Chairman's Message: Passing the Baton
 Duane O'Neill
Immediate Past Chair, Economic and Community Development Division
CEO, Greater Jackson (MS) Chamber Partnership
It's been an honor serving as chair of the ACCE Economic and Community Development Division for the past couple of years. With your help, along with Ian Scott and the proficient ACCE staff, we've done some important work since the division was established in 2007. We've created a dedicated economic development educational programming track, we've surveyed and benchmarked chamber economic development best practice, and we've brought nearly two dozen site selection consultants to the past four ACCE annual conventions. But there is more to do.
Before I pass the division leadership baton to the capable hands of Bob Quick from Commerce Lexington, Inc., I would like to remind division members of something ACCE President Mick Fleming said when he unveiled the new strategic plan at the annual convention in Milwaukee: "You are the customer, the product and the owner of this enterprise."
ACCE exists to support and develop chamber professionals but you are a big part of ACCE's product. You provide sample documents and supply best practices, you stimulate discussion, you pitch new ideas and ask questions. You are the network. I'm sure you've told your members in the past, "you get out of networking what you put in." The same is true with ACCE and the Economic and Community Development Division. And there are numerous ways to get involved.
Bob and the rest of the division advisory board will need your insight to identify emerging trends and develop compelling program topics. We'll need your input to define best practices on everything from regional branding to revolving loan funds. We'll need your help in collecting resources for the information office and in forging new and deeper partnerships.
I look forward to staying involved and I hope you join me. It is important that we do this work well because I believe the future of the chamber of commerce industry is in economic and community development.
Division News: New Chair, Vice-Chair
The ACCE Economic and Community Development Division is pleased to announce that Bob Quick, CCE, president and CEO of Commerce Lexington has taken the role as Chair of the ACCE Economic and Community Development Division. Also Jay Chesshir, CCE, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, will serve as Division Vice Chair for Programs and Partnerships. With help from the division advisory board, Bob and Jay will lead implementation of division goals and to help fulfill organizational objectives outlined in the 2010-2013 Strategic Plan. More about Bob and Jay:
 Bob Quick, CCE
Chair, ACCE Economic and Community Development Division
President and CEO, Commerce Lexington, Inc.
Bob is a member of the ACCE Board of Directors and also serves on the CCE Commission and on the U.S. Chamber's Committee of 100. He is a graduate of the ACCE-Ford Foundation Regional Sustainable Development Fellowship. During his 20+ years in the chamber profession, he has also served as president of the Metropolitan Evansville (IN) Chamber and as executive vice president of the Iowa City Area Chamber. He is involved in the Bluegrass Alliance, a consortium of regional economic development entities, and the Central Kentucky Bluegrass Regional Public Policy Group.
As chair, Bob works with staff to set strategic direction for the division and engage advisory board members in fulfilling the division's agenda. He also serves as liaison for the division to the ACCE Board of Directors.
 Jay Chesshir, CCE
Vice Chair, Programs and Partnerships
President and CEO, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce
Jay Chesshir, CCE is a member of the ACCE Executive Committee and Board of Directors and also serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Committee of 100. He is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber Institute, the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, and the ACCE-Ford Foundation Regional Sustainable Development Fellowship. Arkansas Business named him one of Arkansas's "25 for the Future."
As Vice Chair for Programs and Partnerships, Jay will work with staff and division members to organize the annual site consultant event, develop new programs and cultivate relationships with partner organizations.
Jim Fram Named IEDC Fellow Member
 One of our own was honored at the IEDC Conference last month in Charlotte, N.C. Jim Fram, CEcD, CCE, senior vice president of economic development at the Tulsa Metro Chamber, was named IEDC Fellow Member. The 25-year veteran of economic development and chamber management has led organizations in Arkansas, Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma. In addition to many professional awards and honors, Jim has earned both CCE (Certified Chamber Executive) and CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) status, one of only a dozen active professionals in the nation to hold both designations.
The designation of Fellow Member is given by IEDC to active members who have made significant contributions to the profession through service to IEDC and/or academic endeavors directly related to the practice of economic development. Congratulations, Jim!
Many ACCE member chambers, including the Tulsa Metro Chamber, Oklahoma City Chamber, Longview Partnership, Greater Cleveland Partnership and Greater Spokane Inc., took home hardware from the IEDC Convention. See all the IEDC Honorees and Award Winners.
Educational Programming
Baby Boomer Economy
Thursday, Oct. 13, 1–2 p.m. ET
Ellen Cutter, Principal and Director of Research, Market Street Services
The Great Recession has hurt their 401k plans, but the baby boom generation is still the country's economic driver. As more boomers reach retirement age, how will they impact our local economies? Ellen Cutter will explore the demographic trends, growth industries and workforce implications shaping the baby boom economy.
Click here for more info and to register
Mega Trends for Chambers in the Next Economy
Mick Fleming, President, American Chamber of Commerce Executives
Mick's presentation, "Mega Trends for Chambers in the Next Economy," examines the economic, public policy, membership and communications trends currently impacting businesses and communities and shaping the future of chamber work.
View Online Presentation Anytime
Creating Prosperity Blog Digest
Check out these recent posts from the Creating Prosperity Blog, ACCE’s forum to discuss trends and concepts in economic and community development from a uniquely chamber perspective.
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