Each year, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Chair is given the opportunity to select and recognize an individual for his/her outstanding service and commitment to ACCE and the chamber profession. The Chairman’s Award is typically bestowed to a board member or a member who is highly engaged in the association and industry. The award, a surprise to its recipient(s), is announced and presented by the Chair at the organization’s Annual Meeting.

This year, like everything else in 2020, the Chairman’s award was different than most years. This year it was awarded to a group of exceptional chamber leaders.

2019-2020 ACCE Board Chair David Brown, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, applauded these individuals for demonstrating what a coalition of Chamber leaders should do in times of challenge. They stood together, helping each other figure out how to lead their communities and members to solutions and recovery, working tirelessly to determine and share industry best practices amidst the pandemic.

“I found myself relying on this group more each week. Group calls turned into individual calls and emails sharing information, ideas and solutions,” said 2019-2020 ACCE Board Chair, David Brown. “I cannot thank them enough for their wisdom, energy, commitment and time to help the industry the way they did.”

Chairman’s Award Winners:

• Christy Gillenwater, Chattanooga Area Chamber
• Bryan Derreberry, Charleston Metro Chamber
• Michael Huber, Indy Chamber
• Tim Giuliani, Orlando Economic Partnership
• Jay Beyers, Greater Des Moines Partnership
• Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE

Congratulations to our CEO, Bryan Derreberry, on this great achievement!