History of ACCE

Founded almost a century ago, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) began as the National Association of Commercial Organization Secretaries (NACOS) back in 1914.

NACOS were headquartered in Washington, D.C. representing 176 members nationwide. They were created as a professional development organization aimed at the personal and professional improvement of chamber of commerce executives. At the NACOS ten-year anniversary, membership was a strong 1,045 and they were well on their way to establishing themselves.

During the 1920s, NACOS developed the well-respected Chamber Institute program which provided professional leadership and guidance to members. The decade of the 40’s brought about change to the organization and NACOS officially became known as the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Today, ACCE is headquartered in Alexandria, Va. and represents over 1,375 members servicing 7,000 staff throughout the United States and internationally.