Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) Names Executives of the Year From North Carolina and South Carolina 

The Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) recognized the top two chamber executives from North Carolina and South Carolina at their Annual Management Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, SC on Thursday, September 4, 2008 during the awards dinner.  Elyse Cochran, CCE, of the Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce was honored as the recipient of the prestigious award from North Carolina and Lee Luff, CCE, CAE, of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce was selected from South Carolina. 

Elyse Cochran, CCE, demonstrates strong leadership with the member/nonmember businesses and within the community. Under her direction, the Gaston Regional Chamber maintains involvement from the 13 municipalities which make up the county. Cochran has begun the renovation of the Chamber building and developed a series of community forums to address the critical needs of the county. She has formed a partnership with Gaston 2012, a grassroots economic development organization that helps to develop a collaborative effort to address the crisis of the impending retirement of the baby boomer population. Elyse Cochran also serves on the Gaston Literacy Board, Gaston Together Board, the Workforce Development Board, Travel and Tourism Board, YMCA Board, Rotary Club of Gastonia and is active in the First Presbyterian Church.  

Lee Luff, CCE, CAE, has been the driving force behind several changes in his Chamber’s public policy area, including the implementation of a political candidate academy and the creation of a grassroots advocacy program. Luff recently led the organization in the development of a 3-year strategic plan, with much already accomplished in the first six months of the plan. He is a graduate of the Diversity Leadership Academy at Furman University, Leadership SC, Center for Creative Leadership, and Economic Development Institute in Oklahoma. He has 28 years of Chamber experience and moved to South Carolina in 2003 to accept the position of president of Anderson Area Chamber. 

The CACCE Executive of the Year Nomination Committee bases its decision on the following merits: specific accomplishments relating to the nominee’s effectiveness in addressing challenges; effectiveness in program of work development and implementation; fiscal management; community involvement; the nominee’s stature in the community; leadership in community activities; personal attributes; professionalism plus any supporting materials they would like to include.

Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) Names New Executive Board Members
for 2008-2009 

The Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) recently held its Annual Management Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, South Carolina where the membership unanimously elected its executive leadership.  

John Cox, CEcD, CCE, President and CEO of the Cabarrus (NC) Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation, was chosen as the President of CACCE.  Cox is ultimately responsible for leading the organization as well as its development and growth.  Cox is joined by Ben Haskew, CCE, President of the Greater Greenville (NC) of Commerce, who will serve as the organization’s President-Elect.  As President-Elect, Haskew will oversee CACCE’s professional development programs which include the Leadership Development Conference, the Professional Development Series, the CEO Retreat, the CEO Roundtables and the Annual Management Conference.  Rounding out the executive offices is Elyse Cochran, CCE, President of the Gaston (NC) Regional Chamber of Commerce, who will serve as Treasurer.  In addition to overseeing the budget and all financial aspects of the organization, Cochran is also responsible for membership development, which includes communications, membership growth, scholarship awards, selection of the Executive of the Year Awards from North and South Carolina, the Honorary Lifetime Membership designations and the annual membership survey.