Alisha Benson to lead ACCE next year
Alisha Benson, CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated, will serve as the next chair-elect of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), a national group supporting leaders of local and regional chambers and economic development organizations.
The ACCE represents over 1,300 chambers nationwide, offering resources on best practices, public policy, and industry trends. Benson will collaborate with the organization’s current chair and CEO as part of its executive committee before officially taking the chair role next July.
Spokane leader to lead national chamber group
Benson said the position provides direct access to discussions with leaders from some of the country’s largest metropolitan areas. When she assumes the chair role, she will host a spring board meeting in Spokane.
“This leadership role is an incredible opportunity,” she said.
Benson has been an ACCE member for more than ten years. She called the network a vital support system where colleagues exchange strategies for handling crises in their communities.
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In recent months, she has spoken with chamber leaders in Los Angeles and Hawaii, both of which experienced severe wildfires in the past few years. The talks centered on preparing Spokane for similar emergencies, particularly for small businesses and home-based operations that may not qualify for state assistance.
Lessons from disaster response
“Individuals and families come first,” Benson said. “But we also recognize many businesses run from homes were destroyed, or companies in areas that required evacuation.”
The Los Angeles and Hawaii chambers created their own relief funds to address gaps left by government programs. Benson said she is still learning from those efforts, but the aim is to develop a plan before a crisis occurs.
Her term as chair will start in July 2025. The coming year will include regular meetings with the ACCE’s executive team, shaping the organization’s priorities, and ensuring the network remains useful for chambers of all sizes.
Greater Spokane Incorporated recently announced a leadership transition of its own, with a new chief executive taking the helm.
