Special Institute Scholarship

Steve Densley, President- Provo Orem Chamber of Commerce

Annually the U.S. Chamber of Commerce holds a series of educational classes called the Institute of Organizational Management. They are held at a variety of locations around the nation. The closest to Utah Chamber members is typically the West Institute held in Los Angeles.

The Institute is designed to help chamber Executives better understand the importance of Chamber work and its complexities. It gives you the opportunity to connect with other chambers around the nation who have similar problems and difficulties. You are taught by professionals from colleges around the nation as well as other experienced chamber executives.

I have personally attended 25 years of Institute at five different Universities. It has been one of the most valuable experiences for chamber management I could have possibly had. I sincerely believe that this program is a must for many chamber person that is serious about making the chamber a career.

Many chambers must build into their budget a continuing education fund. This is something that each board must seriously look at and set aside funds at this time of the year for attendance.

The State Chamber of Commerce has established a special Scholarship to help first time Institute attendees be able to take advantage of the program. The qualifications for the award scholarship are as follows:

1. You must be a current member of the State chamber.
2. You must be a full time paid professional chamber executive
3. Your chamber board must be supportive of your continuing your education.
4. Up to three $500 scholarship awards per year will go toward Institute expenses.
5. The Scholarships will be paid after completion of Institute by submitting a statement to the State chamber President.
6. A scholarship letter of request must be submitted to the President no later than February 15th of each year.
7. The Executive Board will select all scholarship recipients and they will be notified by the President by March 1st each year.
8. First time paid Executives are encouraged to apply.

As State Director of the U. S. Chamber Institute Program, I would be more than willing to answer any questions you may have regarding the 2004 Chamber Institute program. Please seriously consider getting involved. Call me at 801-379-2562.