ACCE News
Life Member Award Recipients Named
Alexandria, VA -
The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) announces three recipients of its esteemed Life Member Award, which recognizes management excellence, community leadership and commitment to the chamber profession. ACCE chairman of the board, Douglas Kinsinger, CCE, will present M.J. Arts, Harold Van Sumeren and Richard Upton, CCE, with the award at the Awards Show on Friday, August 1, during ACCE’s national convention in Pittsburgh.
Each of the honorees has distinguished himself by making significant contributions to the chamber profession. Mike Arts served the profession for nearly 28 years, leading chambers in Carroll (IA), Sioux City (IA), and most recently, in Boca Raton (FL). He was also president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Executives Association. Dick Upton is the former CEO of five different chambers of commerce, with his longest run being at the Wichita (KS) Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president for 15 years. He also served as president of the Kansas Chamber Executives and director of the Iowa and Texas Chamber Executive Associations. Hal Van Sumeren led the Traverse City (MI) Chamber of Commerce for 32 years. In 1998, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Executives named him “Executive of the Year.”
Historically called "Honorary Member," this pinnacle award is bestowed by ACCE on those who retire after stellar careers in chamber leadership. The Life Member award recognizes a lifetime of success in the chamber profession, characterized by significant and measurable contributions to the industry. Among the qualities most embodied by Life Members are humble yet powerful peer mentorship of those seeking growth in the profession and a passion for success in building their communities and organizations.
Source: ACCE
Publication Date: June 24, 2008