In 2006 the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce was chosen as one of the Top 3 Chambers in the United States, an honor recognizing its excellence in financial performance, member programs, internal operations and the organizational mission.

The Chamber was named a finalist for the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Award for Excellence for 2006-2007. The prestigious ranking by the ACCE is the highest achievement in the membership development profession and sets the standard among chambers of commerce and similar organizations across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.

"Being recognized among the top three chambers in the nation is an honor," said Chamber President Linda Hillman. "It is a tribute to the excellent work of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers. Our focus has always been on providing the best programs and services to our membership."

In recognition of the ACCE honor, the Chamber hosted a celebration for all members at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom in Troy.

Ryan Silva, Chamber Business Development Director, ACCE President Mick Flemming and Jake Dumesnil, Chamber Vice President at the 2006-07 ACCE Awards

ACCE finalists are chosen in four categories, based on annual membership dues. The Chamber was a finalist in the category based on annual dues of $200,000 to $499,999, along with the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase (Maryland) Chamber of Commerce and the Rowan County (North Carolina) Chamber.

Our Chamber became one of 62 chambers (of the 1,246 ACCE members in its size category) in the nation to qualify to compete for the award when it scored above the national average in net gain in members, membership dollars and retention. The Chamber then became a finalist when its programs and operations were selected among the top in the nation by ACCE's panel of expert membership development professionals. The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber received the top award at the ACCE Annual Convention in Cleveland, Ohio and the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce took home the second place honor.

As part of the application process, the Chamber detailed its growth in membership with a 16% increase since 2000, member dues with a 32% increase since 2000, and event attendance with a 25% increase since 2002. During the past five years, the Chamber's operating budget has also grown, increasing 64%. Member retention rates, which are at 87%, have grown five percent since 2000, exceeding the national average of 85%.

Established in 1914, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives is a national association serving individuals involved in the management of chambers of all sizes. The organization's mission is to enhance the professional effectiveness and personal well being of chamber executives.