The Fox Cities Chamber was named 2024-2025 Chamber of the Year (Category 3) by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) at the ACCE Annual Conference Awards Show in Dallas on Wednesday, July 17. ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Va., with over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related organizations around the world as members.
The award is the most prestigious and competitive recognition presented annually by ACCE. It recognizes the leadership role chambers of commerce have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and impacted key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life.
“To say we are excited and honored to be named Chamber of the Year by ACCE is an understatement,” said Becky Bartoszek, President and CEO of Fox Cities Chamber. “This recognition affirms the strength of our Chamber and members, as we partner together to drive economic growth and prosperity for the region. To win this award, especially during our 150th anniversary year, is very special.”
Chambers interested in competing for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process. Qualifying chambers enter the competition with a written application addressing all organizational operation and programmatic work aspects. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. Winners are selected from among finalists based on an interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals. Highlighted in the Fox Cities Chamber’s application were the Chamber’s Connect Free membership model, and the community impact of Appleton’s Octoberfest.
“I am incredibly proud of the Chamber team and the work that they do every day,” said Tim Hoff, Chair of the Board, Fox Cities Chamber. “The Connect Free Membership Model is the type of innovative thinking that serves as a great example of what is possible when you think outside the box. This award is a true testament of the difference the Fox Cities Chamber team makes.”
To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into four categories based on annual revenue, membership, area population and other factors. The award is sponsored by Growth Zone.
“Chambers of commerce play an increasingly vital role in promoting regional prosperity,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “This achievement demonstrates their commitment to fostering vibrant communities and achieving organizational success. Congratulations on the Fox Cities Chamber’s outstanding leadership, dedication to its community and serving as a role model for the chamber profession.”
In addition to the Chamber of the Year award, the Fox Cities Chamber was also named one of 12 ACCE Award for Communications Excellence winners. The Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE) program is designed to showcase top communications and marketing work of chambers of commerce and similar organizations. ACE Awards are judged by 16 U.S.-based chamber of commerce communications and marketing professionals.
The Chamber’s winning submission was the Fox Cities Chamber Sponsorship Booklet in the category of Print & Electronic Publications.
According to Laura Wiegert, EVP of Marketing & Events at the Chamber, “We are always looking for better ways to organize and sell our event / program sponsorships, and in early Q4 of last year we launched a sponsorship booklet that generated great results. The booklet, available both digitally and printed, outlines our marquis events and programs, summarizing what they are and the impact they have, and includes a matrix of sponsorship benefits for each. It was a huge boon to our sponsorship solicitation efforts, which helps fund our Chamber mission.”
About Fox Cities Chamber
Founded in 1874, the Fox Cities Chamber is a nonprofit membership organization that unites the regional business community for greater economic impact. Serving Outagamie, Calumet, and northern Winnebago Counties, the Fox Cities Chamber is the second largest Chamber in the state.
Our organization proudly captures the energy of one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic regions and transforms it into innovative programs and services to champion employers, economic development, and quality of life. The Fox Cities Chamber is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024. For more information, visit https://foxcitieschamber.com/chamber-150th-anniversary/ .
About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is the professional society supporting the women and men who lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Our membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide. We provide our members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking, retirement security, and access to a network of peers.
About the award sponsor GrowthZone
GrowthZone is association software that helps organizations grow and retain membership, engage and inform members and prospects, and streamline tedious tasks. It unlocks the full potential of member-based organizations and seamlessly integrates with core processes, providing the foundation for an organization’s strategy. Learn more about GrowthZone at https://www.growthzone.com/.
