Three Coastal Alabama Business Chamber staff members have graduated from a national leadership training program produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Suzette Hataway, IOM, VP of operations and finance; Penny Hughey, IOM, VP of education and programs; and Sharon Wiese, IOM, VP of membership and marketing, received the recognition of IOM for graduation from the Institute for Organization Management's leadership training program.

The IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward Certified Chamber Executive or Certified Association Executive certifications. Nearly 1,000 people attend Institute annually.

"Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations," said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber's vice president of Institute for Organization Management. "These individuals have the knowledge, skills and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries."

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of associations, chamber and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute's curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance and membership, Institute participants can enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.