CONCORD — The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce has qualified to participate in the national “Chamber of the Year” competition for success during 2011.
Chambers of commerce across the country participate in annual operations surveys. Based on the results, certain chambers are selected to compete against their peers.
“It’s a great honor for the Cabarrus Regional Chamber to be recognized at this level and it evidences strong volunteer leadership as well as outstanding staff competencies within the organization,” said John Cox, president and CEO of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber.
The American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association award is the nation’s only award recognizing the dual role chambers have in creating leading businesses and leading communities.
Chambers honored with the designation have demonstrated success in community leadership and organizational strength, as well as made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, health care and cultural vitality.
The Cabarrus chamber is also a finalist for the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives “Chamber of the Year” award.
In March, the United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Cabarrus Regional Chamber with 3-Star Accreditation for sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community.
It’s the chamber’s third accredited status in 10 years, and the process will take place again within the next five years.
“We believe a community like ours deserves the finest chamber we can create, and going through the accreditation process makes us a better chamber and more responsive to our region,” Cox said.
Chamber staff are participating in the U.S. Chamber Institute of Organization Management’s four-year program, which has trained thousands of chamber leaders over the years to be better public servants and more effective leaders in local chambers of commerce.
Two staffers qualified for scholarships: Tina Anderson, sponsorship sales and investor relations manager, and Amy Spivey, account executive. Once they complete the four-year program, they will join fellow staff graduates Deborah Carter, Pam Hayworth, Gwynn McCombs and Cox.
The Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation once again has been named as an Accredited Economic Development Organization, one of less than 30 in the world accredited by the International Economic Development Corporation.
Cox and Ryan McDaniels, the EDC’s lead recruiter, had their Certified Economic and Community Development status renewed for another five-year period. Cox is also a certified chamber executive by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association.