SALISBURY – The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce has been named runner-up for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Chamber of the Year Award.

Chamber President Elaine Spalding and Immediate Past Chair Dari Caldwell (Novant Health Rowan Medical Center) were interviewed in Savannah, Ga., on Aug. 9, and the announcement was made at the ACCE Awards Banquet on Aug. 10.

The Rowan Chamber competed against two other chambers in its size category: Hickory/Catawba County Chamber of Commerce and O’Fallon, Mo. Chamber of Commerce.

Catawba County Chamber was named the Chamber of Year.

“While we are disappointed that we did not receive the Chamber of the Year designation, the Rowan Chamber is proud to have been named a finalist and national runner-up for this prestigious award,” Spalding said.

This national Chamber of the Year Award recognizes chambers for being above the national average in membership and non-dues income categories. ACCE’s Chamber of the Year is the only award recognizing the dual role chambers have in supporting businesses and leading communities.

Chambers honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have not only demonstrated success in business leadership and organizational strength, but also have made an impact on key community priorities such as education, transportation, healthcare and cultural vitality.

The Rowan Chamber is a not-for-profit business advocacy organization with over 850 member firms. Benefits include business advocacy, member referrals, community development, leadership training and networking events.

For more information, contact the Rowan Chamber at 704-633-4221 or info@rowanchamber.com.