Kentucky Chamber Named 2017 State Chamber of the Year; Council of State Chambers Elects Officers and Directors

Kentucky Accepts State Chamber of the Year Award

The Council of State Chambers announced today that the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has been named the 2017 "State Chamber of the Year." The purpose of the annual State Chamber of the Year award is to bring attention to innovative initiatives and best practices that advance state chambers' mission and work and to provide deserved recognition to state chambers and their leaders who have distinguished themselves by providing exceptional services and results for their members.

Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson accepted the award on behalf of the Kentucky Chamber. "This is great recognition for our organization, our 60-member board of directors made up of the top business leaders of Kentucky and our staff of 30 professionals at our headquarters in Frankfort. Our slogan is 'Uniting Business, Advancing Kentucky.' Our team is passionate and works hard every day to create progress for our Commonwealth."

The Kentucky Chamber was recognized during the 94th Annual Meeting of the Council of State Chambers. Also recognized for outstanding achievement were the:

About the State Chamber of the Year Award

The judges, who themselves are seasoned state chamber of commerce leaders, evaluated applicants in six different areas of achievement:

  • Public Policy — Shaping public policy through original research, surveys, communications, lobbying, member engagement, public engagement, and/or other means to achieve positive results for the business community.
  • Political Engagement — Advancing causes of critical importance to the business community directly or through affiliated entities (e.g., a PAC) with regard to issues, candidates, and other electoral activities.
  • Membership and Development — Measurable success in growing membership and other financial resources to support the mission of the organization.
  • Organizational Development — Development of the state chamber organization through the innovative use of technology, the enhancement of its facilities, the professional development of its staff, the work of associated entities such as its foundation, the creation of internal efficiency, etc.
  • Communications Program — Development of innovative and effective communications programming or communications products that have produced a significant impact on the organization, the chamber membership, and/ or the state the chamber serves.
  • Member Services — Development and provision of exceptional member services through offering educational programs, member discount programs, major events or member products that have addressed a particular need for chamber members, and/or produced significant revenue for the chamber.

The Council of State Chambers also elected Officers and Directors at its annual meeting. Fred Morgan, President & CEO of the State Chamber of Oklahoma, was elected as Chair of the Board of Directors; Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber, was elected as Vice Chair; and Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce was elected Treasurer & Secretary. Kevin Brinegar, President & CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, will serve as Immediate Past Chair. Members elected to serve as Directors for 2017-18 are:

  • Rich Studley (Michigan Chamber)
  • Heather Briccett (Business Council of New York State)
  • Dan Mehan (Missouri Chamber)
  • Andy Peterson (Greater North Dakota Chamber)
  • Gene Barr (Georgia Chamber)
  • Sherry Menor-McNamara (Chamber of Commerce Hawaii)
  • Rob Engstrom, ex officio (U.S. Chamber)
  • Scott Waller, ex officio (Mississippi Chamber)

About the Council of State Chambers

Founded in 1924, the Council of State Chambers is the national organization for state chamber CEOs and their executive leadership. The purpose of the Council of State Chambers is to promote cooperation among state chambers of commerce, strengthen existing state chambers, and promote the state chamber of commerce movement throughout the country.

Source: Council of State Chambers (COSC)

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