May 7th, 2010
KACC's Hernandez awarded IOM scholarship

STAFF REPORT

Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce (KACC) Executive Director Ray Hernandez has been awarded the Regents Scholarship by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM).

Hernandez will attend a five-day session at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles this summer to complete a four-year curriculum for IOM recognition in nonprofit management. All credit hours Hernandez earns through the institute can be applied towards Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification.

“We are delighted to award this aspiring professionals with scholarships to help their careers and organizations,” said IOM trustees chair Russell C. Salzman. “These individuals are dedicated to the industry and make a positive contribution to their organizations and communities.”

The scholarship has been awarded to 74 persons from across the country who are recognized by the IOM for their professional backgrounds and their involvement in industry professional organizations and community service.

The institute is a four-year program held at five university locations each year. Most participants attend the one-week sessions at the same site each year, building valuable relationships and creating networks of idea sharing. The institute said it seeks to help chamber, association and nonprofit executives build stronger organizations, better serve their members, and build stronger communities.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and vision of the board of directors, volunteers and staff who have supported me as we tell the great story that is ‘Kyle, Texas – Simply Charming,'”” Hernandez said. “I look forward to utilizing the tools and relationships I have built over these last few years in continuing to make the Kyle area chamber a great professional organization.”