Odessa Chamber President/CEO Renee Earls, IOM with Odessa Chamber Events & Programs Specialist Carla Hartwig, IOM, and IOM Class Advisor, Esmeralda “Esmy” Villarreal, IOM, President & CEO of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Odessa Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that Carla Hartwig, IOM, Odessa Chamber’s Events & Programs Specialist, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually. Carla’s graduation ceremony took place in Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 near the campus of University of Arizona.
“The Odessa Chamber is proud of Carla’s dedication not only to our Chamber and community, but also to our industry. This annual training program is a four-year commitment that delves into the inner workings of the organization and really shows her allegiance to the career that she has chosen. Carla has been with the Chamber since 2003 and is a tremendous member of our team. We are all very proud of her for this accomplishment,” said Renee’ Earls, IOM, President/CEO of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce.
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.
Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.