The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) Staff had the opportunity to attend Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Academy August 5^th – 9^th in Sacramento. W.A.C.E. is the premier organization for education and professional development for chamber executives and staff. W.A.C.E. now represents over 820 chamber professionals in 21 Western states and Canada. W.A.C.E. Academy started in 2003, Academy is a three-day (three-year) high quality summer program on chamber management “essentials” geared for today’s chamber executives and professional staff. It has become the leading training program totally devoted to chamber professional in the West. The GCVCC brought Director of Business Jo Beth Prudhome who attended as a first year student and President and CEO Brandon Marley who is a third year student and will graduate from the program at the annual conference in February.

“I was very appreciative to have participated in the first of the three-year accreditation at W.A.C.E.” said Director of Business Development, Jo Beth Prudhomme. “It was evident of the past impact GCVCC has made and was used as an example of the success of regional chambers as other areas are moving to this model. The state of our Chamber places us in the forefront of the evolving industry. Networking with other Chamber executives from the western region was the best part!”

“The opportunity to connect and learn from other chamber executives from around the country is invaluable.” said GCVCC President and CEO Brandon Marley. “After attending my third year of Academy, the connections I’ve been able to make will be able to help the GCVCC grow and prosper. We’re blessed to be part of an industry that thrives on sharing information and ideas to better our communities.”