Beyond the Ribbon Cut

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Beyond the Ribbon Cut is the podcast for chamber leaders. Each episode features candid conversations with chamber executives about what is working, what is changing, and what chambers need to do next. We talk member value, retention, events, revenue, technology, and the future of chambers. Learn more: https://godiagonal.com/for/chambers/podcast

  1. 23h ago ·  Video

    Ep. 17 Lisa Weitzel (Illinois Association Of Chamber Of Commerce Executives)

    In today's episode, we're joined by Lisa Weitzel, CEO of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE). We discuss why strong board governance is essential to chamber success, how strategic planning can keep organizations focused through leadership changes, and practical ways to improve board meetings, recruit effective board members, and build a stronger foundation for long-term chamber growth. Takeaways Strong board governance provides the foundation for successful chamber initiatives.Strategic planning helps chambers maintain focus and direction through leadership transitions.Clear roles and responsibilities help boards and staff work together more effectively.Board diversity and leadership development bring fresh perspectives to chamber decision-making.Chamber certification can help organizations evaluate and strengthen their operations.Chamber leaders can benefit from the guidance and support of their peers and state associations.Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Strategic Planning 00:43 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut 01:10 Introduction to the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives 04:21 Lisa's Journey into Chamber Leadership 05:42 Lessons from Serving on a School Board 07:28 Why Strong Board Governance Matters 10:08 Strategic Planning in One Day 13:37 Key Areas of Chamber Strategic Planning 16:49 Improving Board Meetings 18:36 Understanding Board and Staff Responsibilities 20:11 Board Orientation and Self-Assessment 22:27 Recruiting a Strong and Diverse Board 25:42 Engaging Emerging Leaders 29:26 The IACCE Chamber Certification Program 32:26 First Steps for Improving Board Governance 34:41 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders Learn more about IACCE: Website: https://www.iacce.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iacce/home/ 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

  2. 6d ago ·  Video

    Ep. 16 Sheree Anne Kelly (Association Of Chamber Of Commerce Executives)

    In today's episode, we're joined by Sheree Anne Kelly, President and CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), to kick off Season Two of Beyond the Ribbon Cut. We discuss the trends shaping the future of chambers, how Horizon 2035 is helping organizations prepare for change, why resilience and innovation matter more than ever, and how chambers can leverage technology, rethink their business models, and strengthen their role as trusted leaders in their communities. Takeaways Chambers can prepare for the future by focusing on resilience, innovation, and strategic leadership.Rethinking business models and revenue streams creates new opportunities for growth.Technology and AI can help chambers work more efficiently and deliver greater member value.Building awareness and communicating impact are essential to strengthening the chamber's reputation.Engaging the next generation requires fresh approaches to programming, communication, and member experiences.Chapters 00:00 The Trust and Impact of Chambers 01:46 Welcome to Season Two with Sheree Anne Kelly 02:11 Sheree Anne's Journey into Chamber Leadership 05:57 The State of the Chamber Industry in 2026 08:47 Innovation, Technology, and Resilience 10:33 Habits of High-Performing Chambers 13:05 Understanding Horizon 2035 18:23 Turning Future Trends into Action 23:12 Creating Early Wins Through Innovation 25:49 Rethinking Chamber Revenue Models 29:45 Leveraging Technology, AI, and Member Data 33:48 Responsible AI and Data Protection 37:23 Leading Chambers Through Change 40:02 Public Trust and Chamber Perception 43:22 Engaging the Next Generation of Business Leaders 48:31 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders 51:08 Closing Thoughts and ACCE Resources Learn more about ACCE: Website: https://www.acce.org Horizon 2035: https://www.acce.org/pages/horizon2035 Public Opinion Poll: https://www.acce.org/poll Facebook: @ACCEHQ Instagram: @ACCEHQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accehq 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

  3. Oct 7 ·  Video

    Ep. 15 Brad Lacy (Conway Area Chamber Of Commerce)

    In today's episode, we're joined by Brad Lacy, President and CEO of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Development Corporation in Arkansas. 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

  4. Sep 29 ·  Video

    Ep. 14 - Chris Romer (Vail Valley Partnership)

    In today's episode, we're joined by Chris Romer, President and CEO of Vail Valley Partnership in Colorado. 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

  5. Sep 23 ·  Video

    Ep. 13 - Martin Manna (Chaldean American Chamber Of Commerce)

    In today's episode, we're joined by Martin Manna, President of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce in Michigan. 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

  6. Sep 16 ·  Video

    Ep. 12 - Matt Pivarnik (Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative)

    In today's episode, we're joined by Matt Pavarnik, CEO of the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative in South Carolina. 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

  7. Sep 9 ·  Video

    Ep. 11 - Jodi Owczarski (Michigan West Coast Chamber Of Commerce)

    In today's episode, we're joined by Jodi Owczarski, President and CEO of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce. 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

  8. Sep 2 ·  Video

    Ep. 10 - Jason Rae (Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce)

    In today's episode, we're joined by Jason Rae, President and CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. We discuss how the chamber grew from a young professional networking group into a statewide business organization, how supplier diversity can help members access larger opportunities, and why relationship-building, storytelling, and innovation are central to creating real chamber value. 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

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Beyond the Ribbon Cut is the podcast for chamber leaders. Each episode features candid conversations with chamber executives about what is working, what is changing, and what chambers need to do next. We talk member value, retention, events, revenue, technology, and the future of chambers. Learn more: https://godiagonal.com/for/chambers/podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Diagonal
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Diagonal
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Ribbon Cut