Momentum From ACCE26 in New Orleans

Recently, chamber leaders from across the country gathered in New Orleans for ACCE’s Annual Convention—an energizing few days filled with bold ideas and practical conversations about the future of our communities. The city’s rhythm set the tone: creative, forward-leaning and ready for what’s next.

During my session on organizational readiness and volunteer leadership, Hardy Watkins from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and I explored the two factors that consistently determine whether a funding campaign succeeds. Leaders responded strongly to the idea that readiness is not a pre-campaign step but a year-round discipline. As I shared in the session: “A successful funding campaign is never the result of chance. It is the product of disciplined preparation, organizational alignment, and the strategic deployment of volunteer leadership.” That message echoed throughout the week as executives discussed how to strengthen their organizations internally before going external.

The framework we discussed in the session offered a practical path forward. Clarifying mission and measurable priorities, reinforcing consistent messaging, assessing staff capacity early, building a case tied directly to economic impact, and deploying volunteer leadership that fits the community’s culture—these steps give chambers a structure they can apply immediately. Many leaders shared that this approach helped them see how readiness can accelerate commitments and strengthen investor confidence long before a campaign begins.

New Orleans made one thing clear: chambers are thinking ever bigger. They’re reimagining funding models, sharpening competitiveness strategies, and preparing for their next phase of growth. The momentum coming out of ACCE is real, and it’s exciting to see how communities will build on it.

If your chamber is considering a funding campaign—or simply wants to strengthen alignment, updated funding models, sharpen messaging, or evaluate leadership structure—our team welcomes a conversation. We are always here as a resource. Set up our conversation easily by using this link or by emailing me at clint@RDGfundraising.com.

About the Author | Clint Nessmith is a principal with RDG, a Convergent Company. RDG specializes exclusively in working with chambers and economic development organizations. They have raised billions of dollars for their clients who range from major market regional groups and statewide organizations to single county and city entities.  

RDG and Convergent, two long-time leaders in fundraising for chambers, have merged! Together, RDG, a Convergent Company, brings unmatched expertise, capacity, and flexibility to serve chambers and economic development organizations of any size. Learn more at convergentnonprofit.com.