MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama has announced that three chamber of commerce executives from Alabama have each been awarded a State Partnership Scholarship of $500 to attend the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management.

Those receiving State Partnership Scholarships to attend Institute are: Laura Strickland, Marketing and Membership director, Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce; Pam Powers-Smith, president, Opelika Chamber of Commerce; and, Ashley Jones Davis, executive director, North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

Through a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and Institute for Organization Management, the State Partnership Scholarship is awarded to professional members of CCAA to assist them to attend Institute for the very first time. The State Partnership Scholarships recognize each recipient for their involvement in industry professional organizations, community service and professional background.

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has educated tens of thousands of association, chamber and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates.

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

“State Partnership Scholarships offer executives the opportunity to attend Institute and learn about emerging industry trends, expand their organizations’ influence, and grow their peer network,” said Raymond P. Towle, vice president of Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We are pleased to help these talented professionals advance their careers and organizations.”

Each of the State Partnership Scholarship recipients will attend the Southeast Institute site at the University of Georgia in 2017. At the completion of the four-year curriculum, each of the recipients will receive the IOM graduate recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management and their commitment to the industry. In addition, all credit hours earned through Institute may be applied toward the Certified Chamber Executive or Certified Association Executive industry certification.

“Laura, Pam, and Ashley are all to be commended for their selection as scholarship recipients,” said Jeremy L. Arthur, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and past chairman of the Board of Regents, Southeast Institute. “All three of these chamber executives represent the highest standards in our profession. I am excited CCAA is able to continue our partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Institute for Organization Management program to recognize outstanding chamber of commerce leaders and help further their career goals.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness by addressing developments that affect our nation, our economy, and the global business environment.

Since its beginning in 1937 as the Alabama Association of Commercial Organizations, what is now known as the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama has remained dedicated to advancing the goal that chambers of commerce are the premier local business advocate in the State of Alabama. In conjunction with the Business Council of Alabama, a non-partisan organization, the two groups, through The BCA/CCAA Partnership, represent the interests and concerns of over one million working Alabamians every day.