Pat O'Brian, President, Milwaukee (WI) Development Corporation
Moderator: Jay Chesshir, CCE, President, Little Rock (AR) Regional Chamber of Commerce

   Communication and Marketing  Membership Recruitment and Retention  Data-Driven Trends and Decisions
Room 202E
Many organizations are great at collecting data, but very few are using it effectively to drive strategy. Discover the power of the data when you capture this valuable information, analyze it, and apply it to your organization's strategic plan.
Speakers: Chris Cotton, Research Coordinator, Nashville Area (TN) Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Garrett Harper, Research Director, Nashville Area (TN) Chamber of Commerce
ARS TrackConsensus BuildingEconomic Betterment             Mega-Regional Connections
Room 202B
Cultivating innovation means looking beyond your region to partner with neighboring regions on issues that are large and complex. Learn how some mega-regions are already working together to compete in the next economy.
Speakers: Shelley Lauten, President, myregion.org; Edward Wolking, Jr., CCE, Executive Vice President, Detroit (MI) Regional Chamber Foundation
Public Policy Development and Advocacy 

Making the Most of Your PAC:
Room 202C
Lately it feels like the business community is facing attacks from all sides. It's time to respond. Join this session to learn how PACs can be used as an effective tool to promote your chamber's advocacy agenda.
Speaker: David Brown, President, Greater Omaha (NE) Chamber of Commerce

Development of Programs, Products, and Services  Positioned for Recovery
Room 201CD
Is your chamber re-organizing itself in preparation for the economy's comeback? Learn the steps some chambers are taking to make sure their organizations are financially healthy and their programs meet the needs of a rebounding community.
Speakers: Peter Forman, President & CEO, South Shore (MA) Chamber of Commerce; Jody Wassmer, President, Greater Owensboro (KY) Chamber of Commerce
Membership Recruitment and Retention  Prospecting Beyond Lead Generation
Room 203C
When it comes to attracting prospective members, lead generation is just part of the equation. You also need to qualify those leads! In this practical session, learn how to identify prospects, get appointments, prepare scripts, and follow up on meetings.
Speaker: Tim Giuliani, Vice President Membership, Florida Chamber of Commerce
  The CCE Process
Room 203A
Interested in adding this prestigious designation to your professional credentials? Chamber executives who have six or more years of senior-level chamber management experience and are currently employed in a senior level chamber position will find out what the requirements are to pursue and earn this exclusive professional title.
Speakers: John MacMartin, CCE (Commission Chair Elect), President, Minot Area (ND) Chamber of Commerce; Tracey Osborne, CCE (Commission Chair), President, Overland Park (KS) Chamber of Commerce
    General ManagementCommunication and Marketing Your Chamber's Image Makeover
Room 203DE
The economic climate may have forced your chamber to re-invent itself and its image. Is the communication of the "new you" confusing your members or getting lost in the transition? Learn what you can do to make sure your members are getting the right messages.
Speaker: Nancy Schwartz, President, Nancy Schwartz & Company
        Financial Management     Human Resources          

Retirement Futures: Your Team's and Your Own
Room 203B
As many Americans rebuild their financial futures, it's time for retirement plan sponsors to review important topics such as understanding participant behavior as a result of a recession, examining how participants in retirement plans have responded/reacted, and learning how your service providers can help participants re-engage and rebuild their retirement.
Speakers: James S. Robinson, CFP, CIMA, Director, Senior Investment Specialist, Principal Global Investors; Marsha Mathis, Senior Relationship Manager, Principal Financial Group

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Official Corporate Sponsors

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