St. Charles Regional Chamber and Aventura World Advocate for Non-Dues Travel Revenue at ACCE Conference
PHILADELPHIA, PA – July 24, 2025 – Wendy Rackovan of the St. Charles Regional Chamber and Theresa Hardin, an investor member with Aventura World, recently served as distinguished speakers at the prestigious Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) conference held in Philadelphia, PA. Their joint presentation, "Non-Dues Travel Revenue Provides Opportunities and Benefits for Chambers," highlighted the significant success and advantages of chamber-sponsored travel opportunities.
During their engaging session, Ms. Rackovan and Ms. Hardin shared insights into how chambers of commerce can effectively leverage travel programs to generate substantial non-dues revenue, providing a vital source of funding that supports chamber initiatives and member services. They detailed the various benefits these programs offer, including enhanced member engagement, increased visibility for local businesses, and unique networking opportunities for participants.
"The St. Charles Regional Chamber has seen firsthand the incredible impact that well-organized travel programs can have on both our financial stability and our ability to deliver value to our members," said Wendy Rackovan. "Sharing our experiences and demonstrating how non-dues travel revenue can be a game-changer for chambers across the country was a privilege."
Theresa Hardin, representing Aventura World, a key partner in facilitating successful chamber travel, added, "Our collaboration with chambers like St. Charles has shown that curated travel experiences can not only be highly profitable but also build stronger communities and foster lasting relationships. We were thrilled to showcase these successes at ACCE and encourage more chambers to explore this avenue."
The presentation resonated with attendees, sparking lively discussions about innovative strategies for implementing and growing chamber travel programs. Both Ms. Rackovan and Ms. Hardin emphasized the importance of choosing reliable travel partners and tailoring trips to the interests of chamber members to ensure maximum participation and positive outcomes.
Their participation at the ACCE conference reinforces the growing recognition of non-dues revenue streams as essential for the long-term sustainability and growth of chambers of commerce nationwide.
About the St. Charles Regional Chamber:
The St. Charles Regional Chamber is dedicated to promoting the economic vitality and quality of life in the St. Charles region. Through advocacy, networking, and business development initiatives, the Chamber serves as a vital resource for its members and the community.
About Aventura World:
Aventura World specializes in crafting unique and enriching travel experiences, partnering with organizations to create customized tours that foster engagement and deliver exceptional value.
About the ACCE Conference:
The ACCE Annual Conference is the premier professional development event for chamber of commerce executives and staff, offering insights into best practices, emerging trends, and innovative strategies for leading successful chambers.