Effingham County Chamber Wins State Chamber of Year Award

(LEFT TO RIGHT: LEAH ORR, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE; BECKY BROWN, MEMBERSHIP MANAGER; NORMA LANSING, PRESIDENT AND C-E-O; NOT PICTURED, JoANN GIVENS, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT)

The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce has won the Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award. 

The award was presented at the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Annual Celebration and Awards Dinner. The event was held November 3 in Quincy.

Desiree Bennyhoff, the 2016 state chamber executives chair, who serves as President and CEO of the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, said, "Under the leadership of President and CEO Norma Lansing, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce has thrived, showing that commitment to membership, and strong leadership, can grow an organization and positively impact its community".

Bennyhoff said, "Through a collaborative approach, the organization has implemented notable programs, established new partnerships and developed best practices that can be replicated around the state."

Effingham County Chamber Board Chairman Jeff Fritchtnitch said, "On behalf of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Board, I would like to extend deep appreciation to our Chamber staff and membership for their ongoing efforts and support of the Chamber. The many programs that are provided to our membership would not happen without member volunteers who commit a great deal of time to achieve success."

Fritchtnitch said, "I would also like to highlight the Effingham County businesses, who each year make the commitment to become members and participate in these programs that empower them independently and collectively, which in turn assists in creating a county that is a great place to work, but also to live, play and visit."

The IACCE Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award recognizes organization excellence in Chambers of Commerce and provides a unique benchmarking opportunity to assess a Chamber's strengths. The award is based on the US Chamber of Commerce's accreditation proces for local chambers and highlights accomplishments in the areas of leadership, governance, finance, advocacy and membership development.

The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its centennial in 2017.