February 7, 2022, Livermore, CA – Dawn Argula, the CEO and President at the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce, was among the 22 chamber executives to graduate last Friday from Academy, a professional development program presented by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.).

“As an industry professional and a life-long learner, participating in the Academy enhanced my knowledge and perspective on the legacy and evolving role of Chambers of Commerce in supporting business in a 21st Century economy,” said Argula. “The professionalism of Chamber organizations ensures the continuation of meeting the mission of a healthy economy and strong community.”

Academy is an interactive 3-day (three-year) training program on chamber management essentials designed for today’s chamber executives and staff professionals.

“We congratulate all of the graduates and their chambers for having the vision to invest in professional development,” said W.A.C.E. President Dave Kilby.

During the three-year Academy program, graduates participated in 18 three-hour classes and must successfully complete additional independent study outside of the classroom.

W.A.C.E is an association of chamber of commerce executives and staff professionals designed to promote and enhance professional development. With approximately 795 members from twenty-one Western states and Canada, W.A.C.E. is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States.