In this season one finale, we discuss how chambers can operate more like the businesses they serve, why Conway focuses on quality of place, how Toad Suck Daze became a major community and revenue driver, and why chambers are uniquely positioned to convene people and build stronger social fabric in their communities.

Takeaways

• Chambers can create more value when they operate like business organizations, not charities.
• The best chambers regularly evaluate whether each program, event, or initiative still serves a clear purpose.
• Quality of place can be one of the most important products a chamber helps build for its community.
• Major events can do more than raise money — they can become rallying points for community pride and investment.
• Small chambers can start by improving one event or program, then use that momentum to build a stronger culture.
• Chambers have a unique role as conveners that can bring people together across political, social, and business lines.

Chapters

00:00 Running the Chamber Like a Business
00:48 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut
01:01 Season One Finale Introduction
02:09 Introduction to the Conway Area Chamber
05:25 Conway’s Business Community and Economic Mix
07:09 Brad’s Journey into Chamber and Economic Development Work
14:03 Managing Chamber, Economic Development, Downtown, and CVB Work
15:56 Shared Services and Investor Relationships
17:14 What the Best Chambers Do Differently
21:21 Moving Beyond “Aunt Bee’s Chamber”
23:54 Operating Without Public Funding
24:52 Quality of Place as a Chamber Product
30:13 Toad Suck Daze and Community Impact
36:31 Where Small Chambers Should Start
42:24 What Chambers Must Become to Still Matter
46:36 Closing Thoughts and Season Wrap-Up

Website: https://conwaychamber.org/

Facebook: @conwaychambersc

Instagram: @conwaychambersc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conwaychamber

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

We discuss how chambers can move beyond traditional advocacy, when it makes sense to lead on major community issues, and how Vail Valley Partnership helped build and pass a regional transit ballot initiative. Chris also shares why chambers should not let fear prevent them from taking bold, mission-aligned action for their members and community.

Takeaways

• Chambers can be more than listeners — they can be community problem solvers.
• Major initiatives should start with mission alignment, board support, and clear member needs.
• Coalition-building works best when stakeholders are involved from the beginning.
• Ballot campaigns require planning, fundraising, legal structure, polling, messaging, and strong communication.
• Taking public positions may not please everyone, but it can also strengthen member trust and clarify the chamber’s value.
• Chambers should avoid making decisions from fear and focus instead on mission, impact, and community needs.

Chapters

00:00 Don’t Let Fear Stop Chamber Leadership
00:56 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut
01:29 Introduction to Vail Valley Partnership
02:19 Chamber, EDO, and Tourism Bureau Under One Roof
04:15 Chris’s Journey in Chamber and Community Leadership
06:45 Going Beyond Traditional Advocacy
07:50 Why Chambers May Need to Lead Ballot Initiatives
11:35 Building a Coalition Across Jurisdictions
13:42 What It Takes to Run a Ballot Campaign
18:37 Handling Member Concerns and Public Policy Risk
21:56 Measuring Advocacy Value for Members and the Board
24:31 First Steps for Chambers Considering Advocacy Action
27:35 Staff Bandwidth and Choosing the Right Level of Engagement
28:36 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders

Website: https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/

Facebook: @vailvalleypartnership

Instagram: @vailvalleypartnership

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vail-valley-partnership/

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

We discuss how the chamber became a voice for the Chaldean business community, why the organization built a foundation to serve broader community needs, and how chambers can think bigger about impact, service, storytelling, and collaboration.

Takeaways

• Chambers can play a powerful role in shaping public understanding of the communities they serve.
• A foundation can help chambers address deeper community needs beyond traditional events and networking.
• Member relationships and corporate partnerships can become major drivers of service, workforce, and community impact.
• Chambers should measure and communicate impact in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
• Small chambers should start by identifying the real problems they are trying to solve for their members or community.
• Collaboration and learning from other successful organizations can help chambers build stronger programs.

Chapters

00:00 Moving Beyond Traditional Chamber Events
00:52 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut
01:28 Introduction to the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce
03:51 Chaldean Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership
06:12 Building a Diverse Membership Base
07:30 Martin’s Journey into Chamber Leadership
11:54 Why the Chamber Built a Foundation
14:56 Funding and Growing the Foundation
17:30 Inside the Sterling Heights Center
20:34 Corporate Partnerships and Member Engagement
21:21 Collaboration with Other Organizations
23:13 Expanding the Chamber’s Presence
25:26 How the Chamber and Foundation Work Together
26:57 Measuring and Communicating Impact
28:57 Starting a Foundation as a Smaller Chamber
32:05 Innovating Beyond the Ribbon Cut
32:41 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders
33:24 Closing Thoughts

Website: https://chaldeanchamber.com/

Facebook: @ChaldeanChamber

Instagram: @chaldeanamericanchamber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chaldean-american-chamber-of-commerce

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

We discuss how chambers, visitors bureaus, economic development organizations, and community partners can work under a shared collaborative model while keeping their own identities, boards, and focus areas. Matt also shares lessons from Tulsa, Topeka, and Myrtle Beach on building stronger regional alignment, measuring community progress, and putting the community first.

Takeaways

• Collaboratives can help chambers, DMOs, and economic development organizations work together without losing their individual focus.
• Shared services and shared strategy can reduce duplication and make community work more efficient.
• Each community needs its own structure — there is no one-size-fits-all model.
• Metrics like resident sentiment, visitor sentiment, housing, workforce, and income can help measure whether a community strategy is working.
• Strong collaboration starts when leaders put the community and economy ahead of ego.
• Chambers can still collaborate more deeply with partner organizations even without a full merger or formal collaborative.

Chapters

00:00 The Collaborative Model Explained
00:37 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut
01:09 Introduction to the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative
03:05 Serving a Tourism-Driven Business Community
04:36 Matt’s Journey Through Tulsa, Topeka, and Myrtle Beach
08:43 Why Communities Bring Organizations Together
10:55 Collaborative vs. Merger
12:54 Lessons from the Topeka Model
16:24 Building the F1 Car Before Launch
18:29 What Changes the Second Time Around
19:45 Keeping the Chamber from Becoming an Afterthought
22:20 Measuring Community Strategy and Impact
26:53 Benchmarking Against Comparable Communities
27:23 Collaborating Without a Full Merger
31:01 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders
31:25 Closing Thoughts

Website: https://www.greatermyrtlebeachcollaborative.com/

Facebook: @GreaterMBCollaborative

Instagram: @greatermbcollaborative

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-myrtle-beach-collaborative

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

We discuss how a small chamber team can create outsized impact, why operational clarity matters, how EOS helps chambers decide what to say yes and no to, and how programs like ambassadors, member journeys, and Community Impact Day can help chambers serve members more intentionally.

Takeaways

• Small chamber teams can create major impact when they have clarity, focus, and the right systems in place.
• EOS can help chambers define accountability, protect team capacity, and make better decisions.
• Ambassador programs work best when expectations are clear and volunteers are treated as true extensions of the chamber team.
• Member engagement should happen throughout the year, not just when renewal invoices go out.
• Ranking members by alignment can help chambers focus time and energy where it matters most.
• Community Impact Day shows how chambers can mobilize volunteers, support nonprofits, and build stronger community connections.

Chapters

00:00 Be a Trailblazer
00:28 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut
01:07 Introduction to the Michigan West Coast Chamber
02:32 Jodi’s Journey into Chamber Leadership
04:06 Finding Purpose in Chamber Work
05:18 How Small Teams Create Big Impact
07:31 Using EOS to Create Clarity
08:55 Knowing What to Say No To
11:36 Building a Strong Ambassador Program
14:10 Managing Ambassador Transitions
16:43 Rating Members and Improving Retention
21:10 Spotting At-Risk Members Early
22:23 Community Impact Day and Large-Scale Programs
27:09 First Steps for Smaller Chambers
28:23 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders
30:11 Closing Thoughts

Website: https://www.westcoastchamber.org/the-west-coast-way/

Facebook: @WestCoastChamber

Instagram: @miwestcoastchamber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/michigan-west-coast-chamber-of-commerce

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• Chambers can create deeper value by helping members build relationships, not just exchange business cards.
• Supplier diversity and certification can open doors for small businesses to connect with larger buyers.
• Entrepreneur programs can help turn early business ideas into stronger, more prepared companies.
• Corporate partnerships become more impactful when they move beyond sponsorship and into real member opportunities.
• Storytelling helps chambers show the value of their work, especially when contract wins and business relationships take time to develop.
• Chambers should keep innovating, testing new programs, and improving over time instead of waiting for everything to be perfect.

Chapters

00:00 Relationship-Building Over Business Cards
00:40 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut
01:03 Introduction to the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
03:09 Covering a Statewide Chamber Footprint
04:09 Jason’s Journey to Founding the Chamber
06:14 Keeping the Chamber’s Business Lane Clear
07:15 Supplier Diversity as a Chamber Value Add
11:25 LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur Bootcamp
14:06 Building Cohorts and Business Support
15:24 Turning Corporate Partners into Buyers
18:24 Starting a Matchmaking Event
20:25 Measuring the Impact of Supplier Diversity
25:57 Helping Smaller Chambers Connect Members to Bigger Buyers
27:42 Collaboration Across Chamber Networks
28:32 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders

Facebook: @WisLGBTChamber

Instagram: @wislgbtchamber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisconsin-lgbt-chamber-of-commerce

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• Accreditation is more than recognition — it helps chambers evaluate and strengthen how they operate.
• Small chambers can pursue accreditation by breaking the process into manageable pieces.
• Strong SOPs should support the chamber’s strategy without making the organization too rigid.
• The accreditation process can reveal what is working, what needs updating, and where the chamber can improve.
• Relationships and trust can open the door to major member benefits, including statewide programs.
• Professional development through state associations, ACCE, and IOM can help chamber leaders grow and lead more effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Getting Started with Accreditation
00:31 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut
01:03 Introduction to One Southern Indiana
03:47 Lance’s Journey into Chamber Leadership
08:29 What Accreditation Changes Inside a Chamber
10:52 Accreditation for Small Chambers
12:17 One Southern Indiana’s Fourth Star
13:43 What the Self-Review Process Reveals
17:10 Building Stronger SOPs
18:57 Launching a Statewide Health Plan
23:59 Expanding Benefits Through Chamber Partnerships
26:03 Where Chambers Should Start with Accreditation
28:22 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders

Facebook: @OneSouthernIndiana

Instagram: @one_southern_indiana

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-southern-indiana

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• Advocacy is a core part of helping businesses succeed, not just an optional chamber function.
• Chambers can start small by showing up, listening to members, and building relationships with local officials.
• Strong advocacy work depends on collaboration between members, board leaders, elected officials, and regional partners.
• Programs like statehouse visits, roundtables, and policy-focused events can give members valuable access to decision-makers.
• Large community wins often happen when chambers bring the right people together around a shared goal.
• Chamber leaders can learn a lot from peers, Institute, and the broader chamber network.

Chapters

00:00 Why Chambers Need a Seat at the Table
00:31 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut
01:15 Introduction to the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
03:55 Member Expectations After a Regional Merger
05:54 Justin’s Journey from Government to Chamber Work
12:34 Why Advocacy Matters for Chambers
17:30 Building an Advocacy Program from Scratch
22:50 Collaboration and Major Regional Wins
31:45 Starting Advocacy as a Small Chamber
35:14 Relationships as the Core of Advocacy
36:20 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders
38:44 Closing Thoughts

Facebook: @evvregion

Instagram: @evvregion

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evansville-regional-economic-partnership

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• Chamber succession planning should start before a transition becomes urgent.
• Leadership transitions work best when boards are engaged, transparent, and intentional.
• A strong chamber identity should outlast any one leader, staff member, or era.
• Past board chairs and longtime leaders can be valuable resources during times of change.
• Future chamber leaders need to clearly communicate their interest, readiness, and vision.
• Chambers can lean on peers across the industry for guidance, collaboration, and support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
03:45 Rachel’s Journey from Intern to Chamber President
09:55 Lessons Learned Outside the Chamber
14:09 Succession Planning for Chamber Leadership
21:01 Winning Over the Board and Longtime Members
25:14 What to Keep and What to Change
27:47 Where Chambers Should Start with Succession Planning
30:11 Building a Simple Succession Plan
32:08 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders

Facebook: @MuskegonLakeshoreChamber

Instagram: @muskegon_lakeshore_chamber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/muskegon-lakeshore-chamber-of-commerce

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• Member retention should be an ongoing strategy, not just a renewal reminder.
• Personalized touchpoints help members understand the value they receive throughout the year.
• Good CRM habits make it easier to identify member needs, risks, and opportunities.
• AI can help chambers analyze data and prioritize outreach, but only when used carefully and responsibly.
• Clear, simple communication can often be more effective than overly designed emails.
• Strong chamber relationships start with helping members feel seen, supported, and remembered.

Chapters

00:00 Using AI to Build a Retention Dashboard
01:11 Introduction to the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
04:22 Dom’s Journey into Chamber Work
08:49 Lessons from IOM
11:45 Why Member Retention Deserves More Attention
14:45 Building a Year-Round Retention System
19:59 Keeping Member Outreach Personal at Scale
27:57 Using Drop Risk to Prioritize Retention
30:48 Member Communications That Actually Resonate
36:06 Consistency, Voice, and Breaking Through the Inbox
37:36 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders
41:34 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Facebook: @sichamber

Instagram: @sichamber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sichamber/

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• Chambers can create more impact when they focus their resources around a clear mission.
• Operating systems like EOS can help chamber teams set goals, track progress, and stay aligned.
• The best-run chambers make space for leadership instead of trying to be everything to everyone.
• Member value becomes stronger when communication, programs, and services are more intentional.
• Chambers of all sizes can benefit from stepping back, identifying what is getting in the way, and focusing on what matters most.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce
04:33 Bob’s Journey into Chamber Leadership
08:23 Understanding the Integrator Role
10:15 Bringing Focus Through EOS
12:22 Scorecards, Rocks, and Accountability
16:28 How Members Feel the Difference
18:56 Rethinking Events and Member Offerings
21:56 Lessons from Michigan Chamber Professionals
24:23 What Chamber Leaders Need Help With Today
26:40 Common Operational Mistakes
28:35 Where Chambers Should Start

Facebook: @michiganchamber

Instagram: @mi_chamber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/michigan-chamber-of-commerce

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• Workforce development is an important part of the chamber’s role in the broader community.
• Chambers can help connect schools, businesses, families, and local partners around career readiness.
• Student-focused career pathways can open doors beyond the traditional four-year college route.
• Programs can start small and grow with the right partnerships, funding, and measurable results.
• Parent engagement and clear data are key pieces of helping students understand their options.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce
04:12 The Role of Workforce Development in Chambers
06:40 Connecting Education and Career Pathways
09:40 The Impact of the Business Leads Fellowship
12:26 Building Trade Skills and Career Readiness
15:03 Engaging Stakeholders in Workforce Programs
17:50 The Importance of Parent Engagement
20:46 Measuring Program Success and Data Utilization
23:20 The Role of Chambers in Community Engagement
26:28 The Hampton Seafood Festival and Community Involvement
29:06 Advice for Smaller Chambers

Facebook: @hamptonchamber

Instagram: @hampton_area_chamber

TikTok: @hamptonarea_chamber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hampton-area-chamber-of-commerce

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• A strong marketing system can help chambers create more consistent value for members.
• Social media can become more than promotion — it can be a real member benefit.
• Small chambers can create engaging content by capturing what they’re already doing.
• Consistency matters, but it becomes easier with a simple plan and repeatable process.
• Traditional and digital media can work together to reach different parts of the community.

Chapters

00:59 Introduction to the Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce

03:18 Brianna's Journey to Community Engagement

05:54 The Importance of a Marketing System

08:16 Creating Engaging Content for Social Media

10:20 Consistency in Content Creation

11:44 Leveraging Traditional and Digital Media

11:44 The Value of Community Engagement

13:47 Tactical Tips for Small Chambers

16:13 Preview of ACCE Session on Marketing Strategy

Facebook: @obchamber

Instagram: @olivebranchchamber

TikTok: @obchamberofcommerce

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/olive-branch-chamber-of-commerce

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• Successful multi-chamber events expand networking opportunities and member engagement.
• Chamber collaboration and resource sharing benefit members and contribute to the success of small businesses.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Malden Chamber of Commerce
• 06:48 Best Practices for Multi-Chamber Events
• 12:01 Initiating Multi-Chamber Collaboration
• 18:16 Virtual and Online Programming
• 23:37 Collaborative Events Beyond Multi-Chambers

Learn more about the Malden Chamber:
www.maldenchamber.org
Facebook: @MaldenChamber
Instagram: @MaldenChamber
LinkedIn: @MaldenChamber

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers

Takeaways

• Workforce development can play a much bigger role in chamber work than many leaders realize.
• Chambers are uniquely positioned to bring the right community partners into the conversation.
• Practical ways to think beyond traditional job fairs and hiring events.
• Student engagement can create surprising opportunities for both young people and employers.
• Useful starting points for chambers considering workforce development for the first time.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Richland Area Chamber
• 03:23 Understanding the Business Community
• 06:09 Clint's Journey into Chamber Leadership
• 08:47 The Importance of Workforce Development
• 11:40 Tactical Approaches to Workforce Development
• 14:19 Measuring Success in Workforce Initiatives
• 17:21 Engaging Students and Employers
• 19:50 Innovative Programs for Student Engagement
• 22:45 Advice for Chambers on Workforce Development
• 24:59 Starting a Workforce Development Program
• 27:25 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Learn more about the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development:
https://chooserichland.com/

Facebook: @richlandareachamber
Instagram: @richlandareachamber
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/richland-area-chamber-of-commerce

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers