CACCE September 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 - 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:
Tuesday, September 23 – 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.
| | CACCE - September 2025 Webinar | | |
Just a quick reminder that we have a new webinar with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions scheduled for September:
Tuesday, September 16 – Noon
The Role of Chambers in Public-Private Partnerships
Steve Stevens, Senior Project Director, Convergent Nonprofit Solutions
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have the power to transform communities — but they require the right leadership to succeed. Chambers of commerce are uniquely positioned to convene stakeholders, bridge government and business interests, and coordinate initiatives that drive economic growth, workforce development, infrastructure, and quality-of-life improvements. In this 30-minute session, chamber, economic development, and association executive Steve Stevens will share practical insights on how chambers can lead or facilitate impactful PPPs. Drawing on more than 30 years of leadership experience across the Southeast and Inland Northwest, Steve will highlight examples of specific success stories — from Greenville’s NEXT Innovation Hub to the Quad Cities’ riverfront redevelopment — and unpack their purpose, structures and what makes these partnerships work.
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.
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Bridge Public Strategy Group, LLC
CACCE Welcomes New Associate Member
Please help us welcome a new CACCE Associate Member:
Bridge Public Strategy Group, LLC
Nikki Crabtree Huber, EVP & Founder
864-414-3930
nikki@bridgepsg.com
Bridge Public Strategy Group is a boutique lobbying and public affairs group dedicated to solving complex government issues for business clients and associations. You can learn more here:
https://bridgepsg.com/
We will schedule a Zoom meeting soon for our members to learn more.
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Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy
New Resource: OBBBA and the Energy Economy: What Chambers & EDOs Need to Know
The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes sweeping changes to U.S. energy policy, in ways that slow or block clean energy projects at a time when we need every electron on the grid to meet rising energy demand. With solar and wind now the fastest to build and most affordable sources of power, the stakes are high as chambers and EDOs are helping their regions capture clean energy investments and ensuring America’s economy stays competitive. This resource breaks down what the energy provisions in the OBBBA mean for your community and how you can stay ahead. Click here to read more.
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Eventeny
CACCE Welcomes New Associate Member
Please help us welcome a new CACCE Associate Member:
Eventeny
Jessica Jones, CMO
586-231-4207
jessica.jones@eventeny.com
Eventeny was founded for a family member who hosted events and was drowning in spreadsheets, late nights, and chaos. We knew there had to be a better way. So, we built an all-in-one platform that saves organizers up to 4 months of admin work through automation. Now, you can manage vendors, volunteers, sponsors, attendees, maps & more in one place. Today, 23K+ events trust Eventeny, powered by a network of 400K+ participants. Learn how you can save time too!
We will schedule a Zoom meeting soon for our members to learn more.
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Indus Travels
Indus Travels at ACCE 2025: Turning Travel into Tangible Revenue Opportunity That Can Generate $40,000+ Annually
Last month, Indus Travels was proud to participate in the ACCE Conference as a Silver Sponsor, where we had the pleasure of hosting an exclusive and insightful breakaway session. Our guest speaker, Paul Farmer, CEO of the Monterey County Business Council, shared powerful insights drawn from his 13+ years of experience running successful chamber travel programs. He revealed how travel has become a reliable revenue stream—generating over $40,000 annually for his organization—while also significantly boosting member engagement and retention. Paul also shared practical, real-world tips that helped make his program one of the most successful in our network—strategies you can easily apply to kick-start or enhance your own travel offerings. Following Paul, Saeed Parker, Regional Manager at Indus Travels, explained how our proven, turnkey system—refined over more than a decade—removes the guesswork and complexity from launching a profitable travel program. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, our model is designed for effortless success.
🎥 Watch the full session here.
📩 Ready to explore the possibilities? Contact Mr. Dhruv Raval, Regional Manager, on 866 978 2997 ext. 844, or email dhruv@indus.travel to find out how to bring these benefits to your chamber.
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Lumin Strategies
How Destination North Myrtle Beach is leveling up its advocacy to deliver even more for local businesses.
We’ve recently expanded our work with Destination North Myrtle Beach, moving from legislative session support into a year-round partnership. Even with a strong advocacy program already in place, they’re using our framework to keep their efforts member-driven and focused on what matters most to local businesses. It’s a great example of how chambers—whether building from scratch or refining established programs—can grow their impact and the value they deliver to members. Want to explore what this could look like for your chamber's advocacy program? Click here to schedule a quick 10 minute chat with us.
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PSP Group
Ready for 2026? Let’s Talk!
This year is flying by and planning for 2026 starts now. If you are interested in telling your Chamber's story with bigger impact AND growing your non-dues revenue, now is the perfect time to connect and explore how partnering with PSP Group can take you to the next level! Schedule a discovery call today with Eli (eli@mypspgroup.com) or Kenny (kenny@mypspgroup.com).
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Starfish Partnerships
Chamber friends — I’d love your input!
After 30+ years at the Walton Chamber, as I move toward half-time in 2026 and grow Starfish Partnerships, I want to be sure the trainings and resources I create truly support YOU. If you haven’t already, please take this quick survey by September 12th for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a 1-Hour Coaching/Consulting Session. Winners will be drawn the week of September 15th!
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PWC8TNY
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! If you need help with a membership blitz, board retreat, or staff retreat, I’d love to discuss it with you! You can book a discovery call here: https://tidycal.com/teri1/discovery-call.
Teri Smiley, Owner, Starfish Partnerships
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YGM
Union County (NC) Executive Search
The Union County Chamber Board of Directors is proud to relaunch its nationwide search for a dynamic President & CEO. Following a thoughtful and engaging first phase, the Board has chosen to broaden its outreach and bring a renewed focus to the search. This decision reflects the Chamber’s unwavering commitment to finding a transformational leader who shares our mission to champion business growth and economic prosperity across Union County. With refined priorities, expanded reach, and fresh momentum, we are again welcoming applications from collaborative, forward-thinking, and strategic leaders ready to make a lasting impact. This is an extraordinary opportunity to help shape one of North Carolina’s most thriving and rapidly evolving business communities. Anissa Starnes, IOM with YGM, LLC will be managing the executive search for the Union County Chamber. Click here for more information.
Outer Banks (NC) Executive Search
The Outer Banks Chamber Board of Directors will be launching the executive search for their next President & CEO on September 15, 2025. Anissa Starnes, IOM with YGM, LLC will be assisting the chamber with the executive search.
UNLOOP by YGM is the smarter way to plan, sell, and track your sponsorships — no spreadsheets, no chaos. From real-time sales tracking to online contracts and sponsor FOMO when they see who else is buying, UNLOOP by YGM helps you sell smarter, not harder all while increasing your revenue.“UNLOOP by YGM's sponsorship website is a game-changer. The interface is incredibly intuitive—easy for chamber staff to update and even easier for sponsors to navigate and make purchases. It streamlines the entire process. This is the kind of tool that gives your chamber a competitive edge!”
— Tiffany Fulmer Ott
👉 Sponsor Sales Demo: [Watch Now]
👉 Admin Demo: [Watch Now]
Click here to sign-up for UNLOOP by YGM.
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Aiken Chamber
The Chamber will host their Blastin' for Business Clay Shoot Tournament on September 12 at the Palmetto Shooting Complex in Edgefield, SC. The Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot, often referred to as golfing with a gun, will be a fun and exciting day outdoors with good food, great networking and shooting clays! We are welcoming straight shooters and novices of all skill levels who enjoy the fast pace of shooting sporting clays.
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Boone Area Chamber
We are pleased to invite you to Spirit of Boone, the Chamber's Annual Membership Gathering, on Thursday, September 18 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in the Grandview Ballroom at Appalachian State’s North End Zone Facility. Spirit of Boone is a tribute to the strong spirit that has defined our community over the years, a spirit that shows up in full force when it is needed most. As we near one year since Hurricane Helene, this year’s celebration carries an added layer of meaning, honoring the ways our community continues to rise, rebuild, and move forward, together.
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Caswell County Chamber
The Bright Leaf Hoedown in Yanceyville, NC is a vibrant annual event held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 9am until dusk that celebrates the region's deep agricultural heritage and tight-knit community spirit. Located in the heart of downtown, the festival features a variety of activities including a Classic Car Show, live music, and numerous artisan and crafter booths showcasing local talent. Attendees can engage with educational and informational exhibits, as well as explore agricultural displays and hands-on experiences that highlight the county’s farming traditions. Families are invited to enjoy Kids Kountry, a dedicated area with games, crafts, and child-friendly entertainment. With a wide selection of local food vendors and an inviting small-town atmosphere, the festival offers something for all ages and interests.
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Chester County Chamber
We are excited to share that the Chamber has officially taken on the leadership of tourism for Chester County. As part of this new chapter, we have hired Keianna Benson as our Tourism Director to guide these efforts. Together, we look forward to promoting our community’s unique experiences and welcoming more visitors than ever before.
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Greater Raleigh Chamber
The Chamber invites all to celebrate Visionary Leadership in greater Raleigh and the momentum driving our region forward at its 137th Annual Meeting. This signature luncheon on September 25 will recognize outstanding service through the presentation of the prestigious A.E. Finley Distinguished Service Award to former NC State University Chancellor Randy Woodson, Ph.D., and a fireside chat with The Wall Street Journal Reporter and Best-Selling Author Valerie Bauerlein. Register today here.
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Greater Statesville Chamber
Chamber President & CEO Shannon Viera recently announced that she is resigning her position to pursue new opportunities. Her last day will be September 12.
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Greater Topsail Area Chamber
Our leadership program, Leadership Pender, kicked off August 13 with a mixer hosted by MeMa's Chickn'n & Ribs, which is owned by one of the Leadership Pender organizing committee members. We have a class of 15 ladies. It's our inaugural class. We hoped for 10, and we knew we didn't want to go over 20, so we are thrilled with a class of 15! The class is diverse including media, medical, education, banking, nonprofit, and sales. This is a collaboration between the two Chambers within Pender County - the Burgaw Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism - it's the first time the two chambers have collaborated on a project.
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Greenville-Pitt County Chamber
The Chamber recently hosted its inaugural Women’s LeadHERship Conference, designed to empower women at every stage of their leadership journey. The day featured networking alongside a Women-Owned Business Expo, giving attendees the chance to connect and support local entrepreneurs. Breakout sessions focused on strengthening community impact, bridging generational workplace divides, and prioritizing personal and professional wellness. Guest speakers included local women business owners, department VPs from Pitt Community College and East Carolina University, and a bestselling author.
We kicked off the Leadership Institute, an eight-month program, on August 21st! Designed to develop diverse, committed leaders, the program gives participants an in-depth view of community issues, opportunities for engagement, and the skills needed to assume leadership roles. Participants explore effective leadership qualities, analyze their personal leadership styles, and gain tools to make a lasting impact on the community and region.
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Jackson County Chamber
The Chamber is pleased to welcome Todd Vinyard as their new Executive Director.
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Lake Gaston Regional Chamber
On August 9, 2025, we had the 20th Anniversary of “The Crossing.” This is an opportunity for our community to help our Lake Gaston foundation raise funds to put back into the community in the form of grants. This year we had 279 participants. That either walked, swam or floated across one (1) mile of beautiful Lake Gaston. It was a sight to see! We also had 89 Volunteers across all five (5) counties that are Chamber served.
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Lancaster County Chamber
A message from Lancaster County Chamber’s President/CEO, John McCain: “If I only had two words to describe the mission of our Chamber, they would be ‘members and community.’ I want to highlight some new initiatives that we are proud to announce this month! The 2025 Chamber Grant Program is designed to stimulate entrepreneurism, encourage small business growth in Lancaster County, and support community-minded service organizations. Two $1,000 grants will be awarded to Chamber member organizations. Our Chamber’s Young Professionals ‘YPs’ are raising funds to provide a scholarship to support a YP whose employer does not offer tuition reimbursement or funding for the Leadership Lancaster Program. We are thankful for partnerships that allow us to work to make Lancaster County a better place to live, work, and do business!”
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The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro
The Chamber is hosting a ChamberMaster & GrowthZone in-person Regional Meetup in Chapel Hill, NC on September 16 at the Chapel Hill Public Library. This special event will take place alongside our September CEO Round Table and offers a unique opportunity for local GrowthZone and ChamberMaster chambers to come together for learning and open discussion. For more information, please click here.
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Triangle East Chamber
The Chamber has taken a major step forward in its five-year Triangle East Prospers initiative, appointing BriAnna Walker as the region’s first-ever Talent and Leadership Development Manager. The new role marks
a significant investment in tackling one of Johnston County’s most pressing challenges: building a skilled workforce. Currently, 63 percent of area employers report difficulty finding workers with essential skills. Click here to learn more.
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Wilmington Chamber
Natalie English, President & CEO of the Chamber, has been awarded the 2025 Board Chair’s Award by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The annual award recognizes an individual or group that has made a significant contribution to advancing the chamber profession. In addition to receiving the award, English has been elected to serve as the 2026 Board Chair for ACCE.
Josh Hallingse earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), denoting a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth.
We are thrilled to introduce CultureWorks, a new program the Chamber is launching this fall designed to equip leaders at every stage of their careers with the tools to build organizations where people feel valued and motivated to excel.
For more details on the updates above, click here.
| | 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;
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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.
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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.
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Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) | www.cacce.org | | | | |