Greater Winston-Salem Inc. has been named the 2024 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The N.C. group was picked over two other finalists in the competition, chambers representing Phoenix and the state of Oklahoma, in a competition that rates organizational strength impact on key community priorities. The award also recognizes excellence in operations, member services, and community leadership.
Chambers in Orlando and Dallas have received the award in the previous two years.
“This is a remarkable achievement for our team and a definitive indicator of the transformative community impact we can make through leadership, vision, and collaboration, ” Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc., said in a release.
Greater Winston-Salem Inc. launched four years ago through the merger of the city’s chamber and Winston-Salem Business Inc. Cathy Pace, CEO of Allegacy Federal Credit Union, is the group’s chair, while Mike Lancaster, CEO of Frank L. Blum Construction, is chair-election.
“We are leading the way in changing how Chambers of Commerce serve and lead in their communities, shifting to meet the needs of today’s employers and workforce,” Owens said.
The chamber cited several highlights of its work:
- $804 million in capital investment and more than 2,000 jobs created since 2020.
- Diversifying the chamber’s revenue stream with more than $%1 million in contributions and grants.
- Education and talent development programs including Forsyth Works, Aspire Work-Ready Credential and Internship program and others.
