On March 20 & 21, 2025, Barry, Mercedies, Anna Grace, and Hayden attended the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) Spring Conference. This annual event brought together chamber professionals to exchange ideas and strategies for community advancement.

The conference serves as a platform for chamber executives and their staff to collaborate on promoting and supporting their communities. Hosted by the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce, this year's conference featured a comprehensive agenda designed to address the diverse needs of chamber professionals.

Key Sessions and Highlights

Opening Keynote: Beginning with "The Power of You: Own Your Talents, Transform Your Team," led by Teri Smiley of Starfish Partnerships. This session focused on identifying and harnessing individual talents to enhance personal performance and contribute to a cohesive team.

Breakout Sessions:

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in various breakout sessions, including:

• Successful Crisis Initiatives: Facilitated by Beth Rhinehart from the Bristol TN/VA Chamber, this session explored how chambers can effectively mobilize during times of crisis.
• Think Tank Showdown: Non-Dues Revenue Edition: Led by Tracy Hale Clark of the Louisa County Chamber, this interactive session engaged participants in brainstorming innovative non-dues revenue ideas.
• Strategic Media & PR for Chambers: Morgan Smith, Communications Coordinator for the City of Staunton, and Jessica Williams, the city's Tourism Manager, provided strategies for effective media engagement and public relations.
• Quack the Code: Strengthening Teamwork Through Play: Jason Boron of Leading Strong LLC facilitated a hands-on session using LEGO® to explore teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Keynote Session: Teri Smiley returned to lead "Measuring & Communicating Your Impact: A Data-Driven Approach to Chamber Success," discussing strategies for effectively measuring and communicating the impact of chamber work using meaningful data while being personable with sharing a story.[AM2]

Networking Opportunities: The conference also included a tour of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, a reception at the 1924 Lounge, and a networking dinner in the Colonnade Ballroom, providing attendees with ample opportunities to connect and share experiences.

Our Reflections

• Barry: "The 'Successful Crisis Initiatives' session offered valuable insights into mobilizing chambers during challenging times. I look forward to implementing these strategies to better serve our region."
• Mercedies: "Participating in the 'Think Tank Showdown' I gained innovative ideas for non-dues revenue will be instrumental in enhancing our event offerings."
• Anna Grace: "I received the most value during the Topic Breakfast, where I had the opportunity to connect with other chamber champions and engage in insightful discussions on member retention."
• Hayden: "The media and PR strategies discussed were directly applicable to our efforts in promoting chamber initiatives. I'm excited to implement these techniques to enhance our communications."

Our participation in the VACCE Spring Conference has equipped us with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies. We're eager to apply these insights to further enhance our efforts in supporting and fostering the growth and prosperity of our region.

We extend our gratitude to VACCE, Tiffany Ott, and the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce for organizing such a meaningful event.