Vail Valley Partnership has been named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Virginia, that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.

Chamber of the Year, sponsored by GrowthZone, is the most prestigious and competitive award presented annually by ACCE. It recognizes the leadership role chambers of commerce have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities such as education, transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life.

“Chambers of commerce play an increasingly vital role in promoting regional prosperity,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “This achievement demonstrates their commitment to fostering vibrant communities and achieving organizational success. Congratulations on Vail Valley Partnership’s outstanding leadership, dedication to its community and serving as a role model for the chamber profession.”

Vail Valley Partnership accepted the award July 17 during the Awards Show at ACCE’s Annual Convention in Dallas. 

“On behalf of the Vail Valley Partnership, and the many businesses and communities which it proudly serves – we are thrilled to be named the 2024 Chamber of the Year.  This award is a testament to the Partnership’s efforts and influence across our valley, as well as Colorado,” said Mike Brown, Vail Valley Partnership board chair. “We could not be prouder of our President, Chris Romer, and our amazing VVP staff. We thank the ACCE for this recognition.”

“It is an honor to be recognized as national Chamber of the Year,” said Chris Romer, President and CEO of Vail Valley Partnership. “It is a testament to our collective efforts in fostering a thriving community. This recognition inspires us to continue our commitment to supporting local businesses and to drive economic growth in Eagle County and the mountain region. Special thanks and recognition to the staff team that dedicates themselves to our community, and to the volunteer board that provides our strategic vision. Wining Chamber of the Year is a recognition for not only the Partnership but for the entire Eagle County business community.”

Chambers of commerce interested in competing for the award must first qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process. Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas in ACCE’s Annual Chamber Operations Survey, including net revenue and assets, membership account retention and membership dollar retention. Qualifying chambers enter the competition with a written application addressing all organizational operation and programmatic work aspects.

Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. Winners are selected from among finalists based on an interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into four categories based on annual revenue, membership, area population and other factors.

About Vail Valley Partnership

Vail Valley Partnership is a 501(c) (6) nonprofit organization that serves as the Chamber and destination marketing organization for Eagle County, Colorado and the Vail Valley. Dedicated to community success, the Partnership leads collaboration for economic vitality. Vail Valley Partnership is the official resource and advocate for business and tourism in the Vail Valley with over 730 members and was named “Chamber of the Year” by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Learn more at www.vailvalleypartnership.com

About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is the professional society supporting the women and men who lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Our membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide. We provide our members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking, retirement security, and access to a network of peers.

About the Award Sponsor GrowthZone

GrowthZone is association software that helps organizations grow and retain membership, engage and inform members and prospects, and streamline tedious tasks. It unlocks the full potential of member-based organizations and seamlessly integrates with core processes, providing the foundation for an organization’s strategy. Learn more about GrowthZone at www.growthzone.com