Greater Irvine Chamber Sweeps Executive Association Awards
Greater Irvine Chamber Brings Home Top Awards from Executive Association 
The Greater Irvine Chamber was honored with top awards by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) for its communications accomplishments and portfolio in front of more than 400 attendees during the 2020 W.A.C.E. Conference in Portland, Oregon.
The Chamber received the top honor of best Overall Communications Program Award, as well as first place in the E-Newsletter category for its Weekly Connection digital newsletter, and Special Merit in the Website category.
Jessica Welch, vice president of operations, Greater Irvine Chamber, was recognized as a recently W.A.C.E. Accredited Chamber Executive for her own professional development, as well as encouraging that of other chamber executives.
As the immediate past W.A.C.E. Hathaway Staff Person of the Year, Welch presented this year's award to Eddie Truong of the Silicon Valley Organization.
As the immediate past W.A.C.E. Executive of the Year,Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber, presented this year's award to Joshua R. Bonner, president and CEO, Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Laura Perdew, senior director of communications, Greater Irvine Chamber, was awarded during the conference with a five-year Service Award, recognizing her ongoing dedication to chamber work.
Sharing their expertise with fellow chamber executives, a number of the Greater Irvine Chamber professional staff presented during various conference sessions.
Starr co-presented “All Things Board of Directors,” along with Jill Lagan of the Boulder City Chamber and Susan Wan-Ross of the Yorba Linda Chamber. Welch co-presented “Workplace Culture and Staff Retention,” with Chris Romer of the Vail Valley Partnership. Kaitlynn Irvine, director of events, Greater Irvine Chamber, co-presented “Exploring the Why of Chamber Events and Programs,” along with Candace Carnahan of the Grand Junction Chamber.
Members of the Greater Irvine Chamber staff also continuing professional development at the conference were Sandra Crouch, vice president of finance; Anna Spitz, communications manager; and Tracy Yannotti, finance administrator.
The Western Association of Chamber Executives is the premier organization for education and professional development for chamber executives and staff from throughout 19 western American states and Canada.
For more information on the Greater Irvine Chamber, visit GreaterIrvineChamber.com.