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See what’s happening this month.
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Top Row: Jamie Clark, Melissa Vance, Jeff Locke, Dr. Phil Scott, Karen Black, Dr. Bill Black, Tim Broering, Pam Broering, Bill English, Marc Duning, Marcus Miller
Middle Row: Lynnette Davis, Shawntel Baker, Jackie Scott, Lisa Dollar, Eric VanVleet, Linda VanVleet, Kim English, Rhonda Duning, Sue Miller, Marty Van Der Burgt
Front Row: Angela Locke, Linda Carpenter, Amy Reeves, Marilyn Brunton, Lisa Ginn, Beth Van Der BurgtÂ
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Want to Read More About Our Chamber Trip?
You can explore the full recap and traveler reflections on our website here or check out our story in the July 30th issue of Western Wayne News to see how the community is sharing in the journey.
đź“° Read the Western Wayne News article here
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The Chamber takes on the Danube River
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For the third year in a row, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce has taken a group of residents for an international journey to a great destination. First, we were in Italy in 2023. In 2024, we began in London, followed by a week in Ireland, and the post-trip option was in Scotland. And this year we journey to multiple countries along the Danube River.Â
There are a few clear benefits to these Chamber trips. First, it gives people of Wayne County an opportunity to travel to countries they may not otherwise see whether due to a comfort level, a language barrier, or something similar. Second, it brings cultural awareness and helps us be more welcoming to people from different backgrounds and experiences. Third, it helps us foster deeper relationships with a diverse group of people ranging from existing community or business leaders to those working with Chamber businesses to retired residents. Every year, Chamber and community involvement from these travelers has grown after returning home.Â
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Wayne County Area Chamber’s Melissa Vance Earns Elite Certification
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Vance part of 2025 Certified Chamber Executive class — the largest in the program’s history
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Pictured: Melissa Vance, WCACC President/Ceo with Tony Vedda, CCE, IOM, president & CEO of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and chair of the CCE Commission
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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — July 23, 2025 — Melissa Vance, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, has been designated a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Virginia, that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.Â
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The CCE program assesses and tests the applicant’s knowledge of core chamber management areas: management, planning and development, membership, communications and revenue and operations. Chamber professionals who are designated CCEs earned this prestigious recognition through hard work, countless hours of dedication to their field and leadership of their chamber to achieve the chamber’s goals.Â
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Thinking About Internships? Start Here.
Whether you’re a small business owner, part of a large organization, or somewhere in between these Employer Internship Training Sessions are for you.
Internships don’t have to be complicated (or even paid!) to make a big difference for your business and for students exploring career paths right here in Wayne County. These sessions are a chance to see the bigger picture and understand how your business can play a role in shaping our future workforce.
You’re not committing to hosting an intern by attending. You’re simply learning more. Join us to hear from experienced speakers and explore how internships might fit into your workplace on your terms.
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*Free to attend, but registration required
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Chamber Certificates
Looking for the perfect gift, employee reward, or thank-you present that supports local businesses? Chamber Certificates are a great way to keep money in our community while giving the recipient the freedom to choose where to shop, dine, or unwind!
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- They can be used at dozens of participating local businesses, from boutiques to restaurants to service providers.
- They’re perfect for gifts, employee rewards, or incentives—and they keep dollars circulating locally.
- Every certificate redeemed drives foot traffic to Chamber member businesses, boosting visibility and sales.
- They help support small businesses without the guesswork of picking the “perfect” gift.
- When purchased through your business, they are considered as a deductible expense.
- They can be purchased using a credit card, check, cash or be invoiced.
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Join Us for a Night of Celebration, Connection, and Community!
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Don’t wait to register for one of our most uplifting events of the year: the Community Improvement Awards!
This isn’t your average awards ceremony. It’s a fun, feel-good evening filled with inspiring stories, great conversation, and a delicious dinner all while networking with fellow Chamber members and community leaders.
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Community Improvement Awards
August 12
5:30 pm
Hartley Hills Golf Course
Grab your tool belt and get ready to celebrate—it’s Hammer Time! We’re recognizing Wayne County businesses that have nailed it when it comes to exterior improvements and new construction. From bold facelifts to brick-by-brick transformations, every nominee project will be honored. Join us as we salute these community builders with the Exemplary, Community Impact, and Community Spirit awards.
$30 – Chamber members, includes dinner
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Employer Internship Training
August 14, 21 & 28
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Holiday Inn Express
Join us as the Forward Wayne County Employability Coalition presents an Employer Internship Training series. It is three dynamic sessions designed to help you build impactful, well-supported internships. We’ll cover the value of internships, how to implement a strong support team, and practical strategies to set your interns up for success.
August 14 – Purpose & Value
August 21 – Work-Based Learning Terms & Definitions
August 28 – Building Your Intern Team
​Free to attend, but registration required
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BradyWare: Unpacking the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
August 19, 2025
8:00 am: Registration
8:30 am – 9:30 am: Program Begins
9:30 am – 10:00 am: Q&A and Networking
Join Brady Ware and their subject matter experts to understand and appreciate how these new tax implications will effect individuals and businesses.
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Legislative Series: Representative Jefferson Shreve
August 22
8:00 AM
Forest Hills Country Club
Join us for our August event featuring special guests Representative Jefferson Shreve.
$35 –Â *Chamber members, breakfast included
*Legislative Series events are Chamber member-exclusive events
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