At the 2008 Annual Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Conference in San Diego, awards were presented to four chambers in the “Outstanding New Programs” category. Entries were judged in three categories – innovativeness, success (based on whether the program met or exceeded the chamber’s goals) and can this/should this program be duplicated by other chambers of commerce.

In partnership with the Madera Police Department, the Madera District Chamber of Commerce "Security Assessment Program" was developed to help businesses with interior and exterior security evaluations of their business locations - at no cost. The results have been a safer community and a better working relationship with the police department.

In January, the Madera Chamber of Commerce received notification from the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.), that our Security Assessment Program had been named one of their four outstanding new programs for 2007. More exciting was that Madera was the only California Chamber to receive this new program award; additional recipients were from other areas in the western region. This award-winning program was created through a concept from, and in partnership with, the City of Madera Police Department. This collaboration with the Chamber was developed by City of Madera Police Department Administrative Sergeant Dino Lawson and Crime Prevention Officer Durbin Lloren. It was an honor for the Chamber, and with great appreciation, that Officer Durbin Lloren was able to join CEO/President Debi Bray in San Diego to receive the award during the luncheon on February 7, 2008 at the annual W.A.C.E. Conference. After receiving the award Officer Lloren and Ms. Bray presented the details of this program during a Breakout Session conducted that same afternoon at the conference.

ABOUT W.A.C.E.
The purpose of W.A.C.E. is to enhance and promote the professional growth and competence of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Incorporated in 1924, the association has played a significant role in the growth and development of chamber of commerce professionals, including management assistance for new chamber executives and other staff. Over the years, membership has become synonymous with access to a network of experienced chamber executives and exposure to emerging trends and usable ideas on every facet of chamber of commerce management. In 1995 the association dropped its California boundary and became the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.). It now represents the fifteen western states including… California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Hawaii and Illinois.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Each year during the first week in February, W.A.C.E. holds its annual conference. This three-day conference offers quality programs and speakers designed to increase the skills and knowledge of their members.  At the conference, W.A.C.E. recognizes the “best and the brightest” in the chamber industry through a variety of special individual awards. W.A.C.E. also presents special recognition to chambers in the areas of newsletters, e-newsletters, web sites, marketing materials, and best new programs.

At the 2008 Annual Conference in San Diego, awards were presented to four chambers in the “Outstanding New Programs” category. Entries were judged in three categories – innovativeness, success (based on whether the program met or exceeded the chamber’s goals) and can this/should this program be duplicated by other chambers of commerce. The following 2008 winners were:

• Madera CA - In partnership with the Madera Police Department, the chamber's "Security Assessment Program" was developed to help businesses with interior and exterior security evaluations of their business locations - at no cost. The results have been a safer community and a better working relationship with the police department.
• Grand Junction CO - The issue in Grand Junction was how to address the lack of qualified workers and the general selling of the community to the younger workforce. The answer was a video titled "Get Jazzed in GJ" which was posted on www.youtube.com
• Santa Fe NM - With its Spanish Language Business Resource Roundtable, the chamber has developed a way to connect business resources with Spanish speaking start-up businesses. A key partner is the Las Voz de Nuevo Mexico, the largest Spanish language newspaper in the region.
• Las Vegas NV – The chamber developed special "pullout" sections in their monthly publication 'Business Voice' on a wide variety of subjects of interest to the business community, including health care, marketing and going green. The chamber found that these special sections had a longer shelve life than the regular newsletter, and proved to be a huge success in additional advertising revenues.

The Madera Chamber of Commerce is extremely proud of receiving this award, and along with the City of Madera Police Department would like to thank those who have supported and participated in the program. If you have not requested your Business Security Assessment yet, you can do so by completing the form below.

MADERA POLICE SECURITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Welcome to the City of Madera Police Department's Security Program. This program is a part of the Business Watch series that the Madera Chamber of Commerce and Madera Police Department have created to assist you in making your business a safer place for you, your employees, and your customers. This program is FREE OF CHARGE - just complete the Madera Police Department Security Assessment Request Form