Communications were recognized in the following four categories:
1 – Advertising & Marketing
2 – Campaigns
3 – Electronic
4 – Publications

​One award was presented to the highest scoring chamber in each of the four categories based on the following chamber sizes:

• Under 700 members, or
• Over 700 members
  
  

Entries were judged based on originality, design and quality, and results achieved.  The entries reflected communication efforts taken or completed during the past 18 months. The following chambers of commerce were recognized as our 2020 CACCE Communication Excellence Award Winners:

Advertising & Marketing Category
Under 700 Members
Wilson (NC) Chamber – Wilson Means Business Podcast

Over 700 Members
Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center (SC) – 2019 Dining on the Dam

Campaign Category
Under 700 Members
Alamance (NC) Chamber – 2020 Alamance Chamber Women’s Symposium – ROAR  

Over 700 Members
Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. (NC) – Winston-Salem: Our Time is Now

Electronic Category
Under 700 Members
Clayton (NC) Chamber – Economic Development Marketing Video: Think Clayton (View the video below)

Over 700 Members
Greater Summerville/Dorchester County (SC) Chamber – Jena and Kevin Do Things Video Series

Publication Category
Under 700 Members
Richmond County (NC) Chamber – Richmond County Magazine 

​Over 700 Members
Greater Sumter (SC) Chamber – Membership Directory: Guide to Sumer, SC 2019-2020

About CACCE: CACCE is the professional development organization dedicated to improving the educational opportunities for chamber of commerce executives and staff members in North Carolina and South Carolina.  CACCE equips chamber of commerce professionals with leadership skills and tools to build innovative chambers.  The organization was formed in 1994 when the North Carolina and South Carolina state chamber associations merged.  For more information on CACCE, or any of CACCE’s conferences or programs, contact Tiffany Fulmer Ott at 404.312.0524.    

This month's Expert Edge is brought to you by Dr. Melissa Palmer, Audiologist and Owner of High Point Audiological in Clayton. Founded in 2016, High Point Audiological-Clayton offers a wide range of audiological services. They provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and individualized treatment plans including:

• Complete Audiological Evaluations
• Hearing Aid Evaluations
• Hearing aid fittings, maintenance and repair
• Free hearing aid trial
• Tinnitus Evaluations & Treatment
• Auditory Processing Evaluations
• Custom Ear Protection
• Hearing conservation programs
• Custom Ear protection & Ear Monitors

High Point Audiological also educates the community about hearing loss, treatment, and how to protect hearing! They offer lunch and learn events in the community, as well as participate in local health fairs, and enjoy guest speaking for local community organizations/churches.

Dr. Melissa Palmer had this advice for others: "For anyone starting a business, get involved and follow your dreams! Anything is possible!" She adds, "As a health care provider opening a new practice, I was a bit intimidated, as my audiological education offered limited information on how to run a business. As a member of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, I took advantage of networking, marketing, and educational opportunities for small businesses, which helped me get started and continue to succeed in business! I’ve also enjoyed networking and building friendships through local organizations in the community."

When it comes to protecting your hearing, Dr. Palmer wants to remind other CCOC investors how important this is to your career. She notes, "Difficulty communicating due to a hearing problems can play a big factor in one’s quality of life and can contribute to problems such as fatigue, frustration, depression, anxiety, and social isolation." You may benefit from a full hearing evaluation if the following signs/symptoms are noted:

• Muffling of speech and other sounds
• Difficulty understanding words, especially against background noise or in a crowd of people
• Trouble hearing consonants
• Frequently asking for repetition
• Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio
• Withdrawal from conversation
• Avoidance of some social settings
• Ringing in the ears

Dr. Palmer and High Point Audiological is encouraging you not to wait - get your hearing checked today!

The CCOC Expert Edge article is a paid sponsorship.