Thursday, October 31, 2019

Jack Lank Receives "Chamber Executive of the Year" Award

At their annual conference this week, the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (NEACCE) named United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) President/CEO Jack Lank "Chamber Executive of the Year" for 2019.

Jim Roche, President of Business and Industry Association of the New Hampshire Statewide Chamber of Commerce presented the award to Lank at the conference's annual dinner in Plymouth, Mass. Lank is a member of the Board of Directors and former President of NEACCE.

In his remarks, Roche noted that Lank has served at the helm of the URCC for 13 years, merging three chambers representing 16 communities in two different counties during his tenure. Roche said that merging two chambers is a daunting endeavor, but merging three chambers is more than formidable.

Roche continued, saying that after the merger Lank "implemented a comprehensive, coordinated effort to assist local business expansion. He created a Young Professional's Organization, a Women's Impact Network, an Ambassador Committee, and several over groups to enhance the value of membership in his chamber." He also works with other local chambers to facilitate multi-organization events and programs, realizing that when the entities work together there is a much better result and a bigger impact on the communities.

Roche quoted several chamber members in his speech. One member said, "Jack has been a big supporter of my non-profit organization. He was instrumental in helping us secure our largest single donation to date. It is a great comfort to know that if I need something, I have a reliable person who is well connected to a wide variety of professionals and who is always in my corner."

Roche concluded his presentation saying, "Jack is a rare breed in the chamber world. Sadly, there are not many like him. He is well connected to all of his communities, a very rare feat these days. He is educated about what is impacting business in his area and throughout the state and has his thumb on business legislation. But most of all, he is approachable, funny, and sincere, a rare hat trick of personalities you will not find everywhere. I wish there were more people like him in this world."

Before becoming president of the URCC, Lank was the Vice President of Alexander Mortgage Corporation for 10 years and Executive Director of Attleboro's Wednesday Night Market.

Lank is a member of the Board of Trustees for the US Chamber Foundation and Former Chairman of the Board of Regents for the Institute for Organization Management, a member of the Board of Directors and former President of NEACCE, member of the Board of Directors of the Tri-County Regional Vocational High School Education Foundation, an Incorporator for the Hockomock YMCA, treasurer of North Attleboro's Make a Splash Foundation, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Massachusetts Visitor's Bureau.

The URCC is a private, not-for-profit business association that represents hundreds of businesses of all sizes and from virtually all industries in the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.

Chartered in 1917, The URCC has evolved into the region's oldest and largest economic development and business advocacy organization. The chamber supports and promotes the local business community through leadership in public advocacy, education, networking, information, and community development.

NEACCE, headquartered in Concord New Hampshire, serves as the conduit for executives and staff throughout New England through a number of opportunities including conferences, social media, newsletter and meetings, all great opportunities to network. Chamber executives and staff often benefit from the exchange of ideas and information and NEACCE makes this happen, providing leadership in the world of professional chamber management. NEACCE's provides programs that enhance the personal growth and development of its members and their effectiveness as administrators. The organization maintains a close relationship with the United States Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and other regional and state associations to provide maximum effectiveness in joint actions approved by the NEACCE Board of Directors. In addition, NEACCE facilitates opportunities to advance the concepts and practices of professional Chamber management through educational services and innovative programs.


Left to right: President Neponset River Regional Chamber of Commerce Tom O’Rourke, award winner URCC President/CEO Jack Lank; and President of the Ocean Community Chamber Lisa Konicki at the October NEACCE award dinner
Left to right: President Neponset River Regional Chamber of Commerce Tom O’Rourke, award winner URCC President/CEO Jack Lank; and President of the Ocean Community Chamber Lisa Konicki at the October NEACCE award dinner





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