W.A.C.E.'s Chamber Leadership Podcast

In this episode we are joined by Lorraine Clarno, ACE, 2023-2024 Board Chair and Whitney Diver McEvoy, Board Chair Elect as they reflect on the Association's past year and set intentions and inspiration for the year ahead. 

Glenn Morris, ACE , President/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley (CA) Chamber and W.A.C.E. Board member, joins us  to discuss the role of chambers in economic development and how that may look now compared to chambers of the past. Listen now!

What is one of the most prominent needs in your community and what are you doing to address it?  The last few years have unearthed some seismic shifts in our communities, and in this episode Tempe (AZ) Chamber President/CEO Colin Diaz, ACE shares his belief that Chambers are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in addressing them.  This is a generational moment, and who chambers work with and how will determine the future in many of our communities. Check out the full episode now.

This week's podcast features special guest Zeb Welborn, ACE, President of the Chino Valley (CA) Chamber. Zeb shares with us a goal setting strategy that his chamber has seen success with and walks you through the step-by-step process using his first years at the chamber as a case study. Listen now.

On this episode, we interview John Bwarie from Stratiscope, a community engagement, marketing and association management firm. John discusses the local chambers' roles in responding to community crises, building resiliency, and connecting your community.

On this episode, we discuss the important role Chambers fill when dealing with a community emergency or natural disaster. Many Chambers are considered their community's hub for important information, when an unexpected event strikes, those expectations only increase for key community organizations like chambers of commerce.

On this episode of the Chamber Leadership podcast Jim Johnson from the Pearland (TX) Chamber of Commerce joins us. Jim talks about the importance of professional development in the industry and the program that won their chamber the “Chamber of the Year” award at the latest ACCE Conference.

Nick Ortiz with the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.), announces the relaunch of the Chamber Leadership podcast and reviews the importance of Chambers of Commerce and the business community in advancing growth in their regions.

In this week's episode Dave Kilby sits down with Nick Ortiz, the new President/CEO of W.A.C.E. Nick discusses his background, experience, passion for the Chamber Industry, the future of chambers and reflects on the impact W.A.C.E. has had on him personally and on his career.

In this week's episode, Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E.,  offers wisdom and reflection as he looks ahead towards retirement and the future forward.

This week, Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., shares words of wisdom from Chamber Industry Champions.  Hear advice and tips for communicating value from some of the best in the business. Listen now!

In this episode Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., answers more of your questions! This week's topics include should board members serve on multiple chamber boards at the same time, tips for getting off to a good start with a new board chair and tips for a successful government affairs program. Have a question that you would like answered on a future episode? Email dave.kilby@calchamber.com. 

In this episode Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., is joined by Eric Peterson from executive search firm Waverly Partners to discuss turnover in the chamber industry. Eric shares trends in the executive search process and offers application and interview tips for job seekers.

In this episode Dave Kilby is joined by Terri Cole, CCE, President/CEO of the Greater Albuquerque (NM) Chamber as she reflects on her 45 year chamber career and shares the secret to longevity with one organization. Cole also offers advice to new CEOs, the biggest changes in the Chamber Industry over the years, what's holding chambers back from success and so much more. Listen now!

With the 2022 elections in the rearview mirror, the need for a “sane” center has never been more clear.  In this episode Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., discusses the opportunity for chambers to fill this need and help get business-friendly candidates elected while stressing the importance of learning to do so correctly. Sitting on the sidelines is simply no longer an option. You, your members and your community deserve better! 

In this episode Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., answers more of your questions! This week's topics include installation dinners and swearing in ceremonies, the ideal timing for board retreats/planning sessions, and recommended frequency of dues increases. Have a question that you would like answered on a future episode? Email dave.kilby@calchamber.com. 

In this week's episode we look at the high turnover seen in the chamber industry over the last few years. Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., discusses the importance of rewarding loyalty and talent with promotions from within and emphasizes the importance of employment contracts and regular benefits audits. Don't let your chamber be an employer of last resort with continuous turnover, listen now!

W.A.C.E. celebrates 100 episodes of the Chamber Leadership Podcast's best practices, chamber industry trends and advice with the debut of the new Board Basics – Board Resource Page. Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., discusses how the project came about as well as the importance of making listening and delivering an important part of your chamber culture.

In true film industry fashion this week's episode is a sequel to episode 78 “Movie Wisdom for the Chamber World”. Dave Kilby is once again joined by Chris Romer, ACE, IOM, President/CEO of the Vail Valley (CO) Partnership, as they share 10 movie quotes that relate to life as a chamber professional. Themes range from the classic “Gone with the Wind” to a more modern blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick” and everything in between. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show! 

In this episode Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., answers more of your questions! This week's topics include open board meetings, board term limits, single slate elections and “turf” in areas with competing chambers. Have a question that you would like answered on a future episode? Email dave.kilby@calchamber.com. 

In this week's episode Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., provides follow up to episode 74 with 7 more tips to help Chamber CEOs not only survive but thrive in the chamber industry. Listen now!

This week Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., debuts a new format and answers questions submitted by some of our members. Topics covered include membership drives, having a chair-elect and who “owns” funds generated by committees. Have a question you want answered? Submit your question for a future “Ask Dave” segment to dave.kilby@calchamber.com.  

In this week's episode Dave Kilby is joined by Diane Schwenke, President/CEO of the Grand Junction Area (CO) Chamber and long time chamber executive. Diane shares the secrets to her career longevity at one chamber while reflecting on the biggest changes and challenges to the chamber industry during her tenure.

In this week's episode Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., dispels 6 chamber myths that can pop up unexpectedly at any board meeting and offers best practices to combat them.

In this episode Dave Kilby is joined by Mark Turner, President/CEO of the Gilroy (CA) Chamber and longtime W.A.C.E. member as he discusses the 4 potential disruptive forces that can wreak havoc on a business community and your community at large. He also shares valuable insight into what is most important for a chamber when managing a community crisis based on his own experience.   

In this week's episode Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., offers ten data points which are useful to have in order to help your chamber grow and provide a higher quality service to your members.

If your board or staff were approached by someone in your community with the question “What Does the Chamber Do?” what would their response be? Would it solely focus on events? Would it reflect the chamber's mission? Would they only include those tasks that they personally handle? Dave Kilby discusses the importance of an agreed upon elevator speech and consistent messaging and offers ideas of content to include as well as a sample elevator speech.

Being a chamber CEO has never been easy, but now it seems it's harder than ever before. This week Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., discusses the need for risk in leadership and how to protect yourself and your chamber amidst the current cutthroat cancel culture mentality.  

In this week's episode Dave Kilby is joined by Lorraine Clarno, ACE, President/CEO of the Kalispell (MT) Chamber and W.A.C.E. Chair-Elect. Lorraine shares lessons learned from her twenty-seven years of experience in the chamber industry and offers advice to both professionals new to the industry and executives moving from one chamber to another. Listen to the end for a sneak peek of our new CEO Peer Group Program which will be coming soon!

The Chamber industry has not been immune to the great resignation. Each week we hear of a new executive job opening. In this episode Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., offers his thoughts for new executives and any existing executives considering a move. 

In this week's episode Dave Kilby is joined by Leron Gubler, Life Member of W.A.C.E., to discuss his new book “The Walk of Dreams: Finding Fame in Hollywood (or Wherever Life Leads).” Gubler shares key messages from his book, suggestions for success and lessons learned throughout his 40+ year career in the chamber industry. 

A common denominator found amongst successful chambers is excellent leaders on their board of directors. This week Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., discusses the ideal traits your nominating committee should seek out when deciding who will be on your board. Making sure you have the right team to get things done is critical to your chamber soaring to success.  

Are you frustrated with your board? Are they frustrated with you? On this week's episode Dave Kilby is joined by Hardy Smith, consultant, speaker and author of ‘Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game: How to Break the Cycle of Frustrating Relationships and Benefit from Fully Engaged Boards'. Hardy addresses the question “Why don't board members do what they are supposed to do?” from the perspective of the board members themselves. Learn more about how to improve the relationship between staff and volunteer leaders now. 

In this week's episode Dave Kilby speaks with Mike Varney, a 23 year chamber executive and industry icon. Inspired by the leadership of Colin Powell Mike shares insight and 5 lessons from ‘The Powell Principles' by Oren Harari and discusses how they apply to chambers of commerce.   

While pondering Charles Dickens ‘A Tale of Two Cities' Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., was inspired to ask Chamber executives and industry professionals about their outlook for 2022. Hear some of their responses offering optimism and inspiration with a bit of a reality check. 

In this episode Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., shares a message from author and speaker Greg Mckeown about the importance of designing time to escape. With the evaporation of boundaries and 24/7 availability of the pandemic many people are struggling. Dave offers some tips on how to design those moments of escape into your schedule and why it is essential that you do so.

Does your chamber board have a clear understanding of who does what or are you “winging it”? This week Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., discusses the importance of understanding management vs. governance and having clearly defined roles and responsibilities that are understood by everyone in the organization. Have you had this discussion with your board lately? If not, now might be the time so you can all start the year on the same page!

Dave Kilby, President of W.A.C.E., is often asked as a part of his discussions with chamber executives what he would do if he were “in their shoes”. In this episode Dave shares 5 things he would definitely be doing to take advantage of the chamber's stock going up and capitalize on the positive chamber image that was strengthened over the last two years.    

In this week's episode Dave Kilby is joined by his colleague Tiffany Fulmer Ott, Executive Director and Administrator, for 6 chamber associations including the Carolinas, Georgia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Dave and Tiffany share and compare feedback they are receiving from chamber executives in multiple states and discuss the successes and struggles of the chamber industry amidst the ongoing pandemic. 

This week Dave Kilby is joined by W.A.C.E. Board Chair and Vail Valley (CO) Partnership President/CEO Chris Romer, ACE, IOM as they impart some movie wisdom as it relates to the chamber world. With themes of hard work, flexibility and being a visionary there is sure to be a reminder for success and/or lesson for each of us.

In this episode Dave Kilby is joined by Kyle Jacobson, VP of Government Relations for the Lubbock (TX) Chamber, to discuss his new book “Advocacy Basics for Chambers: The ABC's of Government Relations”. Jacobson stresses the importance of advocacy and how you can move your chamber from sitting on the sidelines to playing in the game. He also emphasizes why chambers need to take advantage of advocacy as an opportunity to shine as a voice for your members while bringing value to your community. Is advocacy the missing ingredient for your chamber?

Inspired by a quote from the movie “The Departed”,  W.A.C.E. President Dave Kilby shares that, while it takes courage and requires getting out of our comfort zones, chambers of commerce need to play a leadership role in shaping the future of their communities.

Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., discusses principles from the book “Excellence Now: Extreme Humanism” by Tom Peters and how they apply to the chamber industry. Over the last year the importance of professional development during challenging times is more apparent than ever. Professional development offers ROI for not only you but also your organization. We have seen a direct correlation between chambers who invested in their staff and those chambers who are coming out of this pandemic successful and more relevant than ever.

There is currently a lot of change and transition in our industry. Each week our office receives new job announcements and new job opening listings. This week Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., shares reminders and proven suggestions on chamber CEO survival basics and discusses the art of being successful in the chamber industry. 

In this episode Dave Kilby is joined by Mick Fleming, longtime chamber champion and former CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Mick provides background on the ACCE task force and process that led to the publication of the Horizon Initiative as well as a broad overview of the influences that will shape the future of the chamber industry. While many of the specifics and tactics have changed since the initiative was first published, you will find that many of the strategies and ideas are more relevant than ever. 

Chambers around the West are, even during the pandemic, doing great things that really matter and make a difference to their members and communities. In this episode Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., provides some examples and discusses 6 foundational key ingredients these successful chambers share. Chambers have the opportunity to lead and take action as the problem solvers in their community and now is the time to quit talking and start doing just that.

In this episode Dave Kilby is joined by special guest Brad Hicks, President/CEO of the Medford & Jackson County (OR) Chamber, as he reflects on his 28 year career with the chamber and shares wisdom, guiding principles for success in the chamber industry, and what's next for his career.

It is normal for chambers to want to know how other chambers are doing in terms of membership and retention especially during these unprecedented times. Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., shares data from a recent opinion poll and discusses why the data is so hard to pin down. With many chambers holding off on dropping past due members and adding large numbers of potential members to their databases pinpointing exact numbers of dues paying members can be tricky. What we do know is over the last year chambers have shown their value and as we approach the light at the end of the COVID tunnel it is time for chambers to unapologetically and consistently tell their story, communicate value and make the ask for membership. 

While most chambers have been vocal about the need for PPE and PPP, vaccination campaigns do not seem to be as common. In this episode Dave Kilby discusses the reasons chambers may or may not choose to get involved and spotlights two chambers, the Grand Junction Area (CO) Chamber and the Lodi District (CA) Chamber, who have used their status as a trusted resource in their community to lead successful vaccination campaigns. The chamber is Courage and it is time for us to roll up our sleeves and get to work!

In this episode Dave Kilby is joined by Academy faculty member B Gorman, from B Great Leadership, to discuss  how chamber professionals can battle burn out by prioritizing and establishing boundaries that protect not only their own health and well-being but the chamber’s focus and mission as well.

Post-pandemic we find that a chamber’s status varies. One chamber might be having their best year ever while a chamber next door is sinking and may never recover. In this episode Dave Kilby, president of W.A.C.E., discusses the dramatic changes The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly have brought to the chamber industry over the last year.