Early in the 20th century, chambers of commerce were known generally as “commercial organizations” and their executives were called “secretaries.” So when two regional associations met in Cincinnati in 1914 to approve a merger, the name chosen was National Association of Commercial Organization Secretaries.
NACOS became the American Chamber of Commerce Executives in 1948 and the organization has been known as ACCE ever since although the acronym will now stand for Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
NACOS became the American Chamber of Commerce Executives in 1948 and the organization has been known as ACCE ever since although the acronym will now stand for Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The titles of the members of the association have also changed—from secretary, to executive secretary, to executive director, to executive vice president, to president—as their roles and responsibilities have been increased.
But one thing hasn’t changed. That is the association’s commitment to assist the executives of local and state chambers of commerce improve the communities they represent.
Mick Fleming, ACCE’s President, calls it an inspiring story of our shared heritage.
“The history of chambers, the growth of the modern economy and the building of viable communities—it’s all one story—a moving tale of courage, imagination, relationships and persistence,” Fleming said.
Chamber of commerce professionals from across North America gather in Cincinnati on August 12-15 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of ACCE and to begin the organization’s Second Century. As the National Economic Development Sponsor of ACCE, Market Street Services is again presenting programs and serving on panels at the convention:
- Quality of Place as an Economic Driver with Market Street’s Mac Holladay along with panelists David Brown, President and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber and Brad Lacy, President and CEO, Conway Area Chamber; and
- Tapping the Entrepreneurial Culture featuring Christa Tinsley Spaht together with Sean Kennedy, Greenhouse Manager, St. Petersburg Area Chamber; Michael Dalby, President and CEO, Columbus Chamber; and Penny Lewandowski, Vice President of Entrepreneurship, Edward Lowe Foundation.
Many of our past and present clients are also presenting or serving as panelists at the conference:
- Growing Diverse Businesses with Nika White, Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion, Greenville Chamber alongside Crystal German, Vice President, Economic Inclusion, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.
- Put Your Foundation to Work featuring panelist Ralph Schulz, President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce along with fellow panelist Tim Sheehy, President, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
- You’re Certifiable presented by Ben Haskew, President and CEO, Greenville Chamber of Commerce together with Robert L. Quick, President and CEO, Commerce Lexington Inc.
- Cultivating Diverse Leaders with Valerie Patton, Vice President, Economic Inclusion, St. Louis Regional Chamber and Harold Boone Sr., Vice President, Minority Business Development, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. They will be joined by Sonya Hughes, Vice President, Inclusion and Community Leadership, Grand Rapids Area Chamber.
- And more!
Market Street is proud to support ACCE at the convention and throughout the year and we appreciate the business relationships we enjoy with so many ACCE-member chambers.
If you’re attending the convention, come see us at booth #206 to see how we can help you help your community.
