At this year’s ACCE Annual Convention in Philadelphia, three standout chambers of commerce took home the coveted “Best in Show” honors during the annual Awards Show. These awards spotlighted the most impactful communications projects submitted to the 2025 Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE) program.
The ACE program has long served as a benchmark for excellence in chamber marketing and communications. For over 40 years, ACCE has celebrated innovation and creativity in messaging, storytelling, and outreach strategies that strengthen community engagement and drive results. With thousands of entries submitted over the years, the ACE awards continue to showcase the best work from chambers of all sizes across the country.
Entries were judged by a panel of communications and marketing professionals representing 12 U.S.-based chambers. Submissions were evaluated based on campaign effectiveness, creativity, and relevance, and were grouped by annual revenue size and project type—ranging from campaigns and websites to digital media and print/electronic publications.
GrowthZone applauds all of the 2025 ACE winners for their bold ideas and outstanding execution, but especially Longmont and Lancaster, our customers! These honorees continue to raise the bar for how chambers tell their stories and connect with their members and communities. See all 12 ACE finalists here.
Best in Show Winners
CATEGORY 1
Unity in the Community 25th Anniversary Marketing Campaign | Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce (Colo.)
Unity in the Community is the Longmont Chamber’s most established event, and for its 25th anniversary in 2024, the chamber launched a comprehensive advertising campaign inviting the community to “party like it’s 1999.” With a limited marketing budget, the chamber team designed a cohesive campaign that included promotional videos (written, directed and edited by chamber staff and featured event sponsors), social media posts and tangible collateral reminiscent of the 90s. The campaign, fueled by nostalgia, resulted in a 56% increase in attendance and an ROI of 1,761%.
CATEGORY 2
Elevating Your Business with the Lancaster Chamber Advertising & Media Kit | Lancaster Chamber (Pa.)
This media kit compiled the chamber’s marketing resources into a comprehensive guide designed to help businesses maximize visibility, build brand awareness and connect with the local business community. The resource allows businesses of all sizes and industries to tailor their advertising approach based on their unique goals and budget. To maximize reach, the chamber promoted this booklet via a dedicated website landing page, targeted email campaigns and in-person promotions at chamber events. This multi-channel approach was successful in helping members leverage chamber resources to elevate their businesses. The chamber acquired 61 new advertisers, generating over $32,000 in revenue in 2024.
CATEGORY 3
BusinessLNK Video Podcast | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (Neb.)
This video podcast has redefined how the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce does digital storytelling. BusinessLNK is a tool to amplify the voices that drive their community forward. With over 80 episodes (34 produced in 2024), they continue to evolve and drive important conversations in the community. The chamber expanded their offerings to reach a diverse audience, including Latino Connect, Lincoln Visits and TalentLNK. In 2024, they reported a 77% increase in views and listens. With year-over-year audience growth, BusinessLNK proves to be a catalyst for important conversations, a platform for storytelling and a valued tool for promotions.
SOURCE: ACCE | 2025 Communications Excellence Best in Show Winners