Alexandria, VA - The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is pleased to announce that Marc Jordan, President/CEO of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau has successfully completed the Fellowship for Regional Sustainable Development (RSD), funded by the Ford Foundation.
“Spurring sustainable development is one of the major issues facing business-led civic organizations, as they seek to broaden economic opportunity for the people in their regions,” says Mick Fleming, president of ACCE. “The Fellowship allowed regional leaders like Jordan of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce to deepen their understanding of the policies and practices that foster inclusive long-term prosperity and enhanced quality of life.”
Jordan was one of 34 Fellows, representing diverse communities and personal backgrounds from across North America, who participated in the program. There are now more than 120 graduates of the Fellowship program.
The Fellowship is a unique 12-month program for regional leaders who build communities and economies. It provides hands-on training, peer knowledge exchange, research, and examination of working models covering a wide range of growth and sustainability issues, including: infrastructure, immigration, land use, housing, education, environment, and social inclusion. Drawing on the tools, policies and practices learned during the Fellowship, each participant crafts a “regional action project” that addresses an opportunity for or barrier to creating sustainable, inclusive prosperity for his or her own region.
Jordan's regional action project was to create and initiate a Regional Sustainable Development Forum. With the assistance of Coastal Carolina University, Jordan and a University staffed Coordinating Committee, are planning the 1st Annual Regional Sustainable Development Forum for October 15, 2010. The forum will engage public and private sector leaders on the regional and sustainable challenges and opportunities in our area. Presentations will be made regarding the economy, social equity and the environment. Presenters will be asked to localize these areas as much as possible so participants can relate to specific challenges and opportunities identified in each area.
"The Regional Sustainable Forum will not only provide a venue to identify and bring these critical issues to everyone's attention, but it will serve as a training ground and leadership development tool for the many regional sustainability stewards needed to make a difference and create positive change across county and municipal lines," stated Jordan.
About the Ford Foundation
The 2009-2010 program represents the third year that the Ford Foundation, headquartered in New York, has funded the Fellowship. Over the Foundation’s 70-year history, over $15 billion in funding distributed world-wide has supported programs related to asset building and community development; peace and social justice; and knowledge, creativity and freedom.
About the American Chamber of Commerce of Commerce Executives
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 6,000 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.
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