The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation named Odessa Chamber of Commerce a finalist in the 2025 Citizens Awards, a long-standing program that honors businesses for their leadership in solving the world’s biggest challenges. The Odessa Chamber was nominated for the Best Civic Engagement Program for its community clean-up event, Odessa Cares Day.
“The Odessa Chamber is extremely honored to be recognized as an awards finalist for the type of work we do each and every day,” stated Renee Earls, President/CEO Odessa Chamber of Commerce. “Odessa is known for friendly people and excellent hospitality. It’s important to equally match that with helping create a cleaner community as well. Our Chamber is proud to be recognized for taking small steps in helping take back our pride when it comes to the trash problem,” she added.
This prestigious program recognizes the most innovative and impactful initiatives that leverage a company’s talent, resources, and expertise to improve communities.
“The Odessa Cares Clean Up Day showed how powerful it can be when our community comes together for a shared purpose,” stated Jeff Meyers, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. “The Odessa Chamber’s nomination is a well-deserved recognition of their commitment to bringing people, businesses, and city leaders together to make a visible difference in our hometown.”
The Odessa Chamber’s inaugural Odessa Cares Day united businesses and organizations to tackle the city’s litter problem, with employers allowing employees to make it a part of their workday. This community cleanup initiative boosted morale and civic pride, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Residents developed greater respect for their surroundings and a stronger sense of community engagement. The result: improved quality of life, a more robust economy, and a thriving city—demonstrating how one collaborative effort can transform an entire community.
“We want all Odessans to be proud of our community,” said The Honorable Cal Hendrick, Mayor of Odessa. “Our citizens are willing to be part of the solution by rolling up their sleeves and helping beautify Odessa. I appreciate the Odessa Chamber stepping up and getting the business community involved in solving our problems.”
The winners of the 2025 Citizens Awards will be announced during the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Solves Conference on October 28, 2025. Learn more about the awards program and register to attend the event here.
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The Odessa Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to advocate for business, drive economic prosperity, and provide valuable resources that help our members and community thrive.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.