CACCE August 2025 E-Newsletter

2025 Annual Management Conference

The CACCE Board of Directors is pleased to invite you to join us for our

2025 Annual Management Conference:

 

Wednesday - Friday, October 29 - 31, 2025

The Beach House Resort

Hilton Head Island, SC

 

CLICK HERE for the latest agenda and to register for the event!


CACCE - 2026 Conference Dates & Locations

We are excited to announce the dates & locations for our 2026 conferences…please be sure to save these on your calendar for next year:

2026 CACCE Staff Leadership Development Conference

for all chamber staff members

Monday – Wednesday, March 30 – April 1, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia

Columbia, SC

Hosted by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce

2026 CACCE Annual Management Conference

for Chamber Executive Directors/Presidents/CEOs and senior staff members

Monday – Wednesday, November 16 – 18, 2026

Hilton Greenville

Greenville, NC

Hosted by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce 

CACCE - August 2025 Webinar

Just a quick reminder that we have a new webinar scheduled for August:

 

Wednesday, August 6 – 2:00pm

 

CACCE Winner's Circle - Publication Category Winners 

McDowell Chamber – Kim Effler – New Business Resource Guide

Greater Raleigh Chamber – Marc Dinitz & Emily Stafford – 2023-24 Impact Report: Together We Thrive

Join us as we hear from our CACCE peers about their winning entries for our 2025 Communication Excellence Awards and how you might be able to duplicate their efforts at your Chamber. 

 

To register for this meeting, please CLICK HERE. Once you have completed the short registration form, the system will send you the information to connect to the meeting, and you can add it to your calendar. The meeting will be recorded and shared with the membership in case you aren’t able to join us on that day.

 

CACCE - Advocacy In Action Webinars

Just a quick reminder that the third of our four-part Advocacy in Action webinar series with Lumin Strategies is scheduled for:

 

Wednesday, September 10 – 10:00am

 

Advocacy in Action with Lumin Strategies

Kickstarting / Restarting Your Policy Committee

Brian Francis, President & CEO, Lumin Strategies

 

To register for this meeting, please CLICK HERE. Once you have completed the short registration form, the system will send you the information to connect to the meeting, and you can add it to your calendar. The meeting will be recorded and shared with the membership in case you aren’t able to join us on that day.

 

Associate Member News

BOLDBOX Digital

BOLDBOX Digital is your creative and strategic web partner specializing in purpose-driven digital solutions for chambers of commerce. With nearly two decades of experience, we build websites, SEO strategies, and member management tools that help you grow, engage, and streamline. This month, we’re proud to feature our new Cost Per Member (CPM) Analyzer, a free, intelligent tool designed to help chambers assess the true cost of serving members and identify ways to close the value gap. No data is stored, and it’s not used for lead generation. Just practical insights, built with chambers in mind.

Try the CPM Analyzer here.

Indus Travels

One of the chamber executives was recently on the Rhine River Cruise FAM trip and having an absolutely wonderful time! The cruise has been nothing short of amazing—stunning scenery, exceptional service, and such a comfortable, well-organized experience from start to finish. She loved how Indus Travels put together such a fantastic journey. If you would like to organise such trips to engage your community while generating NDR, email Dhruv on dhruv@indus.travel, or call 866 978 2997 ext. 844.

Lumin Strategies

Familiar Face, New Role: Bryan Fox Joins Lumin Strategies

Many of you know Bryan Fox from his impactful work at the Durham Chamber, where he served as VP of Public Policy. We're excited to share that Bryan has joined Lumin Strategies as a Strategic Advisor! Though he’s relocating to southeast Virginia, his deep Carolina roots and regional policy insight will remain a big part of his work with us. Bryan will also continue to collaborate through the Poplar Group, where he serves as Senior Director.

CACCE Member News

Ashe County Chamber

The Ashe County Chamber & Visitor Center is excited to hold the 35th annual Blue Ridge Brutal Bike Ride on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The Brutal is not for the fainthearted. All four rides—100, 70, 50, or 25 miles in length—take you through the Blue Ridge Mountains and over many hills. However, your efforts are rewarded by many stunning views of the Coolest Corner of North Carolina. In addition, each ride includes hospitality and rider aide at designated rest stops, clearly signed routes, and road marshals at major turns. This year’s ride will also culminate in a celebratory street festival in downtown Jefferson, NC, with live music, vendors, kids’ activities, and more to mark the special 35th anniversary. Feel good about supporting a great cause, as all proceeds benefit scholarships for Ashe County students. To register to ride, volunteer, or learn more, visit BlueRidgeBrutal.org

Boone Area Chamber

Three staff promotions went into effect at the beginning of the fiscal year. Carrie Henderson was promoted to Vice President of Events and Chief of Staff, a newly created dual-role that reflects her growing leadership within the organization. Natalie Harkey was promoted to Vice President of Finance, and Patrick Setzer was promoted to Vice President of Member Engagement. These promotions reward the efforts of three of our longest-tenured employees. These appointments went into effect July 1, 2025.

Burke County Chamber

The Chamber is accepting resumes for the position of Communications & Marketing Specialist. Please see the CACCE Careers page for more information and to apply. 

Caswell County Chamber

CACCE is pleased to welcome Kelly Davis and the Caswell County Chamber of Commerce as our newest CACCE members! 

Charleston Metro Chamber

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Samantha Damato to the team as the new Leadership & Workforce Development Coordinator. In this role, Samantha will play a key part in the planning, execution and evaluation of the Chamber’s leadership and workforce initiatives, ensuring programs are seamlessly delivered, mission-aligned and responsive to member needs. Click here for the full press release.

Elizabeth City Area Chamber

The Chamber has announced Savannah Winslow as their new President/CEO. 

Greenville-Pitt County Chamber

The Chamber recently wrapped up The Intern Experience, a summer program designed to connect college interns with the community and showcase Greenville & Pitt County as a vibrant place to live, work, and grow. More than just professional development, the program serves as a key talent retention tool, helping interns envision a long-term future here. Over the course of the program, participants engaged with business owners, community leaders, and our Power Hitters, learning firsthand what it takes to stand out in today’s workforce. Learn more here


We are excited to announce our first Women's LeadHERship Conference, taking place on August 14, 2025, at the Greenville Convention Center! Join us for an inspiring day designed to support and encourage women at every stage of their leadership journey. The morning kicks off with networking alongside a Women-Owned Business Expo—an opportunity to connect, shop, and support local entrepreneurs. The event will feature keynote speaker, Jessica Doyle-Mekkes, bestselling author of I'm Speaking: Every Woman's Guide to Finding Your Voice & Using It Fearlessly.

Lancaster County Chamber

The Chamber is proud to celebrate Jessica Banks, our Director of Programs and Events, on completing her third year at the Institute for Organization Management (IOM). Jessica attended the program this June at the University of Georgia, continuing her commitment to professional growth and excellence in chamber leadership! Read more about her journey and the IOM program here

Little River Chamber

The Chamber welcomes Nicole Taylor to our team as Program and Events Manager.

Mint Hill Chamber

From Paige McKinney, President/CEO of the Chamber:

June and July have been filled with incredible opportunities for growth and learning for myself and the Mint Hill Chamber! In June, I proudly graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management (IOM) at the Southeast location, officially earning my IOM designation. I'm deeply grateful to CACCE (Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives) for investing in the leadership development of local chambers across the region. In July, I was honored to be accepted into two incredible national programs:

  • The ACCE Next Generation Leadership Cohort, focuses on preparing emerging leaders in the chamber profession.
  • The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Leads Fellowship Program – Cohort 12. I’ll join 34 other fellows from 19 states to dive deeper into education and workforce development strategies that strengthen our communities. Our first session takes place in Washington, D.C. this September.

I’m excited to bring back new insights and ideas that will benefit our members, partners, and the entire Mint Hill community!

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber

The Myrtle Beach area has been officially approved as a potential Team Base Camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026, one of the most prestigious international sporting events in the world. FIFA has identified Coastal Carolina University (CCU) and The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, Tapestry by Hilton as suitable facilities to host a World Cup team during competition training. A collaborative effort between CCU and Visit Myrtle Beach helped position the destination as a potential Team Base Camp for one of the 48 teams competing in the World Cup. Click here to read more.

North Carolina Chamber

The NC Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in NC Contest has launched! This public-driven online competition recognizes North Carolina manufacturers and creators, and will include three categories this year: small business, medium business, and large business. Nominate your favorite made-in-NC product here!

 

The NC Chamber will host its annual Workforce & Education Conference on August 21 in Durham. This is one of the only events in NC that brings both business and education stakeholders to the table to develop aligned workforce preparation strategies. Register here.

Outer Banks Chamber

Karen Brown, President & CEO, has announced her retirement from the Chamber effective May 15, 2026. Plans are underway for launching a search for the next leader for the Chamber. Job announcement will be released after Labor Day.

Wake Forest Area Chamber

The Chamber hosted its 77th Annual State of the Chamber event on June 27, 2025, bringing together business leaders, elected officials, and community partners for a dynamic evening celebrating progress, partnerships, and the people shaping Wake Forest’s economic future. Held at the Sutherland, the sold-out event highlighted the Chamber’s accomplishments over the past year, unveiled strategic priorities for the year ahead, and honored standout businesses and individuals with annual Chamber Awards. Click here to read more.

Wilmington Chamber

Join us on Wednesday, August 20 at the Wilmington Convention Center for the Women’s Professional Development Luncheon, one of the Chamber’s most well-attended events of the year. This energizing afternoon will bring together over 450 professional women for networking, team-building, and powerful insights from keynote speaker Molly Grantham, an Emmy-winning journalist, mom of three, and founder of the Bet On Yourself Summit. Her keynote, "The Juggle Is Real," is an empowering, interactive talk that will leave you with tools to lead confidently, manage competing priorities, and thrive without losing your sense of self. Whether you're attending solo or bringing your team, this event is designed to elevate and equip today’s working women.

York County Regional Chamber

We have a few exciting announcements from our chamber. Please see links below:


  • Link - Colleen Dick earns CCLP designation
  • Link - Celeste Tiller selected for Business Leads Fellowship
  • Link - Mark Pursley earns IOM
  • Link - Celeste Tiller featured as a champion for workforce development by US Chamber Foundation


Additional Updates for Members

CACCE Disaster Fund Grants

CACCE created a Disaster Fund to assist our members in times of natural disasters. CACCE member chambers that need assistance after a natural disaster may apply for a grant from this fund if they meet the following criteria:


  • The Chamber has suffered financial losses due to direct damage to their building and/or a disruption in normal operations as a result of a natural disaster;
  • The Chamber is located in a county that has been declared a federal disaster area (grant applications received from chambers in a community that has not been declared a federal disaster area will be reviewed at the discretion of the CACCE Executive Committee);
  • The Chamber is a current paid member of CACCE; and,
  • The Chamber has at least one full-time employee.

 

Please CLICK HERE for the application. Contact Tiffany at tfulmer@tlfexecutiveservices.com with any questions.

IOM 2026 Program Dates

The U.S. Chamber Foundation's Institute for Organization Management has announced their 2026 program dates. CLICK HERE to see the sites and dates for 2026.


Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) | www.cacce.org