CHAMBER
TEX ECUTIVE  MONTHLY
NEWS, INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR TEXAS CHAMBER PROFESSIONALS

September 2019

TCCE CHAIRMAN'S CONFERENCE
OCTOBER, 18, 2019

The 2019 Chairman's Conference is just around the corner. Don't miss this opportunity to jump start the new year with your Chairman, Chair-Elect and other board leaders.

At this year's Chairman's Conference we will explore:
  • Board Roles and Responsibilities
  • Creating a Solid Board Culture
  • Board Goal Setting and Reaching Those Goals
Along with great education and networking opportunities with peers from across the state, this day also provides a chance to grow your relationships and begin looking ahead with your Chairman. Click below to review the full agenda and registration information to help your chamber excel in 2020.  


BUILD CONFIDENCE IN THE BOARD CHAIR
By: Bob Harris, CAE Guest Columnist

Before the first meeting the incoming board chair confessed to the executive director, "I don't feel confident about my boardroom skills.  I'm nervous.  What can I do to improve my competency?" 

It's a fair question.  It is better to be honest than to fake confidence that will quickly be recognized.  "It's a concern that an incoming chair relies too heavily on the staff, either because they don't accept their responsibility, are unsure of their roles, or they believe the staff can do everything.  It requires a balanced partnership and the confidence of the chair.  

Try these ideas to instill confidence and find the balance between the elected chair and paid CEO.  



CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WEEK
October 14 - 18, 2020 
2020 Toolkit Released

Chamber of Commerce Week is an annual celebration of the phenomenal work Chambers of Commerce in Texas do throughout the year.  

Throughout the week, chambers are encouraged to host events, utilize social media and publish articles, public service announcements, etc. to raise the awareness of the work done by the Chamber.  

TCCE provides resources and promotes the week through its social media and other media outlets.  Click below to access the Chamber Week Toolkit.  Check back often for updates and new materials.

2020 WILL BE GREAT!...SHARE

TCCE is the source for chamber professional education in Texas and 2020 will be loaded with new opportunities for you to grow as a professional. With that in mind, there are 2 key questions:

1. Have you made sure TCCE membership and events are in the budget?

2. Have you told a friend about the amazing opportunities that exist and encouraged them to join?

Please do not hesitate to share with a chamber colleague and encourage them to take a look.  Not sure on membership, contact us and we can let you know.  

If you would like to connect, or connect with someone, you can reach out to the TCCE staff or Membership Vice-Chair Tim Culp (Deer Park) and we will connect with them.

Thank you for your assistance in ensuring that all Texas chambers have access to excellent resources.

TCCE & REGIONAL PARTNERS GEARING UP FOR
REVAMPED CENTER FOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXCELLENCE (CCCE)
February 23 -26, 2020 mark the launch of the NEW CCCE. 

This year will be our first with new accrediting partner and presenting sponsor Texas A&M University and there is a lot to be excited about. 

CCCE is a 3-year institute style chamber education program that is a partnership between the Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana and accredited by Texas A&M.  It is perfect for chamber professionals at every phase of their career and affordable for almost every chamber.  

The excitement is building so start making plans to attend and enjoy:
  • 3 information packed days of professional education
  • Specific courses on Governance, Board Development, Membership, Marketing, Legal Issues and More
  • New location at Texas A&M University and special perks including graduation ceremony held in the George W. Bush Presidential Library Rotunda
  • Excellent networking and connection with peers from the region 
This is chamber education that works.  

ALL NEW THIS YEAR 4th YEAR ADVANCED STUDIES IN CHAMBER EXCELLENCE

CCCE has partnered with the Texas A&M Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy to develop an all new advanced studies track. Year four is open to all former CCCE graduates or any chamber of commerce professional that has either graduated from U.S. Chamber Institute or served 5 years or more with a chamber.  

This deep dive, advanced chamber education program will infuse new topics annual and will allow attendees to deepen their knowledge of leadership, chamber operations, business acumen and more.  

Full agenda details and registration will be open by October 15.  Keep your eyes open for information.

Seize the chance to travel to the nation's capital as we discuss issues with national leaders 
2020 SHOULD BE INTERESTING ... VACANT SEATS MAKE NEXT ELECTION CYCLE ONE TO WATCH

A seeming rash of retirements has hit the Republican Party nationally.  We will certainly see the impacts in the state of Texas with the sixth member of the Texas delegation announcing they will retire.  The changing demographics or our state, lots and in-migration and a strong economy should make the primary and ultimately election season very interesting in the Lone Start State.

No matter the "who" Texas chambers should know the candidates and help create forums and opportunities for the business and community at-large to learn about candidates and assist them in making the individual who will represent them best.  In times of transition as always, Chambers of Commerce stand at the forefront providing leadership.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence (CCCE)
February 23 - 26, 2020

Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center
College Station, TX
TCCE Annual Conference 
June 16-19, 2020
 
South Padre Island Convention Center
South Padre Island, TX

Additional schedule and information coming soon. 
 
CHAMBER REGIONAL & NATIONAL EDUCATION/NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

January 5 - 9, 2020
Tucson, AZ


February 23-26
College Station, TX
TCCE SCHOLARSHIPS ... APPLY TODAY! 

Each year the TCCE board works hard to raise and budget funds to assist Texas chamber professionals in accessing training and professional education at TCCE events, U.S. Chamber Institute and others.  If there is training you would like to attend, do not let money be the issue that prevents it.  See below for scholarship opportunities and deadlines and make 2019 a year of learning and growth.

Deadlines

November 9
U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management (Winter)

Download Scholarship Application here.