FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 23, 2006

CONTACT:  Bob Thomas, 517-371-7639

MIDLAND AREA CHAMBER
 RECOGNIZED AS OUTSTANDING CHAMBER IN MICHIGAN

LANSING, MI, October 23, 2006 – The Michigan Chamber of Commerce Executives (MCCE) association recognized the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce with the 2006 MCCE Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Award—Mid-Size Category at the MCCE Fall Leadership Conference held at Boyne Mountain on Thursday, October 19, 2006.

The Outstanding Chamber of Commerce award is given to one chamber of commerce in each of three membership categories (small, mid-size and large chambers of commerce) and based on a comprehensive application judged by chamber of commerce executives from the Great Lakes Region.  Applicants must demonstrate quality, innovation, and effectiveness of programming in the areas of leadership and governance, financial management, advocacy and programming/membership development to receive the award.

The Midland Area Chamber was recognized for its community leadership with the Midland Public Schools, city  and tri-county governments and the expansion of programs to market local attractions and tourism; its implementation of internal fraud and conflict of interest policies; its development of an advocacy program at the local, state and national levels; and its innovations in membership development with the creation of a roundtable program and Teen Job Fair.

MCCE also presented 2006 Outstanding Chamber of Commerce awards to the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce in the Large Chamber category and the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce in the Small Category.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce Executives is a statewide organization of executives involved in the management of chambers of commerce. Its purpose is to promote excellence and high ethical standards for chamber professionals through education, information and networking opportunities. It represents more than 100 local chambers of commerce in Michigan.

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