MONTGOMERY, AL – The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama presented Theresa Hulgan, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director the Chamber Professional of the Year Award that recognizes the exemplary performance and leadership of an Alabama chamber executive to his or her local chamber.

The award, recognizing the professional career achievements of the candidate, was presented at the CCAA Summer Conference held in Point Clear, AL.

“Theresa is to be commended for receiving the 2021 CCAA Chamber Professional of the Year Award,” said Dean Mitchell, Executive Director of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and the 2021 Chairman of the CCAA Board of Directors. “She most certainly represents the highest standards in our profession.”

Paige G. Hutto, President and CEO of the CCAA, said Hulgan is a true chamber professional. “Theresa’s nomination alone is a true testament that highlights why the panel of judges selected her as this year’s recipient. Her service to her local chamber, and our state organization,

Is proof that she is among the best of the best.”

Theresa has served the Cherokee County Chamber and her communities since August 2003 where she has built partnerships at all levels, created collaborative relationships, and worked diligently to promote Cherokee County businesses. She is also an integral part of many boards locally and across Alabama. Additionally, she plays a critical role in the promotion of Cherokee County as a destination.

Criteria that were evaluated included experience, training and education, service to CCAA and other professional organizations, service to chamber colleagues, ethical conduct in dealing with others, a highly developed sense of professionalism, leadership, and an abiding desire to advance the profession of chamber management.

Non-professional criteria evaluated included: non-chamber related Community participation, civic participation, and religious, charitable and educational related activities. An out-of-state panel of chamber executives served as the review panel and award-selection committee.

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 1 million working Alabamians every day.