It was about one year ago when we found out the Fox Cities Chamber was selected as a finalist for National Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)—an honor that would put us in the company of the most innovative, impactful chambers across the country.
We were excited, but we knew this was only the second step in the application process. Unlike some awards that are “pay to play,” applying for national Chamber of the Year is a three-phase intensive process that challenges you to step back and reflect on every part of your organization.
To start (Phase 1), Chambers have to be invited to apply for the award based on an annual benchmarking survey done by ACCE. Chambers who meet certain standards are invited to take part in Phase 2 – a written narrative answering an extensive list of questions about our Chamber. When all was said and done, our submission was nearly 300 pages long, including an extensive narrative and a lot of supporting documentation. These entries are judged by a panel of peers — Chamber presidents from around the country — who choose the top three finalists.
Now onto Phase 3 — participating in a live interview at the national ACCE conference with a panel of judges — again, Chamber presidents from around the country. We spent days preparing. Practicing. Anticipating questions. Finding the best way to tell our story with clarity, confidence, and heart. So when we sat down for the interview, it wasn’t just about listing accomplishments. It was about sharing what makes the Fox Cities Chamber unique: our culture of collaboration, our drive to support every size of business, and our belief that when one part of our region thrives, we all do.
We gathered data, refined narratives, and prepared how to tell a story that was authentic: How do we create measurable value for our members? What makes our programming stand out? How are we innovating in workforce development, small business support, and economic growth?
Our preparation paid off the next day, when they announced our name at an awards dinner as National Chamber of the Year. Excitement. Joy. Maybe a few tears. Because winning National Chamber of the Year is about more than a title. It affirms that the work we’re doing—together with our members, partners, and community—is making a real difference.
This award belongs to all of you who support the Chamber’s mission: from the smallest business to our largest employers, from our city partners to our dedicated volunteers. We’re proud to bring this honor home to the Fox Cities. And we’re even more excited about what comes next.
by Becky Bartoszek, President & CEO, Fox Cities Chamber