Saginaw County Chamber Named 2008 Outstanding Chamber in Michigan
The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals (MACP) recognized the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce with the 2008 MACP Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Award-Mid-Size Chamber Category at the MACP Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting held at Crystal Mountain Resort on October 23, 2008.
The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce was recognized for its achievements including its state and regional leadership in government affairs and business advocacy, a dedicated public policy agenda representing community business issues, its vision for public projects that benefit both the community at large and the business community, model best practices for financial stability and growth, pioneering technology for social networking with its members and its success in recruiting and maintaining members to result in 3% growth.
According to a recent Saginaw News article quote, " It says a lot about the Saginaw Chamber, because it is very challenging for dues-funded organizations right now, said Bob Thomas, director of operations at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the award's sponsor. "Saginaw has been a pioneer with its peer-to-peer marketing ... and other programs. They were one of the first chambers in the state to use a tiered investment structure for members."
Bob VanDeventer, President & CEO of the Chamber and Bernadette Bingham, Vice President, accepted the award on behalf of the Chamber's Staff, Board of Directors and Volunteers. VanDeventer commented, "This award is a true testament to the Chamber's commitment to making Saginaw County a great place to do business and raise a family. The demanding criteria of the award encompassed performance measures in all areas of organizational governance, and most importantly, the impact the Chamber is making on the community. We are extremely grateful for this award the the recognition."
The Outstanding Chamber of Commerce award is given to one chamber of commerce in each of three membership categories (small, mid-size and large chambers of commerce) and based on a comprehensive application judged by chamber of commerce professionals from six Midwest states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Applicants must demonstrate quality, innovation, and effectiveness of programming in the areas of leadership and governance, finance, business advocacy and programming/membership development. The highest scoring applications receive the annual award.
MACP also presented 2008 Outstanding Chamber of Commerce awards to the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce in the Small Chamber category and the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce in the Large Category.
The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals is a statewide organization of executives involved in the management of chambers of commerce. Its mission is to promote excellence among chambers of commerce through innovative and industry best practices programming. It represents more than 100 local chambers of commerce in Michigan.