Grand Rapids Chamber leader part of latest Certified Chamber Executive class
Omar Cuevas, Vice President of Investor & Corporate Relations 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 Virginia 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.
“These chamber leaders invested many hours over the past year to earn their CCE designation,” said Megan A. Lucas, CCE, CEcD, IOM, CEO and chief economic development officer of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and CCE Commission chair. “We commend their pursuit of professional excellence and commitment to the chamber industry. Their achievement sets them apart as true industry leaders.”
Cuevas is one of ten chamber professionals to earn the Certified Chamber Executive designation in 2023. These leaders represent chambers of commerce in seven states, including Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.
As Vice President of Investor & Corporate Relations, Cuevas develops and executes strategies to grow revenue through new sales and enhanced engagement for chamber members and investors. He drives resource growth by cultivating influential relationships within the Chamber and in the community.
Cuevas has been recognized in the past by the State of Michigan Hispanic Caucus as Hispanic Advocate of the Year. He serves on the board of Literacy Center of West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority Board, Kent County Convention and Arena Authority Community Inclusion Group, Grand Rapids Sister Cities, City of Grand Rapids Local Officers Compensation Commission, and the ACCE Membership Division Board.
He also spearheads the Chamber’s Welcome Work with New Americans through the Kent County Welcome Plan, championing strategies to unlock the economic potential of immigrants and refugees.
“Omar’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.
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.
