Chip Cherry, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber President/CEO, received the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ (ACCE) 2024 Chairman’s Award. The award was presented during ACCE’s annual meeting on July 17 in Dallas, Texas.

The award is given annually to an individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the betterment of the chamber of commerce profession. It was presented by outgoing ACCE Chairman Carlos Phillips, President/CEO of the Greenville, South Carolina Chamber.

“Chip always says yes, he always welcomes our questions, and he has always lent me his time and his wise counsel,” Phillips said. “He always encouraged my development, asking me which book I was reading, and I knew I’d better have a good answer to that question! He’s been a model mentor, friend, resource, and confidant to me, and to many of you in this room and throughout our profession.”

ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, 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. These men and women lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations.

“This was such a surprise to receive this, and I was honored and humbled, especially with my wife Betty and many of my team members there with me,” said Cherry. “I have gained so much through my involvement with ACCE throughout the years, learning from chamber colleagues throughout the nation who I respect so much, and helping to share experiences with newer people who are entering the profession. I am humbled that Carlos selected me to receive this award and honored to be part of an organization I value so much.”

Cherry has been a great champion for the chamber profession, both in his volunteer service on the ACCE board and in his leadership of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. He served as ACCE Board Chair in 2021-22, and he regularly volunteers to help the ACCE team and his fellow chamber professionals.

ABOUT THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber serves as the catalyst for economic development activities in our community. It serves as a single point of contact for prospective and existing businesses in their efforts to establish a new business or to expand existing operations. The Chamber is also the coordinating agency for companies interested in locating in the area’s research and industrial parks or anywhere in the Huntsville/Madison County area.

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.