U.S. Chamber Completes Successful Institute Season

195 Professionals Receive the IOM Graduate Recognition for Advanced Nonprofit Training

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Organization Management (IOM) wrapped up its 2008 season with 195 association and chamber executive graduates. Institute is a four-year advanced education program for nonprofit professionals that awards an IOM designation upon completion of the program.

"IOM graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their communities" said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries."

Participants attend one of five different professional development sessions held across the country each year for a week of intensive course work, best practice discussion, and the industry's best peer-to-peer networking. The program offers classes in Madison, Wis.; Athens, Ga.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Villanova, Pa.; and a winter site in Tucson, Ariz. Most participants return to their original site each year, building a valuable network of professional contacts. At the completion of the four-year curriculum, participants receive the IOM designation, signifying completion of 96 hours of nonprofit study and dedication to the profession.

"Completing Institute has been a tremendously positive experience both professionally and personally," says Jodie Perry, IOM, president of the Greece (N.Y.) Chamber of Commerce. "The information I picked up and networking I did while attending will be invaluable."

Graduates of Institute are encouraged to continue their professional development at Invested Leaders Institute. This three day program, produced by the U.S. Chamber, offers advanced seminars, dynamic breakouts, and plenty of time to reconnect with colleagues from across the country. It is designed for executives who have already achieved their IOM designation or who have their Certified Association Executive (CAE) or Certified Chamber Executive (CCE).

"I began Institute to prepare for the CAE program, and it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience," explains Reva Brennan, IOM, associate director at the South Carolina Association of CPAs. "Not only do you learn valuable information from the instructors and your peers, but you build professional networks that encourage and inspire you."

For more information about the program, contact Institute for Organization Management at U.S. Chamber headquarters at 202-463-5570; 1615 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20062-2000; www.uschamber.com/institute.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

http://www.uschamber.com/

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