By Sandy Messner
We are excited to announce that the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Chamber of the Year award! Presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), this recognition highlights the chamber’s outstanding leadership and its impact on the community. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the support of our vibrant business community in Mansfield and Richland County, Ohio.
Introduction:
We are thrilled to announce that the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Chamber of the Year award! Presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), this recognition highlights the chamber’s outstanding leadership and its impact on the community. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the support of our vibrant business community in Mansfield, Ohio.
The ACCE and Chamber of the Year Award:
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is a renowned association based in Alexandria, Virginia, representing over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related organizations with more than 9,000 professionals in the industry. The Chamber of the Year award, sponsored by Personify, is the most prestigious and competitive recognition presented annually by ACCE. It celebrates the crucial role chambers of commerce play in their communities and honors those that have demonstrated exceptional organizational strength and made a positive impact on key community priorities.
Our Chamber’s Impact:
At the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, we have always been dedicated to supporting economic growth and fostering a business-friendly climate in the Mansfield and Richland County area. Our commitment to our community is reflected in the numerous initiatives and projects we have undertaken over the years.
In 2022 alone, we provided vital support to 56 local businesses by awarding over $1 million in COVID grants for Food/Beverage, Tourism, and Lodging in Richland County. Additionally, we played a key role in the distribution of over $40 million in Richland County ARPA dollars, facilitated the redevelopment of the Westinghouse A Building brownfield site, supported a countywide housing study, and partnered with Destination Mansfield – Richland County for a community branding project. Furthermore, we raised awareness of career opportunities through the Richland Works project and contributed to various other impactful initiatives.
Our Chamber’s Qualifications:
To qualify for the Chamber of the Year award, chambers of commerce must participate in a rigorous multi-stage process. They must meet minimum thresholds in several key performance areas, such as net revenue and assets, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention, as evaluated through ACCE’s Annual Chamber Operations Survey.
After qualifying, chambers enter the competition by submitting a written application that addresses all aspects of organizational operation and programmatic work. These applications are then scored by peer chamber executives, with finalists selected based on their performance. Winners are chosen after an interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals.
Looking Ahead:
We are humbled and honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Chamber of the Year award. This achievement would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of our dedicated members, community partners, and the entire Richland County area.
The winners of the Chamber of the Year award will be announced on August 1 at ACCE’s Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. We eagerly await the results and are excited to represent our community on a national stage.
Being named a finalist for the Chamber of the Year award is a testament to the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in our community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our fellow finalists and express our gratitude to our members and partners for their continued support.
We will continue working tirelessly to provide valuable benefits, support business growth, and champion the interests of our members. Together, we will build a prosperous future for the Mansfield and Richland County area.