Patsy Moffett, Administrative Assistant and Office Coordinator at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, recently graduated from Western Association of Chamber Executives(W.A.C.E.) Academy.  Started in 2003, Academy is a three-day (three-year) high quality summer program on chamber management “essentials” geared for today’s chamber executives and professional staff. It has become the leading training program totally devoted to chamber professional in the West. 


“The Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) offers a three-year program called Academy. It is geared to educate professionals on topics facing chamber management. I was fortunate enough to begin this program in 2016 and graduated at the Annual Conference this February. Not only did I receive valuable knowledge, but I also gained many new friends; building relations to share experiences, successes and failures in the chamber world,” Patsy explains.  

W.A.C.E is an association of chamber of commerce executives and staff professionals designed to promote and enhance professional development. With approximately 850 members from eighteen Western states and Canada, W.A.C.E. is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States.

Patsy adds “The instructors are the best chamber executives in the country. They provide resources to learn from, bringing knowledge and years of experience to the classroom. Staff can benefit in all areas of leadership, whether it is business advocacy, event planning, communications or administration.”

 Patsy said W.A.C.E. is launching a new brand, focusing on 3C’s—being a Catalyst for growth, a Convener of leaders and influencers, and a Champion for a strong business community. She said Achieving a “3C Chamber” starts by locating needs, connecting people and stepping up by taking action. Patsy said she hopes her experiences at Academy can help make the Lubbock Chamber an even better 3C Chamber.

“I feel very honored that I am the first from the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce to graduate from Academy. The Board of Directors, and our President and CEO, Eddie McBride, recognize the value of professional training and encourage staff to participate. I enjoyed the opportunity to attend and appreciate the confidence and investment the Board made on my behalf,” says Patsy.

Patsy said she would recommend others to attend W.A.C.E. Academy because the program focuses on growth in professional development.

“Continuing education keeps chambers up to date on new trends and connected to other professionals dealing with similar issues, making it possible to bring new and fresh ideas back to the workplace,” Patsy concludes.