The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2017 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).  The announcement was made to a sold out audience of over 400 business leaders and Governor Charlie Baker at the Annual Business Meeting of the Chamber.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only three finalists – along with chambers in Paducah, KY and Kalispell, MT – in its category.  It is also the first chamber of commerce from Massachusetts to have ever been selected as a finalist.

Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing the leadership role chambers have in their communities.  Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic development and quality of life.

Only 104 out of 7,000+ chambers nationally meet qualification standards to enter the Chamber of the Year competition based on membership performance and financial management.  The rigorous award application requires written responses addressing all aspects of organizational operation and programmatic work.  Applications are then scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists.  Winners are selected from among finalists based on an in-person interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals.  This year’s competition drew numerous entries from chambers throughout the United States and Canada.

“To be named a finalist for this award is an incredible honor for our Chamber. It is a tribute to the innovation and passion of our member companies and the many business leaders that support our mission and that work so hard to build a stronger economy and quality of life in the communities that we call home here in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I want to thank our staff, board leaders and all of our engaged members for their support and dedication in helping us achieve this level of accomplishment.”

Finalists for the award will be celebrated at a special event Tuesday, July 18 in Nashville, TN. The Chamber’s Annual Meeting held on June 15th also included recognition awards and the commencement for the 2017 class of the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute.