Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Donna McKay, IOM, Executive Director, and Amanda McBride, IOM, Communications Coordinator, both of the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce, have graduated from the program and have received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
“Through the knowledge I gained at Institute I want our Chamber to be a big impact in our community and to be the voice for our county that will promote our community as a positive place to live, work and visit. I learned so much from my instructors, class advisors and classmates and have gained a great source of information to pull from to adapt to Choctaw County,” states McKay.
“Institute has taught me about nonprofit management and how important it is to become a leader in our community. The Institute classes, friendships, networking and best practice discussions has helped me gain so much knowledge and I’m excited to share that with Choctaw County,” said McBride.
Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.
McKay added, “I would like to thank the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Choctaw County Economic Development District Board of Trustees for allowing me to attend the Institute for Organization Management School in Athens, Ga. Also, I would like to thank MEDC (Mississippi Economic Development Council) in Jackson for scholarship funding to help further my education and to become IOM certified. I appreciate my co-worker Amanda McBride’s willingness to go through this program and we both look forward to serving, representing and enhancing business growth and success in our county.”
“I would like to thank Donna McKay, the Choctaw County Chamber Board and the Choctaw County Economic Development District Board for believing in me and allowing me to attend Institute and graduate with the IOM certification. It means so much to have full support of both community organizations and I look forward to showcasing what I have learned to all of Choctaw County,” added McBride.
Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. They educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.
