Ed/Glen Chamber of Commerce wins ACCE award of excellence

    The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce had a productive and successful 2017, proudly serving businesses across the region and celebrating the many ways business leaders enhance our communities.
    One highlight was receiving national recognition from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) for the chamber’s inaugural SAVOR: Restaurant Week initiative. The ‘Award of Excellence’ was presented at ACCE’s annual conference in August.
    The Ed/Glen Chamber hosted a number of members-only summits throughout the year with federal and state elected officials, including Congressmen John Shimkus and Rodney Davis, and state Rep. Katie Stuart. In addition, the chamber facilitated the ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ award presentation to Congressmen Shimkus, Davis and Bost at Anderson Hospital in September.
    As the chamber progresses with its strategic objective of increasing legislative engagement, the organization continues to offer a full menu of programs designed to facilitate relationship-building among business leaders. The chamber’s 2017 calendar offered more than 75 opportunities to expand professional networks, helping members grow their businesses.
    “Our market saw impressive private sector investment in 2017,” said Ed/Glen Chamber President/CEO Desirée Bennyhoff. “With the announcement of some significant projects in the fourth quarter, I think we can expect great additions to the business community in the next couple years.”
    In line with the chamber’s goal of becoming accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, staff leadership is paramount. After graduating in 2016, Bennyhoff in 2017 served as a class advisor for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and has been named to IOM’s curriculum committee, which governs course content at all five Institute sites across the country. In 1921 the Institute program was designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize association, chamber of commerce, and other nonprofit professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of nonprofit management.
    Bennyhoff continues serving on the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives board of directors, and in November became immediate past chair after two years as chairman of the board. She has also served on the Illinois Chamber of Commerce board of directors – further evidence of the Ed/Glen Chamber’s commitment to consistently represent the voice of Metro East businesses before a statewide audience.
    “I am proud of the significant progress our organization has made. In just a few short years since adopting our ambitious strategic plan we have made great strides. We are committed to adhering to industry best practices, we proudly stand alongside our job-creators as the voice of business, and we believe in setting the standard for organizational excellence,” said Bennyhoff.