Pat Jamieson, the Member Service Manager for Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, was among the 20 participants in the third year class of Academy, a professional development program presented by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E).  Ms. Jamieson's official graduation took place on February 6th, 2008 at the W.A.C.E. Conference in San Diego.

The Academy is an interactive three day, three year training program on chamber management essentials designed for today's chamber executives and staff professionals.

"Academy was founded as a program for a new era of chamber management," said Dave Kilby, President/CEO of W.A.C.E.  "We congratulate all of the participants in our third year class and their chambers for having the vision to invest in professional development.

The third year Academy curriculum included classes on Conflict Resolution, Staff Development, Strategic Planning, Dealing with the Media, Creating a Strong Local Economy and Personal Leadership Development.

W.A.C.E. is an association of Chamber of Commerce executives and staff professionals designed to promote and enhance professional development.  With over 800 members from fifteen Western States, W.A.C.E. is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States.