CACCE January 2026 E-Newsletter

2026 Staff Leadership Development Conference

Be sure to save the date:



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


We are working to finalize the agenda now, so be on the lookout for more details soon!

Associate Member News

365 Degree Total Marketing

Happy New Year! Your 2026 Success Starts Today.

As we kick off the new year, every Chamber across the Carolinas is setting ambitious goals for 2026. This January is the perfect time to commit to a strategy that guarantees your Chamber achieves maximum visibility and accelerated non-dues revenue growth. Don't let your planning wait until spring! 365° Total Marketing specializes in transforming those resolutions into real results. We offer a concept-to-completion approach designed to communicate your Chamber's value and impact effectively, every day of the year. Ready to make 2026 your most successful year yet? Let's connect soon. Schedule a New Year Strategy Session with MJ Benjoseph today to map out your success:

MJ Benjoseph 
MJ@365degreetotalmarketing.com

PH 843-685-0532

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy

Business, Farmers, and Lawmakers Unite on North Carolina's Clean Energy Future

North Carolina's clean energy economy is booming with record job growth, but industry leaders and policymakers gathered at the state's Clean Energy Champion Awards to address critical challenges: the need for modernized grid infrastructure, streamlined permitting, and regulatory certainty to sustain momentum as demand accelerates. Click here to see which chambers and economic development organizations were award winners.

Eventeny

You’re invited! Join us on January 9th at 12PM EST for The 2026 Festival & Event Playbook. We'll have a live breakdown of our first-ever State of the Festival report, reviewing the three must-know insights for 2026 backed by real attendance data & benchmarks from hundreds of events. Stay for the live evAwards winner reveal celebrating the best events and teams of 2025. Register now!

Indus Travels

Portugal FAM Trip Recap - Memories, Moments, and Member Success!

Our Indus Travels Portugal FAM Trip was an unforgettable experience! Over eight remarkable days, chamber executives from across the region explored Portugal’s beauty, culture, and charm—while seeing firsthand how curated travel experiences can be the easiest source of non-dues revenue for their chambers. From the historic streets of Lisbon to the coastal beauty of Nazaré, the spiritual sites of Fátima, and the vibrant culture of Porto, the trip was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and strong networking among peers. Sharing a few moments from the journey. Participants shared glowing feedback about their experience—highlighting how our tours are seamless, enjoyable, and easy to offer to their chamber members.

Check out more video testimonials and trip highlights on our Chamber Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

 

The executives left Portugal inspired, confident, and ready to bring these opportunities to their communities. This trip is a perfect example of how travel programs can boost member engagement while generating meaningful non-dues revenue with minimal effort. Whether you’re curious about creating similar travel experiences for your chamber or exploring upcoming Indus Travels opportunities, we’re here to help:

📧 dhruv@indus.travel

📞 866-978-2997 ext. 844

 

Let us help your chamber turn travel into a powerful tool for both engagement and revenue—just like your peers did!

Lumin Strategies

Lumin Strategies Leadership Update

As we begin the new year, we wanted to share an important update with you. Bryan Fox is stepping into the role of President and CEO of Lumin Strategies. Bryan has been a longtime colleague and trusted leader within our team, with extensive experience working with Chambers, associations, and other organizations on advocacy and public policy initiatives. Brian Francis will continue working with Lumin Strategies as a strategic advisor during the transition, supporting the team and ongoing work to ensure continuity. We appreciate the opportunity to remain engaged with the association and look forward to continuing to connect with you in the year ahead. If you're ready to start advocacy work in 2026, reach out to us at bfox@luminstrat.com.

SOAR Nonprofit Solutions, LLC

Make the Most of 2026 with SOAR Nonprofit Solutions, LLC

As we kick off 2026, it’s the perfect time to refocus on organizational management and strategic growth. SOAR Nonprofit Solutions, LLC has partnered with 21 chambers to strengthen governance, grow membership, increase non-dues revenue, elevate advocacy efforts, and launch high-impact leadership and workforce development programs. Many chambers begin with an organizational assessment and board retreat—often leading to a customized development plan designed for sustainable growth. Just ask the Aiken Chamber, Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber, or Beaufort Regional Chamber. Ready to position your chamber for a strong year ahead?

Contact Tammy Shepherd at soarnonprofitsolutions.com or tammy@soarnonprofitsolutions.com


YGM

Considering what your 2026 has in store? Don't leave out these YGM products to help grow your Chamber!



Unloop: We created Unloop--our new sponsorship sales platform--with chamber execs just like you in mind-- leaders ready to step off the hamster wheel of sponsorship chaos and streamline your entire sponsorship sales process with ease and organization.

Visionary Leadership Retreat: If you’re looking to energize your board, set key priorities, and strengthen your Chamber’s impact, the Visionary Leadership Retreat is for you! This one-day retreat is more than planning... we’ll help you position your Chamber as a leader in strength and innovation, impacting 2026 and years to come!

Total Resource Campaign: It's time to permanently transform your organization’s non-dues revenue program through a YGM TRC that activates the total resource potential of your chamber without working overtime or trying to make it all happen on your own.



Make 2026 the year you partner with YGM.  We’d love to help you grow your Chamber!


CACCE Member News

Aiken Chamber

The Chamber will host their 108th Annual Dinner on February 19. This year, we’re celebrating the 250th birthday of our nation, honoring tradition, community, and the spirit that keeps Aiken thriving. Enjoy an evening of fellowship, a delicious dinner, and the presentation of our annual awards as we recognize outstanding community and business leaders.

Beaufort Regional Chamber

The Chamber is growing and planning for new staff members in 2026! Our January Board Retreat will finalize our roadmap for building staff resources. Before any positions are officially open to all, we are extending an invitation to current Chamber professionals who may want to work in the SC Lowcountry and use their skills to help the Beaufort Regional Chamber achieve new heights!  We are looking for any combination of Communications/Marketing, Events/Programming, Workforce Development, Partner Relations, and Government Affairs. Please contact Megan Morris if interested in exploring — and defining — Chamber job opportunities in Beaufort!

Cleveland County Chamber

The Chamber is accepting resumes for the position of President/CEO. Please see the CACCE Careers page for more information and to apply.

Fairfield County Chamber

The Chamber announced in a statement that Dillon Pullen resigned as President and CEO of the Chamber effective December 10, 2025. He has accepted a position with the Chamber of Commerce in Baker County, Florida. Click here for the press release.

Greater Bluffton Chamber

The Chamber is pleased to announce that Allison Canady has joined our team as Director of Programs and Events. Allison brings enthusiasm, organization, and a passion for community-building to this role, and she will be leading the planning and execution of our programs, networking opportunities, and signature events. We are excited for the experience and fresh perspective she will bring as we continue to serve and strengthen our local business community.

Greater Raleigh Chamber

The Chamber is excited to share In Good Company, our podcast highlighting the people, partnerships, and work shaping the Triangle’s business community. With three episodes now available and more coming soon, the podcast offers an inside look at Chamber initiatives, regional collaboration, and the real-world impact of our work. Presented by Carr, Riggs & Ingram, this podcast goes beyond the headlines to feature conversations with Chamber leaders, members, and community partners. We invite our fellow chamber professionals to tune in, follow along, and join us as we continue to share stories of leadership, innovation, and connection.

Greater Wilmington Chamber

The Chamber's 159th Annual Meeting will take place February 12 at the Wilmington Convention Center. Each year, this gathering brings together more than 500 business and community leaders as we celebrate our community's economic progress, honor our chamber's leadership, and look forward to the opportunities that 2026 will bring. Our keynote speaker, Dee Ann Turner, brings more than 30 years of experience from Chick-fil-A, where she served as the company’s first female officer and led both Talent and Sustainability. Her keynote on Customer Excellence will provide practical insights every business leader can put to work immediately.

Greenville-Pitt County Chamber

The Chamber's Leadership Institute cohort recently held its third session, Make a Difference, offering participants an immersive day of service and learning. From visiting the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina to wrapping presents at Pitt County Department of Social Services and preparing meals for families in need at the Ronald McDonald House of ENC and Hope Lodge, the experience highlighted the powerful impact of supporting nonprofits during the holiday season.


Our community is evolving… so are we! We’ve been working on something very exciting behind the scenes these past few months. Catch a sneak peak here and stay tuned!

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber

The Chamber will celebrate the Lowcountry’s culinary excellence during the 18th annual Chamber Restaurant Week, taking place January 31–February 7, 2026. More than 80 local restaurants are expected to participate, each offering specially priced prix-fixe menus, signature dishes, and creative new entrées. Residents and visitors can explore the diverse flavors of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton while supporting the region’s vibrant culinary community.

Rowan Chamber

Join the Chamber in celebrating the successes of its business community at the 100th Annual Gala on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Presented by Novant Health, this premiere event will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Rowan Community Center in Salisbury. This year’s theme, “Century of Success,” honors a milestone moment in the Rowan Chamber’s history as the organization reflects on the past and looks ahead to the future.

The Chamber - Leading Business in Cabarrus

Barbi Jones, President & CEO of the Chamber, has announced her decision to retire on June 1, 2026. She has served in that position for nearly 10 years. Click here for her note to her members.

Winterville Chamber

The Chamber is proud to announce the return of BREW: Building Resilient Entrepreneurs in Winterville, a comprehensive business development program designed to equip aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and community connections they need to launch and grow their businesses. This program is made possible through a partnership with the Town of Winterville and Pitt Community College Small Business Center, and is proudly sponsored by NCInnovation. This statewide public-private partnership supports and helps commercialize high-potential applied research from North Carolina’s public universities, with the goal to create real-world products, companies, and jobs that drive economic impact across the state.

Additional Updates for Members

ACCE

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

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