The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama recently recognized five Alabama chamber professionals which received the Distinguished Service Award for completing at least ten years of service in the profession of chamber management.

One of those to receive the honor was Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Theresa Hulgan.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes the long-term leadership and professional competence of chamber of commerce executives in the State of Alabama. 

Those receiving the Distinguished Service Award, and their years of service, are:  Elaine Fincannon, Business Council of Alabama (25); Suzanne Gardner, Shoals Chamber of Commerce (15); Theresa Hulgan, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce (15); Andrea Machen, Moody Area Chamber of Commerce (12); Judy Keenum, Shoals Chamber of Commerce (10).

The CCAA established the Distinguished Service Award to recognize the long-term leadership and professional competence of chamber of commerce executives in the State of Alabama.  The Distinguished Service Award is based on a minimum of ten years of service in the field of chamber management.

“All of the individuals receiving recognition for distinguished service are to be commended for receiving this prestigious distinction,” said Heather Brothers New, President and CEO, The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County and CCAA 2019 Chairwoman of the Board of Directors. “They most certainly represent the highest standards in our profession and are committed to its continued success.”

Jeremy L. Arthur, President and CEO of the CCAA, said the five local chamber leaders are a true testament to the chamber profession.   “The commitment shown by each person that receives the Distinguished Service Award from CCAA shows their continued assurance, engagement and dedication to the long-term success of their local chamber of commerce and our collective state association,” Arthur said.

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 (BCA), a non-partisan organization, the two groups, through the BCA/CCAA Partnership represent the interests and concerns of over 1 million working Alabamians every day.