Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives Announces 2019 Award Winners

Publication of the Year - Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Guide

The Publication of the Year recipient is a chamber recognized for going above and beyond with a publication such as newsletters, e-newsletters, directories and other publications created by our members. This annual award recognizes a publication that has shown innovation, relevance to the organization, quality content, originality, and audience engagement tactics that provide a benchmark for other organizations to follow.
 
“The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce recently published a Community Visitor Guide. The guide was our first printed opportunity to put our new "Drift Less. Visit More." brand out to the community and potential guests. The publication is combined focus of what has historically been our Community Reference Guide and the local Visitor Guide. The content is focused on visitors but does include information on education, real estate, and other essential community information,” Kristina Wiltgen, Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce.

 
Event of the Year - DeWitt Chamber and Development Company 2019 STEM Fest & Manufacturing Day

The Event of the Year recipient is a chamber recognized for an excellent event. The events are judged on criteria such as value to the community and chamber, resonance within their community, ongoing effects and popularity, measurable results and innovation.
 
"I believe this event impacts more than just the students but also our community. With the students now being exposed to the different career paths and opportunities right in their community, they may find something interesting that they may have not even know existed before. Or they may have thought they wanted one career and were set on following that only to discover that they may not be interested anymore. We also hope that this event helps inspire some of the graduates to come back after they finish college or a university because they will be able to find a job in the field they desire. Which keeps our local businesses and manufacturers in our area due to having a strong workforce. There are lots of possibilities and outcomes that can come from each individual student from attending this event. The feedback we received from the students that attended was very positive, they enjoyed themselves and felt like the event opened their eyes in some way. Which we feel is a very great success and we can't wait for 2021 when we get to host this event again!" Molly Goettsch, DeWitt Chamber & Development Company.

 
Chamber of the Year - Mason City Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of the Year award is presented to a chamber that has demonstrated a vision, commitment and passion for the advancement of their chamber and community as a whole. The nominees in this category have proven to others that they are the “gold standard” in chamber leadership and are proven to have the vision for future chambers to follow.
 
"The Mason City Chamber of Commerce is financially strong and has a reputation for attracting the best business minds to serve on its board of directors. In addition, the Chamber's staff is well-qualified, committed to professional development, and has low turn-over. Our program of work remains true to its mission of promoting progressive community and economic development to benefit Chamber members and the North Iowa region," Robin Anderson, Mason City Chamber of Commerce.
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Formed in 1916 to enhance the professional development of local chamber executives and professional staff, ICCE continues as the first stop for reaching the business community of Iowa. Innovation with economic development, entrepreneurs and job creation is critical to the growth of local communities. ICCE’s leadership and staff work daily to prepare the local chambers and business leaders to meet the changing demands on our local communities. Improving local communities strengthens Iowa.