Mobile Chamber named national finalist for 2026 Chamber of the Year award

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) named the Mobile Chamber a finalist for the 2026 Chamber of the Year award. The recognition is the highest honor in the chamber management profession.

Competing in Category Four against the Greater Des Moines Partnership in Iowa and OneSpartanburg, Inc. in South Carolina, Mobile is being recognized for its exceptional operational strength and measurable impact on the Gulf Coast community.

How the Mobile Chamber qualified for 2026 ACCE honors

Becoming a finalist requires clearing a “rigorous, peer-reviewed evaluation process,” according to the Chamber.

To even enter the competition, the Mobile Chamber had to meet or exceed strict performance benchmarks in the annual ACCE operations survey, proving excellence in:

• Financial management
• Membership retention
• Overall asset strength

From there, local team members submitted a detailed application reviewed by chamber executives from across the country. The final phase involves a panel interview before experienced industry professionals.

“Being named a finalist for the ACCE Chamber of the Year is a tremendous honor that belongs to every member, every partner and every person who has invested in making Mobile a stronger, more vibrant community. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust our members place in us every day.”

Bradley Byrne, President and CEO, Mobile Chamber

Shaping local infrastructure with the Mobile River Bridge and airport relocation

The nomination highlights years of collaborative work to address critical challenges facing local employers, such as workforce development and talent attraction.

The Chamber played a vital role in local initiatives, including:

• The I-10 Mobile River Bridge + Bayway project
• The relocation of the Mobile International Airport to downtown

Supporting small business and local transit through MoGo and Business Navigation

The award application also required two program synopses showcasing regional innovation and community collaboration.

The Mobile Chamber highlighted these two key initiatives:

• MoGo: An on-demand rideshare pilot program designed to remove transportation barriers, helping local residents access employment opportunities by providing reliable transit to and from work.
• Business Navigation Program: A small business initiative that connects local entrepreneurs with direct, one-on-one guidance, essential funding resources, and expert mentors to help start and scale local companies.

Winners to be announced at the 2026 ACCE Annual Convention in New Orleans

The final winners will be announced live on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during the ACCE Annual Convention Awards Show in New Orleans, Louisiana.