The JAX Chamber is among the best in the U.S. this year — but it’s hoping to be No. 1.
The local business organization with more than 3,000 members has been named a finalist for the 2016 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
It’s in competition with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Lexington Inc. and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce in the large organizations category.
There are five categories in all, based on criteria like total revenue, member accounts, service area population and number of businesses in the area.
Those 16 finalists had to first qualify for the award then apply this spring.
“Only chambers meeting certain benchmarks are even invited to apply, so becoming a finalist is a big deal,” said Mick Fleming, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives president and CEO, in a news release.
Highlights from the JAX Chamber application were the JAX Bridges program, designed to prepare entrepreneurs to do business with larger corporations, and the JAX Alliance, a board of business leaders focused on maximizing transportation, energy and infrastructure systems.
In the release, chamber Chair Audrey Moran called being named a finalist a “tremendous honor” that spoke of the dedication of the organization’s staff and volunteers.
In-person interviews will be conducted with leaders from each chamber and winners will be named during the association’s annual conference Aug. 9-12 in Savannah, Ga.