JAX Chamber has been named a national finalist for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives 2016 Chamber of the Year award.

JAX Chamber is one of four finalists in the category for large organizations. The finalists will interview with a panel of judges, and winners will be announced in August at ACCE’s annual conference in Savannah.

Chambers of Commerce must first qualify for the award and those who do are then invited to apply in the spring. Finalists were announced this week.

“Applicants have already proven themselves worthy of emulation and praise by the time they reach finalist status. Only chambers meeting certain benchmarks are even invited to apply, so becoming a finalist is a big deal. In each case, the chamber’s numbers are good, their highlighted programs are strong and their impact on businesses and communities is evident,” ACCE President and Chief Executive Officer Mick Fleming said.

Some of the work highlighted in the Chamber’s application includes the JAX Bridges program designed to prepare entrepreneurs to do business with large corporations and JAX Alliance, a board of business leaders focused on maximizing transportation, energy and infrastructure systems to build the foundation for economic development.

“This is a tremendous honor and speaks to the dedication of Chamber staff and volunteers to making our city the best place in the country to do business,” JAX Chamber Chair Audrey Moran said. “The Chamber is committed to helping small businesses thrive, leading on important policy issues and making sure everyone in our community has the opportunity to succeed.”

Other finalists with the JAX Chamber are:

• Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn, New York
• Commerce Lexington, Inc., Lexington, Kentucky
• Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, Tacoma, Washington

About JAX Chamber

The JAX Chamber is the business membership organization dedicated to driving quality economic growth in Northeast Florida to make this region the best place to live, work and play. Membership provides the opportunity to connect with and buy from other Chamber members. The connections result in business growth and a more prosperous economy.