News

Contact:
Jessica M.L. Thompson, Communications Director
270-781-3200, jessica@bgchamber.com

Partnership Development Director Dana Matukas, Program Director Jennifer Breiwa, and Communications Director Jessica Thompson traveled to Athens, Ga., for the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organization Management program that was held on June 22 through 26. A four-year program, Institute results in an Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designation for all graduates.

Chamber President and CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD encourages his staff to spend a week each summer at Institute, saying, "The tools and resources our staff gains from Institute give them an edge that is hard to beat. The curriculum enhances the experience and knowledge needed of those in management positions in order to better represent our organization and our partners. The weeks spent in Athens give us further reason to assert ourselves as a dynamic organization."

Participants receive training in leadership and organization management competencies, as well as follow targeted curricula in membership, technology and financial management. Students not only enhance their own organizational management skills through a combination of required courses and electives, but also add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Matukas, having completed her four years at Institute this year, graduated on June 25. "Institute is a rigorous program that requires discipline and commitment. It's a true accomplishment to receive your IOM designation, and Dana is very deserving of this," said Hizer. "As partnership development director, Dana plays a primary role in recruiting and retaining our partners, including our President's Club partners. She is a diligent and energetic employee, and she always demonstrates an enthusiasm for her work."

Graduates of Institute receive the IOM recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in association, chamber, and nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn points toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) designations.

Breiwa completed her third year at Institute. "As our program director, Jennifer exhibits strong people skills and does a great job of coordinating and supporting our committees. Her Institute experiences give her new ideas for programs and events, and she brings back a wealth of knowledge in terms of what other chambers are doing."

This year was Thompson's first year as a participant in the Institute program. Hizer said, "Jessica has been with the Chamber for just over a year but has already demonstrated great skills as communications director who is responsible for many of our marketing materials. By attending Institute, she gains a greater understanding of Chamber operations, which will only benefit Jessica as she continues with her career at the Chamber."

For more than 80 years, associations and chambers have used the U.S. Chamber's Institute as a training platform for the professional development of their future leaders. Institute is held at five sites each year-four in the summer and one in the winter. Most participants attend the one-week sessions at the same site each year, building valuable relationships with others in the industry and creating a network of idea sharing.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

For more information, contact Institute for Organization Management at U.S. Chamber headquarters at 202-463-5570; 1615 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20062-2000; www.uschamber.com/institute.

Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. As one of only 336 chambers nationwide to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.