St. Joseph County News

South Bend, IN – The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County was named Outstanding Indiana Chamber of the Year by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA) today at their annual winter conference in Indianapolis. ICEA is the leading organization for education and professional development of chamber executives and staff across the state.

The award recognizes organizational excellence in chambers of commerce and is based on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s accreditation process for local chambers. It highlights accomplishments in the areas of leadership/governance, finance, advocacy and membership development.

“This recognition is further testament to the influential work of The Chamber,” said Jeff Rea, president and CEO of The Chamber. “Although we are membership-based with more than 1,100 member businesses representing 90,000 employees, our strategic vision focuses on issues and initiatives that positively impact the area economy. We represent the interests of business, providing leadership and influence to move our community forward,” said Rea. “This recognition means we are doing the right things and people are paying attention.”

The award covers the work of Indiana chambers of commerce from the year 2011. Last year, The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County expanded its business growth and economic development efforts, now responsible for county economic development. It added to its public policy success by endorsing candidates, through its political action committee (ChamberPAC), in municipal elections for the first time – with a 91% winning percentage. Its Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka program hosted the second regional leadership conference and continues to be the benchmark for leadership program in the region and state.

The South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), an initiative of The Chamber, developed an award-winning website, visitsouthbend.com, to attract visiting publics and assisted in booking/servicing conventions, meetings and sporting events that drew more than 40,000 visitors to the community. And, The Chamber’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) graduated its fifth Michiana Forty Under 40 class and created the Outstanding Young Business Leader of the Year award. At the conclusion of 2011, The Chamber touted a 90% member retention rate.

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St. Joseph County Chamber One of Top Three Chambers in Nation

The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County is one of the top three chambers of commerce in the country, according to the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the nation’s leading organization for education and professional development of chamber executives and staff. 

The designation recognizes excellence in operations, member services and community leadership.