MBN USA
December 15, 2022
DRC's three-year plan brings Dallas region economic growth and progress
The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), one of the most established business organizations in the nation, has been recognized as the National Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). DRC representatives accepted the award on July 27 during the ACCE’s annual convention in Indianapolis, Ind.
The award is the most prestigious honor presented annually by ACCE, which represents more than 1,600 chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, and more than 9,000 chamber professionals around the world. Winners are chosen for demonstrating superior organizational strength and for making an impact on key community priorities, including economic prosperity, public education, and quality of life.
“We’re thrilled to be named the top chamber in the country, but we don’t do this important work to win awards. We do it to help make the Dallas Region the best place in America for all people to live, work, and do business,” said Dale Petroskey, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber. “This is a tribute to our entire organization and the people we serve. Our Board provides expert guidance and support; our 700-plus member companies invest in us to represent their interests; and the DRC team of 55 dedicated professionals work hard every day, year in and year out — with our community partners — to build a stronger region for all.”
Guided by a three-year strategic plan, the DRC has been a catalyst for growth and progress in the Dallas Region. The DRC focuses on bringing more companies and jobs to the region, improving public education to help prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, working with elected officials to ensure a strong and welcoming business climate, and collaborating with community partners to help make the region more inclusive and equitable.
As an example of its leadership in the community, the ACCE highlighted the DRC’s successful initiative to get more residents vaccinated against COVID-19, particularly in communities of color, which were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The “Take Care of Business” campaign helped secure more than 660,000 additional vaccinations in the Dallas Region from June to September 2021.
“The DRC has distinguished itself as a different kind of chamber that takes on big issues in our community,” said Bob Pragada, President of Jacobs and the 2022 DRC Chair. “Those of us who have worked with many other chambers across the country have long thought that the DRC is the strongest and most innovative chamber in America, and now this recognition proves that. My predecessors deserve much credit for the DRC’s important work over the past few years. As 2021 Chair, Michelle Vopni, of EY, oversaw the successful vaccination campaign to protect more workers and families against COVID, and in 2020, John Olajide, of Axxess, established the DRC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council to harness the power of the business community to help close the opportunity gaps in our community.”
Chamber of the Year applicants are grouped into categories based on annual revenue, membership, area population, and other factors. Applications are first reviewed by peer chamber executives, and winners are selected from three finalists after an in-person interview.
“Chambers of commerce have never been more essential to regional prosperity,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “This achievement reflects how hard chambers work to ensure the vibrancy of their communities and organizational success. Congratulations to the DRC’s outstanding leadership team, its commitment to its community, and for serving as a constant role model for the chamber profession.”
View The Dallas Morning News story and full-page ad about this honor.
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About the Dallas Regional Chamber
Named as the National Chamber of the Year in July 2022, the Dallas Regional Chamber is one of America’s most established business organizations and serves as the voice of business and the champion of economic development and growth in the Dallas Region. We work with our member companies and regional partners to strengthen our business community by advocating for pro-growth public policies, improving our educational system, attracting talented workers from around the world, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Our goal is to make the Dallas Region the best place in the United States for all people to live, work, and do business. For more information, please contact the DRC at 214.746.6600 or visit www.dallaschamber.org.
About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Established in 1914, ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Va., with more than 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry. The combined membership of ACCE chambers in the U.S. exceeds 1.2 million businesses.
Contact: [email protected]
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