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Top Trends Shaping Future Execs

Will Tomorrow's Chamber Executive Look Like Today's?

by Mark Wright
for American Chamber of Commerce Executives Chamber Executive newsletter. Copyright © 2002 by American Chamber of Commerce Executives. All rights reserved.

Management needs are becoming more complex as the role of the chamber evolves. Running a chamber as a business, leveraging resources through partnerships, using technology, and filling a value-added niche for customers--issues discussed in our cover story [Changing Climates for Chambers]--all require a deft hand at the helm.

While needs will vary between state, regional, and local chambers, execs looking to move ahead would do well to stay on top of these trends.

Executive's Job is Expanding

Chamber executives do not sound well rested, these days. Energized, perhaps, and a little beleaguered at times, but not exactly basking in tranquility. Market-driven, commerce-focused chambers are stretching to help businesses develop new opportunities.

"Boards are increasingly relying on the execs to provide professional guidance on setting strategic direction for the organization and community," said James Chavez, President & CEO, Tifton (GA) Chamber.

A lot of chambers can't afford to hire several people who would each handle a particular specialty. So executives have a long list of responsibilities, including strategic planning, economic development, crisis planning, special event planning, public relations, marketing, financial management, business development and retention, changing technology, membership services, and more.

Degrees are Increasingly Important

High school teaches people lots of things. How to run a chamber is not one of them.

Chamber executives are increasingly expected to have a bachelors degree. A masters, however, is also showing up on more prospective employers' wish lists.

Continuing Education is a Must

In addition to a degree, chamber-specific education from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organization Management and from ACCE's Leadership Conference is highly valuable.

Institute alumni Melanie Stepp, President, Geneva Area (NY) Chamber, and James McCurdy, President, North Suburban (MA) Chamber, both gave high marks to its courses.

The Institute "was the beginning of my professional development, not the end," said Stepp.

McCurdy found the Institute's "financial basic training to be invaluable"--so much so that he would like to see it much more widely available throughout the country.

The bottom line on education: keep it up to stay sharp.

Understanding Members is Essential

The exec who has stared down her own balance sheet, who has attracted customers to his own shop, knows first hand the joys and pains of a chamber member. Knowing what it takes to run a business successfully positions the executive to listen to members with a well-tuned ear.

"Successful execs will have a business mindset," said Chavez.

Having walked the proverbial mile in members' shoes is only part of the picture, though. Going the extra mile to keep up with their needs is at least as important.

"You have to spend time getting down into the trenches, visiting members to find out what's important to them," said Eric Voyles, President, Galesburg (IL) Regional Economic Development Association.

Pay is Still Modest

People become chamber execs because they love the work, they're dedicated to the community, they are devoted to business issues, or--fill in the blank. They don't usually sign up solely because of the money, because salaries by and large remain modest.

Salary levels may differ from small local chambers to larger regionals. Chambers nonetheless exist in the same competitive environment as other employers. The key word, there, is "competitive."

"The reality is that, because execs are so visible in the community, I have heard of instances in which chamber members have offered them a position," acknowledged Stepp. "Personally, though, I hope I have found a lifelong profession."

Tomorrow's chamber executives are likely to be busier, better educated, and well informed. Better paid? Time will tell. They may increasingly get their start in other industries. One trend is certain: good execs, like good chambers, are becoming indispensable.

Mark Wright for American Chamber of Commerce Executives Chamber Executive newsletter. Copyright © 2002 by American Chamber of Commerce Executives. All rights reserved.