South Tampa Chamber Wins Top Award for Communications
The South Tampa Chamber has been named one of 12 Communications Award of Excellence winners by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Virginia, that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.
ACCE’s Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE) program is designed to showcase top communications and marketing work of chambers of commerce and similar organizations.
“Strong communications are central to how chambers lead, serve and demonstrate impact,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “This year’s Awards for Communications Excellence winners show what is possible when strategy, creativity and execution come together to engage members, elevate community priorities and tell the chamber story with clarity and purpose.”
The 12 winning entries will now go on to compete for the Best in Show title within their total annual revenue range category. The three winning entries will be revealed at ACCE's annual convention in New Orleans during the July 21 awards show.
The South Tampa Chamber was named an Award of Excellence winner for its short film, The Great South Tampa Gavel Hunt. Created as part of the Chamber’s centennial celebration, the film premiered at the Chamber’s 2025 Annual Meeting, held at the historic Tampa Theatre. Rather than producing a traditional retrospective, the Chamber developed a cinematic, story-driven adventure that follows chamber leaders on a treasure hunt across South Tampa in search of a missing ceremonial gavel. Along the way, viewers encounter past leaders, iconic local landmarks and moments that highlight the Chamber’s century-long impact on the community, culminating in a symbolic handoff to the organization’s next century of service and leadership.
VIEW THE FILM HERE
The Great South Tampa Gavel Hunt was created in partnership with Brad Hall and Hot Lava Studios.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from ACCE during such a significant milestone year for our organization,” said Kelly Flannery, President and CEO of the South Tampa Chamber. “The Great South Tampa Gavel Hunt allowed us to celebrate our history in a creative and engaging way while showcasing the people, places and partnerships that have shaped our Chamber over the past 100 years.”
A panel of communications and marketing professionals from 16 U.S.-based chambers of commerce evaluated the entries submitted for this year’s competition. Entries were organized by category — based on the chamber’s annual revenue — and entry type: digital media, campaigns, print and electronic publications and websites.
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About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is the professional society supporting the people who lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Our membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide. We provide our members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking, retirement security and access to a network of peers. Learn more at acce.org.
About the South Tampa Chamber
Founded in 1926, the South Tampa Chamber is a nonprofit business organization dedicated to strengthening the economic vitality and quality of life of the South Tampa community. Representing businesses of all sizes and industries, the Chamber serves as a trusted resource for the business community, a voice for economic growth, and a champion for a thriving local economy. Through relationship-building, advocacy, leadership development, and community engagement, the Chamber connects businesses, fosters collaboration, and advances opportunities that benefit the region. As the Chamber celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, it remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous future for South Tampa and the greater Tampa Bay community. Learn more at southtampachamber.org.