Media Contact: Gwen Oldham at SF Chamber, 415-352-8839 or goldham@SFChamber.com

San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Wins National Awards for International Trade and Communications Excellence

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce was recognized with two prestigious awards by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) at the 2011 ACCE Convention awards dinner held in Los Angeles yesterday evening. The Chamber took home two awards including the Going International Award for its global initiatives – ChinaSF, ChinaTrip and other programs – and a Bronze Award for Communications Excellence for its Paychecks & Pink Slips Scorecard campaign.

"The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is doing exceptional work in the areas of communications and international trade and commerce," said Mick Fleming, President of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. "ACCE is proud to recognize and celebrate these significant achievements."

The Going International Award was presented to the Chamber for its international trade and commerce initiatives which are successfully creating economic growth and advancing business and cultural ties between San Francisco and key international markets. The Chamber's global initiatives include: (1) ChinaSF, a partnership between the Chamber's foundation program the San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED) and the City and County of San Francisco to facilitate business development opportunities in San Francisco and China; (2) ChinaTrip, the Chamber's annual cultural exchange to China; and (3) international business development partnerships in cities such as Cork, Ireland and Madrid, Spain. Together, the Chamber's global initiatives have hosted dozens of international companies seeking to expand operations in San Francisco, attracted ten companies and more than 120 jobs to the city, and helped enhance cultural understanding among local business and community representatives.

A Bronze Award for Communications Excellence was also bestowed on the Chamber for its Paychecks & Pink Slips Scorecard campaign, an ongoing series of legislative reports ranking the performance of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on its actions to create jobs, grow the economy and improve government efficiency in San Francisco. The Chamber's campaign was recognized for its success in increasing community awareness of local legislation through integrated marketing efforts including public relations, social media and an August 2010 advertising campaign created by Gumas Advertising. The Chamber's Paychecks & Pink Slips campaign was selected among 83 entries from local chambers of commerce throughout the U.S.

"The SF Chamber is honored to receive two awards from ACCE," said Steve Falk, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. "Without question, these awards speak to the proactive and creative work the Chamber is doing to accelerate economic recovery and improve the economy and quality of life in San Francisco."

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Founded in 1850, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the pre-eminent business organization for advocacy, networking and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors – a great place to live and work.

Established in 1914, ACCE is the only national association uniquely serving the professional development needs of individuals managing chambers of commerce throughout the United States and Canada. Representing more than 7,000 chamber professionals, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and management effectiveness of chamber executives and their staffs through education, trend analysis, benchmarking, and best practices. ACCE promotes the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity within the chamber profession.

The ACCE 2011 Going International Award is sponsored by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to honor and celebrate the achievements of international trade and commerce programs, campaigns and projects. The award showcases accomplishments that increase or retain local jobs by entering international markets; establish alliances or partnerships to maximize international business; invest in and educate the community to expand international trade; raise awareness of foreign countries and cultures through educational and/or arts programs; and other areas. For more information about the 2011 Going International Award visit www.acce.org/awards/2011-going-international-award.

The ACCE Awards for Communication Excellence (ACE) is an annual competition that recognizes excellence in all areas of communications. Celebrating its 28th year, ACE continues to be the vehicle for the chamber community to promote effective chamber communications, as well as highlight initiatives, introduce events and inform members. For more information about the ACE awards visit www.acce.org/ace.