Consensus | Convening | Community

Last week, I had the great fortune of catching up with my friend and mentor Brad Lacy, aka Mr. Conway, Arkansas. Since then, I’ve had community organizations, industry associations, and partnerships on the brain.

I was first introduced to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and their Horizon Report early in my career. I was just beginning to understand the power of member-funded associations and their vital role in supporting community well-being. That report affirmed something I’d always believed: "Everybody does better when everybody does better. Partnerships are more valuable than kingdoms. Embrace technology, but never underestimate the power of face-to-face connection."

ACCE just released Horizon 2035, and though I’m no longer at a chamber, I still see how its insights apply to any leader working in community organizations and industry associations. These entities are uniquely positioned to build consensus, foster growth, and drive lasting change.

The latest research also highlights the importance of these organizations in promoting community well-being. Stronger partnerships, broader collaborations, and a focus on core priorities will help us all thrive by creating opportunities for people to earn more, learn more, and live well.

I’m a proud ACCE member, deeply grateful for their work. If you’re not already engaged with your local community association, chamber, or industry organization—now’s the time.

Consistent Fundamentals

Catalytic Leadership
Catalytic leadership involves defining a vision by who you want to be, not just by what you do. Your role is to instigate change and shape the future.

Businesses, nonprofits, and associations need leaders who embrace this responsibility to build partnerships that elevate both their organizations and the broader community.

This type of leadership can define entire eras of progress. I've seen how this works firsthand—whether reimagining chamber services or convening programs that drew stakeholders from across sectors

Organizations and communities that embrace this often lead defining initiatives, building partnerships that elevate both local businesses and the broader community.

Belonging and Gathering
In an era where communities exist both physically and virtually, creating a sense of belonging is paramount.

72% of U.S. adults believe their local chamber (business community_graham edit) plays a key role in addressing community challenges.

Responsibly leverage trust to foster connections, both in-person and online, to combat isolation and strengthen community ties, enhance social cohesion and foster development where all have input and all see benefit.

Timeless Challenges and Enduring Opportunities

Political and Social Fragmentation
Polarization creates divisions that can hinder progress. Progress happens in the middle.

Bring people together.

Facilitate dialogues and promote collaborative solutions to navigate political divides and strengthen the foundation of local economies.

Inclusive Economic Growth
Demographic shifts require business and community organizations to rethink strategies for economic opportunity.

Arkansas’s population is becoming more diverse, and with that diversity comes new entrepreneurial ventures and workforce needs.

Convene discussions on evolving needs of new residents (shops, salons, churches, etc.,) education, and housing to ensure that all residents have access to resources that increase their quality of life and their productivity.

Digital Witnessing
Technological advancement is both a challenge and an opportunity.

Organizations must embrace innovation to improve operations and member engagement. However, they also have a responsibility to guide ethical technology use, protecting stakeholders from issues like data breaches and misinformation.

Priorities for Action

Gather ‘Round
In politically charged environments, your organization is a unifying force.

Steward your community ethos, connect the new residents and the legacy members. Bring them together around issues that support today’s local economy while serving tomorrow’s.

Through strategic partnerships and advocacy, bridge divides and build consensus on policies that promote community well-being.

Leadership Churn
Arkansas benefits from strong and committed leadership in community organizations and industry associations. But y’all, we do know a thing or two about turnover.

Leadership development is critical to continuity. Addressing local issues like housing, shifting workforce needs, and infrastructure demands local knowledge, social and political capital and a shared history of working together.

This takes time. So plan ahead. Build a bench. Give new leaders some grace, some runway, and some support.

Shaping Workforce at the Speed of Business
Rapid changes in workforce expectations require adaptive training and industry-aligned skills development.

Business Community nonprofits and associations play a pivotal role in connecting educational institutions with business needs to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers.

They’re conduit of communication between industry and education; both K-12 and continuing skills development.

Their role in shaping a resilient labor force cannot be overstated.