We’re proud to celebrate an important milestone in professional development and leadership growth for our team. Last week, three of our chamber leaders, Jessica Furdock (Chief Marketing Officer), Ginny Cross (VP of Government & Community Affairs), and Gloria Fuentes (VP of Membership Engagement), successfully completed their third year of training at the Institute for Organization Management (IOM), hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the Midwest Institute in Madison, Wisconsin.

This marks the continuation of a four-year journey through one of the most respected professional development programs in the Chamber & Association industry. Each year at the Institute deepens our team’s expertise in critical areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership development. The curriculum’s rigorous, weeklong sessions offer a powerful blend of classroom learning, real-world application, and peer networking that equips participants with the tools to drive meaningful progress in their communities and organizations.

Since its founding in 1921, the Institute has empowered tens of thousands of nonprofit professionals to strengthen their organizations and elevate their service. It is more than a professional development program—it’s a transformative experience that helps leaders like Jessica, Ginny, and Gloria build lasting connections and strategies that directly benefit our chamber members.

“Institute graduates are widely recognized as the forefront leaders driving innovation and excellence in their industries,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s Vice President of Institute for Organization Management. “Their expertise, dedication, and leadership represent the highest standards of professional success.”

Participation in the Institute is not only an investment in the individuals—it’s an investment in our entire chamber community. As they head into their final year in 2026, Jessica, Ginny, and Gloria remain committed to applying their knowledge, skills, and leadership to strengthen our chamber’s operations, enhance member engagement, and advocate effectively on behalf of the Coastal Bend business community.

Congratulations to our dedicated team for reaching this milestone—and thank you for continuing to bring innovation, heart, and excellence to everything you do!