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:   / 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: https://godiagonal.com/for/chambers?u...