During the week of October 20-24 communities across the state of Texas will recognize Chamber of Commerce Week.This week is a time set aside to celebrate the daily work and accomplishments of chambers of commerce and the communities they represent. The proclamation of the week issued by Governor Rick Perry states, “…I encourage all Texans to recognize the vital and constructive accomplishments of these organizations, which are crucial to the development and growth of strong communities throughout our great state”.

Although their work is often done “behind the scenes,” chamber of commerce staff and volunteers are routinely involved in many areas of the community that make it great. These includes business development, business recruitment, education and workforce development, community development and legislative advocacy, among others. Whatever the area, the chamber of commerce is continuously working to help create opportunities for their community to thrive and a place where people want to live, work and play.

“We are proud to participate in Texas Chamber of Commerce Week,” said Phil Neighbors, President of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce.  “Under the guidance of our Board of Directors and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, our Chamber has had a significant impact on our community throughout our 98-year history in the areas of economic development, tourism promotion, and business support.

“I firmly believe a strong chamber of commerce is one of the most critical components of every successful community,” said Aaron Cox, CEO of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE). “The passion, dedication, ingenuity and ability to move people toward a common goal make them part of the backbone of every great community and should be celebrated.”

There is no shortage of excellent chambers in the state of Texas.  The state of Texas boasts the highest number of accredited Chambers (designation given by the US Chamber of Commerce), as well as the largest numbers of individuals achieving the highest professional designations for the chamber profession, the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) presented by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and graduation from the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) presented by the US Chamber of Commerce.  The San Angelo Chamber is a 4-star accredited chamber, and President Phil Neighbors has earned the CCE designation.  Sandra Pomroy, VP of Operations and Peggy Arnold, Membership Coordinator have both earned the IOM certification.

"The Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives represents Chambers ranging from one-person offices to large metropolitan organizations," said Bruce Partain, President/CEO of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and TCCE 2014 Chairman of the Board. "Our common goal is to keep Texas the most business-friendly state in the union, while growing our communities and sharing best practices."  Neighbors served as TCCE Chairman in 2006.

Texas Chamber of Commerce Week is coordinated annually through TCCE, which is based in Austin.  TCCE is an organization of chamber executives from across the state, working together to improve the business climate in Texas, while developing ways to enhance the quality of life in the communities that they represent.  For more information, visit www.tcce.org.

About the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce
The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce promotes the growth and expansion of business in San Angelo.  The Chamber serves a membership of 1,700 individuals who represent 1,100 businesses.  The Chamber’s 2014 theme, “Partners in Progress,” communicates the collaborative efforts of the many individuals and organizations who work together to promote business, to advance the livability of our community, to tackle issues affecting the business environment, and to promote our community to audiences outside our city.  For more information about the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, visit www.sanangelo.org or contact Chamber President Phil Neighbors at (325) 655-4136.

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