Eight non-US-based chamber members from ICC's World Chambers Federation (WCF) will attend the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) convention in Cleveland, Ohio this August. Their attendance was made possible by sponsorship from ACCE.

Chambers from over 40 countries, in all regions of the world, including Fiji, Russia, Iraq and Guatemala, submitted applications for this award. The following chambers have been chosen:

• Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry 
• The Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce
• Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services 
• Guatemala Chamber of Commerce
• Iraqi International Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture
• Oslo Chamber of Commerce
• St Petersburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry

"We are sure all participants will benefit greatly from the exchange made possible by these sponsorships," said Chris Mead, Vice President, Member Relations, ACCE. "We have enjoyed working with the World Chambers Federation on this international project and will be encouraging many chambers from the US to participate in next year's World Chambers Congress in Istanbul to open more international opportunities to them."

"Participating in this convention presents the chambers with a great occasion to network – to gain from US contacts and experience but also to contribute their insights and perspectives," said Robert Recker, Vice Chairman, WCF and Executive Vice President, Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. "At the same time it gives ACCE members a means of better understanding foreign markets and of creating business opportunities for the organizations we serve."
The sponsorship package includes entry to all convention events (value: US $800) and three nights accommodation at the Marriot Renaissance or Ritz Hotels.

Set in the beautiful region of America's Great Lakes, the ACCE convention features more than 160 speakers including Alan Rawlings, Executive Director, Tata Group; Sandy Cutler, CEO, Eaton Corporation; and Marcus Buckingham, bestselling author and expert on outstanding leadership and management practices. It features 60 breakout sessions on subjects including tracks on government relations, communications and membership sales, and includes day-long workshops on affinity programs and economic development. The convention also includes a reception at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

ACCE is a national association in the United States serving individuals in the management of chambers of all sizes. To learn more about their conference, please visit: www.acce.org/convention06 .

For further information, please contact:

Anthony Parkes
WCF Director
Tel:+ 33 1 49 53 29 44