Learning, Leading, and Bringing It Home: Chamber & CREDC leadership shine on national stage.
Last week, members of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC leadership team joined more than 1,000 chamber professionals from across North America at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Annual Convention in New Orleans. Throughout the conference, the team explored emerging trends, exchanged ideas with peers, and shared their own expertise through national leadership roles and presentations.
The Chamber & CREDC was proud to contribute to the national conversation through several leadership roles at the conference. President & CEO Ryan Unger participated in ACCE’s Board of Directors meeting, helping guide the future direction of the chamber industry. Vice President of Strategy & Chamber Impact Kara Luzik Canale presented a workshop on retaining top talent in flat organizations, sharing the Chamber & CREDC’s expertise with colleagues from across North America. In addition, Senior Director of Investor & Member Engagement Heather Eyster began her service as Chair-Elect of ACCE’s Membership Development Division, further strengthening the Chamber & CREDC’s leadership presence at the national level.
Throughout the conference, one theme emerged consistently: meaningful innovation begins with listening. Sessions focused on workforce development, member engagement, communications, advocacy, and organizational leadership reinforced the importance of understanding the evolving needs of businesses and communities before developing solutions.
The team returned with practical ideas and fresh perspectives that will help strengthen the Chamber & CREDC’s programs, advocacy efforts, and member engagement initiatives throughout the Harrisburg region. Just as valuable were the connections made with fellow chamber professionals- including a strong delegation of Pennsylvania chambers- which provide ongoing opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another.
As the Chamber & CREDC looks ahead, the focus remains on putting those lessons into action. By investing in leadership development and staying connected to national best practices, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC continues to strengthen its ability to serve members, advance regional economic opportunity, and build a thriving business community.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the region’s toolbox for economic development. It is the only Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) approved by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development to perform economic development activities regionally using Pennsylvania’s funding programs across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
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