The Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) recognized the 2024 Outstanding Chamber of the Year (for a chamber with under 700 members) at their Annual Management Conference awards ceremony held this evening at the Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC.

The York County Regional (SC) Chamber of Commerce was honored as the recipient of the prestigious award.

The CACCE Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award focuses on acknowledging one or more significant achievements and/or accomplishments that a chamber has initiated, stimulated, and/or led in its respective service area at some point during the past 18 months. These achievements/accomplishments denote chamber activity that intentionally resulted in positive measurable results. Organizational excellence was evaluated in the areas of membership, programs, planning, and finance.

Over the past 18 months, the York County Regional Chamber (YCRC) has made significant strides in advancing its three-year strategic plan, with a focus on Advocacy, Leadership Development, Talent Development, and Member Engagement. These initiatives are aligned with the needs of the community and designed to address workforce challenges in the region. One of the most notable achievements was the facilitation of the approval and launch of Laurel College, a new healthcare education institution in York County. The college, which currently serves 50 students, is expected to grow to 200 students annually, ensuring a steady talent pipeline for regional medical providers.

YCRC also partnered with Rock Hill Schools to bring the Franklin Covey Leader in Me program to all 26 schools in the district, impacting over 15,000 students. Through this collaboration, the district secured a $750,000 grant, making it the first in South Carolina to adopt this leadership development model. In addition, YCRC worked closely with Winthrop University on the region’s first-ever Honors College focused on leadership development. The program, expected to impact nearly 4,000 students over the next five years, represents a groundbreaking opportunity for students in the Carolinas.

In another innovative effort, YCRC was selected as one of just eight organizations nationwide to pilot the EPIC (Employer Lead Innovation Challenges) Work-Based Learning Program. This initiative brings college and high school students together with local employers to tackle real-world challenges, with the first project completed in partnership with Comporium Communications. Expanding on its leadership initiatives, YCRC also launched the Leadership CORE program, which offers personalized training for new and emerging managers. The program has been so successful that it has expanded to include additional companies and is projected to train over 50 professionals annually.

To date, the Chamber’s efforts have resulted in more than $3 million invested into leadership and talent development programs that will directly impact more than 30,000 students and professionals over the next five years. These initiatives are laying a strong foundation for a more vibrant, skilled workforce in York County and beyond.

Dean Faile, President and CEO of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, shared this statement upon receiving the 2024 CACCE Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award:

“We are truly honored to receive the CACCE Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our exceptional team, our volunteer leaders, and the businesses we proudly serve. At the York County Regional Chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving, connected community where businesses can grow and succeed. This achievement is a testament to the collaboration and innovation that define our region, and we look forward to continuing to build on this momentum for years to come.”

York County Regional Chamber is honored to receive this accomplishment!

About the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

CACCE is the professional development organization dedicated to improving the educational opportunities for chamber of commerce executives and staff members in North Carolina and South Carolina.  CACCE equips chamber of commerce professionals with leadership skills and tools to build innovative chambers.

About the York County Chamber of Commerce

The York County Regional Chamber of Commerce is made up of more than 750 member firms employing more than 35,000 individuals and is the largest business organization in its four-county region of SC. Serving the Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Tega Cay, and greater York areas, the Chamber exists to connect its members to valuable resources and to serve as the voice of the regional business community.

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