We’ve partnered with 365 Degree Total Marketing to launch an online store featuring CACCE-logo apparel and merchandise. Whether you’re looking for something polished for conference days or casual CACCE pride for everyday wear, there’s something for everyone. Shop the CACCE Store here:

https://brandourassociation.com/pages/cacce

This is a new program for CACCE, and we’re thrilled to offer members a fun way to show your CACCE pride and represent our profession in style. Your purchase helps support CACCE with $5 per order.

365 Degree Total Marketing

We announced last month that CACCE branded merchandise is now available. Several of you have asked if your chamber may order something similarly branded? Yes, you can! 

365° Total Marketing can establish an affinity program for CACCE member chambers. Think not only for your chamber brand – also about your annual campaigns – such as golf fundraisers, clay shoots, Leadership classes and additional identity campaigns. Shop the CACCE Store here. See what you may adapt, or ask for examples of additional merchandise options, like this one.

For any questions about CACCE merchandise or your own chamber’s branded merch, please contact Rachel Lewis: rachell@365degreetotalmarketing.com or 912-638-0780 x100.

Remember, first impressions are important, but a lasting impression is better!

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy

CICE 2025 Annual Report

The CICE 2025 Annual Report highlights how federal policy shifts tested clean energy's momentum while CICE expanded its impact, hiring five new staff members, growing its nationwide network, and hosting three D.C. fly-ins. Wind and solar remain the fastest, most affordable energy options.

Convergent Nonprofit Solutions

Economic development fundraising is more complex and more critical than ever. That is why we are pleased to announce that Resource Development Group has merged with Convergent and will now operate as RDG, A Convergent Company. This strategic alignment strengthens our ability to execute large-scale capital campaigns for economic development organizations and chambers of commerce nationwide. Click here for the full press release.

North Carolina Employee Ownership Center

The North Carolina Employee Ownership Center (NCEOC) is excited to announce the launch of Employee Ownership Raleigh!

At a press conference on March 15th, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell underscored the role employee ownership can play in keeping Raleigh businesses open and locally owned long-term, while providing employees with a powerful wealth-building tool: ownership in a thriving business.

Employee Ownership Raleigh is part of Employee Ownership Cities, a national program led by the Democracy at Work Institute and supported by the City of Raleigh. Interested business owners can learn more and set up a no-cost, confidential meeting with NCEOC at https://nceoc.org/employee-ownership-raleigh/.

The North Carolina Employee Ownership Center (NCEOC) is a nonprofit with a mission to expand employee ownership by educating business owners and trusted advisors about employee ownership and how Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Worker Cooperatives, and the newer Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) can help business owners with their exit plans.

SOAR Nonprofit Solutions, LLC

It was a pleasure connecting with so many of you at the CACCE Staff Development Conference in Columbia. What an energizing event—filled with forward-thinking speakers, fresh ideas, and valuable peer-to-peer sharing. Thank you for making SOAR Nonprofit Solutions and Tammy Shepherd feel so welcome.

SOAR Nonprofit Solutions, LLC is proud to have partnered with more than 21 chambers to strengthen governance, grow membership, increase non-dues revenue, elevate advocacy, and launch impactful leadership and workforce development programs. If you’re ready to take a fresh look at your strategy and results, we’d love to continue the conversation. Learn more at soarnonprofitsolutions.com or contact Tammy Shepherd at tammy@soarnonprofitsolutions.com.

YGM

When most people think about a Total Resource Campaign, they picture the public phase: volunteers out selling, members engaged, and a defined campaign window driving sales results. But what often goes unseen, and is just as valuable, is the sponsorship development process that happens beforehand.

As Kellie Goodman Shaffer and the team at the Bedford County (PA) Chamber prepare to launch their inaugural campaign this April, they have already experienced the impact of the TRC sponsorship development work. Reflecting on the experience, Kellie shared:

“We have found significant value in the sponsorship development process, including a deep-dive into all of our programs, events, and initiatives. The opportunity to see our work through the lens of an industry leader and Chamber champion the caliber of Jason has been incredibly rewarding for our team. We have developed new opportunities for our members, including sponsorship benefits and marketing products we would have never thought of on our own. 

But we have also been pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable and even inspiring this process has been. Jason appreciates the mission and values of our organization and is helping us become the best we can be utilizing the time and resources currently available to us. While we expect the campaign to be a success in terms of revenue, membership engagement, and future time management for our staff, the work our team is doing to prepare for the campaign has been far more valuable than we could have ever imagined. We are already better for the experience - Jason is giving us the tools and the confidence to dream even bigger!”

Avery County Chamber

This spring the Chamber successfully launched their first Empower Her: Women in Business forum and kicked-off a refreshed Leadership Avery program focused on Brene Brown’s book “Dare to Lead” and curriculum. The first Leadership Avery session, “The Call to Daring Leadership,” was held in the Tufts Room at Lees-McRae College and set an inspiring tone for the year ahead. The day was expertly facilitated by Pamela Brooks, MA, of Cornerstone Consulting International with discussion around vulnerability and “braving the suck”. The Chamber’s first Empower Her: Women in Business Forum, hosted at The Wilson Center at Grandfather Mountain, was led by a panel of inspiring female business owners, Championship winning coaches, teachers, and leaders in marketing and banking. Followed by a transforming panel was a roundtable discussion and a chance for connection. For more information on these programs and more visit www.averycounty.com.

Blowing Rock Chamber

Robin Miller, President & CEO of the Chamber, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of CACCE. Miller brings extensive experience in chamber leadership, community engagement, and destination marketing to the CACCE Board. Click here for the press release.

Robin has also been selected to serve as a Class Advisor for the Southeast Institute for Organization Management, a professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, hosted at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Click here for the press release.

Chester County Chamber

The Chamber is pleased to share that Amy Bender will serve as our new Director of Tourism. After a successful year as our Communication & Creative Director, Amy will now help guide and grow our tourism initiatives across Chester County.  

Greater Greenville Chamber

The Chamber hosted Grow Local Week March 2-6, 2026, connecting more than 20,000 Pitt County students with local businesses and organizations. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions with professionals, students explored a wide range of industries and gained valuable real-world insight. Grow Local continues to play a vital role in building a strong, sustainable workforce for our region.

Greater Wilmington Chamber

The Chamber’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a year of strong growth, strategic advocacy, and measurable impact for our business community. Check out our 2025 Annual Report here. Alongside over 1,100 member organizations, we advanced workforce development, talent attraction, infrastructure priorities, healthcare access, and small business support. We expanded key programs, strengthened partnerships, and elevated our voice at the local, state, and federal levels to champion policies that support economic opportunity and long-term regional success.

The Chamber was pleased to welcome Lauren Beane as our keynote speaker for our annual Women’s Professional Development Luncheon held March 17. Lauren Beane is a highly acclaimed TEDx and Top 50 Female Speaker who helps audiences take meaningful action by believing they are ready enough, even without all the answers. 

Hilton Head Island - Bluffton Chamber

The Chamber hosted the JobsNow 2026 workforce event on Thursday, March 26 at the Technical College of the Lowcountry's Culinary Institute of the South. The event featured more than 60 Lowcountry businesses representing some of the region’s largest employers and a diverse range of industries, including hospitality, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and professional services. Local colleges - the University of South Carolina Beaufort, TCL, the Savannah College of Art & Design, and Savannah State University - were also represented to local students. More details can be found here.

Lancaster County Chamber

The Chamber is excited to announce its 2nd group travel opportunity for 2026 as a part of our Travel Program—this time, a highly anticipated fall getaway after strong interest and requests from the community. Partnering once again with Premier World Discovery’s Chamber Explorations, this trip promises a seamless, enriching journey with expertly planned itineraries, guided tours, and memorable cultural experiences. The October 2026 trip will feature a Culinary Journey through Tuscany and Florence, including five nights in the scenic Tuscan countryside and two nights in the historic city of Florence. Travelers can look forward to authentic Italian cuisine, vineyard visits, breathtaking landscapes, and immersive cultural excursions. With demand already high for fall travel, the Chamber encourages interested participants to learn more and secure their spot early for this unforgettable experience.

Rowan Chamber

Chamber President Elaine Spalding announced recently that she is retiring from the organization, effective August 31, 2026. “After 13 wonderful years at the Rowan Chamber and over 40 years of chamber of commerce work, I am ready for the next chapter,” said Spalding. She continued, “My husband and I plan to stay in Salisbury and continue with our love of international travel.” The Chamber Board of Directors has formed a Search Committee with plans to fill the position in time for Spalding to help with transition and training. The Committee will work with a professional search partner to support the recruitment process. Upon finalizing the position description, the Search Committee will launch a comprehensive local and national search for the Chamber’s next President.

The Caldwell Chamber

The Chamber proudly hosted its inaugural A Toast to Caldwell, a signature awards celebration recognizing outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who make a lasting impact on Caldwell County. The event brought together community leaders, business owners, and residents for an evening dedicated to honoring those who exemplify leadership, service, and innovation.Throughout the evening, the Chamber recognized several remarkable organizations and individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen the local community and economy. Click here for the full press release.

The Chamber, Leading Business in Carbarrus

After an extensive search, the board of directors of the Chamber proudly announces the hiring of Alison Paladino as president and CEO starting June 1, 2026. Paladino joined The Chamber staff in 2017 as Events and Marketing Director and was promoted to Membership Engagement Director in 2022. During her tenure, she reshaped The Chamber’s membership and sponsorship models to better reflect the needs of businesses of all sizes, ensuring value and relevance for all while aligning events and programing to meet strategic plan goals. Click here for the full press release.

Wake Forest Area Chamber

Tisha Baker Lowe has been named the Chamber's Interim President.

ACCE

Save the Date - #ACCE26 Annual Convention has been set for July 20-22, 2026 in New Orleans, LA. Click here for more information and to register.

IOM - 2026 Summer Sites Now Open for Registration

We are looking forward to another amazing year at Madison, Athens, & Villanova. Click here to go to the general Institute registration page.