Chamber of the Year Application Process

The Chamber of the Year award is a multi-step process.  Below are the five major steps that are required for completing the Chamber of the Year award. Click here to view a quick reference timeline for the Chamber of the Year application process.

1. Participate in ACCE's Operations Survey

Chambers interested in applying for Chamber of the Year must participate in ACCE's Operations Survey. Chambers that meet minimum requirements will be notified and invited to proceed with the Chamber of the Year application process. The Operations Survey will open in early February and close in March. You can find the survey and more information here.

2. Intent to apply form

Chambers interested in applying for Chamber of the Year must complete an intent to apply form.  This form expresses interest in application for Chamber of the Year and gives chambers an opportunity to ask questions about the application process. You may complete the Intent to Apply Form before completing the Operations Survey, but you must complete the Operations Survey and be prequalified for application to be eligible to move on to the application phase.

Click here to view the 2012 Intent to Apply form.

2012 Intent to Apply forms must be received by April 1, 2012.

3. Application

Chambers that meet minimum requirements in the ACCE Operations Survey will be notified in early to mid-March and invited to proceed with the Chamber of the Year application process.

The application is designed to provide a comprehensive view of your chamber's success. Chambers will be evaluated on their financial and membership performance, as well as their communication and community programs. If the organization enjoyed an exceptional year, or had a program or initiative that went above and beyond expectations, please completing the application.  Winners of the Chamber of the Year award must wait three years before submitting another application.

Chamber of the Year Application

• Complete Application
• Section 1: Contact and Payment Information
• Section 2: Organizational Excellence
• Section 3: Member Services & Connections
• Section 4: Leading Businesses. Leading Communities

Follow the Application Guidelines for detailed instructions on how to complete the application.

Your completed application must be received by April 13, 2012.   

The entry fee is based on the chamber's total revenue levels, as seen below:

Total Revenue Categories
$200 - Annual total revenue $500,000 and under
$300 - Annual total revenue between $500,001 - $999,999
$400 - Annual total revenue between $1,000,000 - $1,999,999
$500 - Annual total revenue $2,000,000 and up 

4. Review

A panel of experienced chamber professionals and past Chamber of the Year award winners will review and score all of the applications.   

5. Interview

The last step in the application process will be an interview with the executive. Finalists will be selected based on points awarded in the application review process. The top three applicants will be interviewed in each of their categories during ACCE's annual convention.  Finalists may be requested to provide recommendation letters.

Please note, COY judges reserve the right  to decline to name a winner in any category where none of the applicants meet expectations.