COVINGTON, Ky. — Local chambers from across the state were recognized at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) 2023 Annual Dinner in September during the organization’s Annual Conference. KCCE Annual Excellence Awards pay tribute to local chambers of commerce in areas of operational excellence that include membership growth and retention, civic engagement, and more.
As part of the Annual Dinner, the KCCE Board of Directors named Tomi Clifford of the Cynthiana-Harrison County Chamber of Commerce as the 2024 president, which was previously held by Josh Suiter of the St. Matthews Chamber of Commerce.
The Excellence Awards ceremony culminates with the presentation of the KCCE Chamber Professional of the Year, which was awarded to St. Matthews Chamber of Commerce CEO Josh Suiter.
“I am honored to have been named Chamber Professional of the Year by KCCE. I love working in this industry and helping businesses thrive and succeed and to be recognized for that work means a lot to me. I am thankful for our Chamber board, who supports me and my team, and my family for the sacrifices they make so I can do what I love. Thank you KCCE for this honor,” said Suiter.
Additional awards for individual achievement were also presented. These included Shelby Somervell of Greater Louisville Inc. as Staff Member of the Year, Greater Louisville Inc., and Dallas Jo Conner, representing the Kentucky Lake Chamber, as Volunteer of the Year.
The 2023 KCCE Excellence Award recipients are listed below:
Membership Growth
Category 2: Todd County CC: 28%
Category 3: Campbellsville-Taylor County CC: 13.3%
Category 4: Bullitt County CC: 28%
Category 5: Bowling Green Area CC: 8%
Membership Retention
Category 2: Todd County CC: 98%
Category 3: Campbellsville-Taylor CC: 93.3%
Category 4: Bullitt County CC: 98%
Category 5: Bowling Green Area CC: 94%
Civic Engagement
Category 2: Maysville-Mason County CC
Category 3: Campbellsville-Taylor County CC
Category 4: Bullitt County CC
Category 5: Jeffersontown CC
E-Communications
Category 2: Spencer County-Taylorsville CC
Category 3: Campbellsville-Taylor County CC
Category 4: Murray-Calloway County CC
Category 5: Greater Louisville Inc.
Events
Category 1: Breckinridge County CC: Balloon Glow
Category 2: Cynthiana – Harrison County CC: Breakout Leadership Conference
Category 3: Jessamine County CC: Kentucky Wine & Vine Festival
Category 4: Southeast Kentucky CC: Hillbilly Days 2023
Category 5: Bowling Green Area CC: Welcome Back WKU
Innovation
Category 1: Breckinridge County CC: MicroGrant Program
Category 2: Cynthiana-Harrison County CC: Young Entrepreneur Program
Category 4: The Chamber of St. Matthews: The Q Group
Category 5: Greater Louisville Inc.: Minority Certification Program
Printed Publication
Category 2: Cynthiana-Harrison County CC: Chamber Magazine & Directory
Category 3: Frankfort Area CC: Frankfort Focus
Category 4: Oldham Chamber & Economic Development: Engagement Guide
Category 5: Bowling Green Area Chamber: Bounce Around BG
Chamber Excellence Awards were given in five categories: annual dues income less than $75,000 (Category 1); annual dues between $75,001 and $150,000 (Category 2); annual dues income between $150,001 and $250,000 (Category 3); annual dues between $250,001 and $650,000 (Category 4); and annual dues income more than $650,001 (Category 5).
KCCE provides professional development, resources, assistance, grassroots advocacy, and other opportunities for local chambers of commerce, their staff, and volunteers across the Commonwealth.
