Vail Valley Partnership (VVP), the region’s community development organization, announced today that it has been named Chamber of the Year for 2016 by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Hailed as the most celebrated recognition of overall excellence for chambers of commerce, this award recognizes superior distinction in operations, member services and community leadership.
Mike Brumbaugh, Chair of Vail Valley Partnership’s Board of Governors said, “The Board of Governors congratulates the staff and recognizes this type of award is really a reflection of the community and the membership”.
Since 2007, ACCE has annually recognized chambers of commerce in various size categories for their work leading businesses and communities with the Chamber of the Year award. Chamber of the Year finalists are rigorously evaluated throughout a multi-phase application process, according to ACCE. Organizations that wish to enter the competition first must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, which include net revenue and membership retention. Once a chamber of commerce is deemed qualified, the organization is assigned to a category of similarly-sized competitors.
Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing the dual role Chambers have in leading businesses and communities. Chambers honored with this designation have not only demonstrated organizational strength, but also have made an impact on key community priorities such as education, transportation, business development, and quality of life.
Vail Valley Partnership offers numerous signature programs that help highlight the Vail Valley as a community, such as Vail Valley Economic Development, Lodging Quality Assurance, NEXT Vail Valley, Platinum Service Program, and the Non-Profit Network. These signature programs, in addition to member marketing benefits, networking programs, customer service initiatives and collaborative programming including the Vail Valley Merchant Alliance and EGE Air Alliance, help raise the profile of the Vail Valley as a location that is business-friendly and open to entrepreneurs, as well as being a world class vacation destination.
Not only was Vail Valley Partnership awarded the prestigious Chamber of the Year award, but the organization was also presented an Award for Communications Excellence for the website VailValleyMeansBusiness.com, and VVP received recognition in three distinct membership retention award categories.
“This type of recognition wouldn’t be possible without the collective hard work and commitment of our staff and our volunteer board to our mission and our community, and to our members for continuing to invest in the community through the VVP’s programs and services,” said Vail Valley Partnership President and CEO, Chris Romer. “We’re humbled and honored to serve the Vail Valley business community and thank to all our members, stakeholders, partners, and volunteers for this recognition”.