Grand Rapids Chamber leader part of latest Certified Chamber Executive class
Andy Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber, has been designated as a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) by ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Va., that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.
The CCE program assesses and tests the applicant’s knowledge of core chamber management areas —management; planning and development; membership, communications and revenue; and operations. Chamber professionals who are designated CCEs earned this prestigious recognition through hard work, countless hours of dedication to their field and leadership of their chamber to achieve the chamber’s goals.
“In the past year, these chamber leaders not only dedicated themselves to addressing local challenges brought on by the pandemic, but also invested many hours in their professional development to earn their CCE designation,” said Matt McCormick, CCE, IOM, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce (Mo.) and CCE Commission chairman. “We commend their achievement and are very proud to have them join a long tradition of professional excellence.”
Johnston is one of sixteen chamber professionals to earn the Certified Chamber Executive designation in 2021. These leaders represent chambers of commerce in 11 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, as well as the Canadian province Ontario.
As Vice President of Government Affairs, Johnston is responsible for managing the Chamber’s public policy efforts on behalf of over 2,400 members to create a vibrant business environment and economy that benefits everyone.
“Andy’s commitment to serve the West Michigan business community has contributed tremendously to our organization as we strive to foster a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all,” said Rick Baker, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber.
Johnston’s responsibilities include developing and implementing priorities and strategies for issue committees and councils to advance Chamber priorities in the areas of tax, regulatory, education, environment, transportation, health, and human resources policy as well as budgetary reform at the local and state level.
The first CCE designation was conferred more than 40 years ago. It is recognized as the highest, and most elite, professional designation in the chamber of commerce profession. It’s the only globally-recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry.
Learn more about ACCE’s CCE program by visiting www.ACCE.org/CCE.
# # #
About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is the professional society supporting the women and men who lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Our membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide. We provide our members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking, retirement security, and access to a network of peers. Read more about the ACCE at https://www.acce.org/.
About the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce leads the business community in creating a dynamic, top-of-mind West Michigan region. Together with over 2,500 member businesses (80% of which are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees), we work to expand the influence, access, and information required to actively encourage entrepreneurial growth and community leadership. We offer the connections, resources, and insights needed to develop strong leaders, engage a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive and welcoming community, and advance a vibrant business environment that nurtures economic prosperity for all. Learn more at www.grandrapids.org.
