The Mobile Chamber has been named a finalist for the 2026 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, known in the chamber industry as ACCE.

The Most Prestigious Award in the Chamber World

ACCE is the national association for chamber professionals, based in Alexandria, Virginia, with more than 1,600 member chambers and related organizations representing more than 9,000 industry professionals across the country.

The Chamber of the Year award is the most prestigious and competitive honor ACCE bestows. It recognizes chambers that have demonstrated genuine organizational strength and made measurable impact on community priorities: things like education, transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life.

A Rigorous, Peer-Reviewed Process

Becoming a finalist is no small feat. To even enter the competition, a chamber must first qualify by meeting minimum performance thresholds in at least three of five key areas tracked by ACCE’s Annual Chamber Operations Survey, including net revenue and assets, membership account retention and membership dollar retention. That alone separates the strong chambers from the rest.

Qualifying chambers then submit a comprehensive written application covering every aspect of organizational operations and programmatic work. Those applications are scored by peer chamber executives from across the country.

The finalists, then advance to an in-person interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals. Every judge signs a conflict of interest policy to ensure fairness.

“Being named a Chamber of the Year finalist is a powerful reflection of leadership, innovation and measurable impact,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “We congratulate these outstanding chambers on this well-deserved recognition. They are not only serving their members, they are shaping stronger economies, building more resilient communities and setting a high standard for the chamber profession.”

A Reflection of What the Mobile Business Community Built Together

“Being named a finalist for the ACCE Chamber of the Year is a tremendous honor that belongs to every member, every partner and every person who has invested in making Mobile a stronger, more vibrant community. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust our members place in us every day,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “We are proud to represent Mobile on a national stage, and we remain committed to driving economic prosperity, expanding opportunity and building a community where businesses and families can truly thrive.”

The Mobile Chamber’s selection as a finalist reflects years of collaborative work alongside business leaders, elected officials, educational institutions and community partners to strengthen the region’s economy and create opportunities for growth.

In its Chamber of the Year application, the organization highlighted efforts to address some of the most pressing challenges facing local employers, including workforce development, talent attraction and critical infrastructure improvements. The application also showcased the Chamber’s role in bringing stakeholders together to advance transformative projects such as the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project and the relocation of Mobile International Airport, helping build consensus around initiatives that will shape the region’s future.

Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunity

As part of the application process, chambers were required to submit two program synopses demonstrating innovation and impact. The Mobile Chamber highlighted two initiatives that exemplify its mission of creating opportunities for businesses and residents through strong partnerships and community collaboration.

The first was MoGo, an on-demand rideshare pilot program developed in partnership with local stakeholders to remove transportation barriers that can prevent individuals from accessing employment opportunities. By helping workers get to and from jobs, the program addresses a practical challenge faced by both job seekers and employers across the region.

The second was the Chamber’s Business Navigation program, which connects entrepreneurs and small business owners with guidance, resources and expert partners who can help them start, grow and sustain their businesses. Through one-on-one assistance and referrals to key organizations, the program helps business owners overcome obstacles and access opportunities for success.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate what can be achieved when the business community, public sector and nonprofit partners work toward shared goals. They reflect the Mobile Chamber’s commitment to convening the right people, removing barriers and creating opportunities that strengthen the region’s economy and improve quality of life throughout Mobile.

What’s Next

Chamber of the Year winners will be announced on Tuesday, July 21, during the Awards Show at ACCE’s Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.