Aurora Regional Chamber named 'Outstanding Chamber of the Year' in Illinois
The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce has been named the 2015 "Outstanding Chamber of the Year" by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The chamber was recognized last week at the IACCE Fall Conference in Bloomingdale, Illinois.
The award recognizes organization excellence in chambers of commerce and provides a unique benchmarking opportunity to assess a chamber's strengths. The award is based on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce accreditation process for local chambers and highlights accomplishments in the areas of leadership/governance, finance, advocacy and membership development. Entries were judged on innovation, effectiveness and quality of results.
"Perhaps more than any other, this recognition is the result of the staff living its mission of being a catalyst for our community," explains President and CEO Joseph Henning. "With the volunteer leadership of the board of directors, committees and ambassadors and our numerous collaborations in the community, the Aurora Regional Chamber has been able to positively impact our community - including employers, residents, and visitors. In fact, many of the highlights of our application have been shared nationally to benefit other chambers and associations. We have not only set the bar for our peers in Illinois and beyond, but we have raised the bar for ourselves. Through continuous improvement and responding to our members' needs, we continue to make this organization a leading source of business support in the region."
"The award is especially significant because it is judged by veteran chamber executives who understand the challenges that chambers face and more importantly who understand the importance of a chamber being of value to its members and its community," Henning adds.
Highlights of the Aurora Chamber's application include their commitment to workforce development - including Pathways to Prosperity, Manufacturing Careers Internship Program, and other local initiatives; its collaborative work with local, county, and state government to support business interests; the long-term focus on improvement and strategy development; and its efforts at responding to business needs through communications, relationship building and innovation.
"This truly is a recognition for the membership and volunteers to share with the staff," concludes Henning. "We know, like any business, that resources are limited. Our collaborations, and the prioritization of focus, allow us to have the greatest impact that we can. To be recognized by peers from throughout the Midwest is a humbling honor - but one that keeps us motivated to continue to improve."
ABOUT IACCE: Established in 1915, the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives supports the development of chamber professionals by creating opportunities for growth and recognition.
ABOUT AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit, membership-driven organization comprised of more than 700 members representing nearly 40,000 employees. Its mission is be the catalyst for business success by providing leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for our members. The chamber has become one of the largest, oldest, and most influential organizations in our area by working for more than a century to make the Aurora and North Aurora region a better place to live and work for all. Visit www.aurorachamber.com or www.facebook.com/AuroraChamber/.