Developing Chamber Excellence: Young Completes Year One of IOM

The Temple Chamber of Commerce continues to invest in professional growth and national engagement. In early June, Bobbie Jo Young, Director of Membership Development, traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to attend the Institute for Organization Management (IOM)—a premier training program by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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Bobbie Jo proudly completed year one of the four-year certification program, which is widely recognized as the gold standard in nonprofit and Chamber leadership. The curriculum equips participants with critical tools in organizational strategy, financial stewardship, membership development, and ethical governance.

Her attendance follows in the footsteps of Temple Chamber President & CEO, Whitney Theriot, an IOM graduate herself and reflects the Chamber’s strong commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in service.

Throughout the week, Bobbie Jo participated in expert-led courses on member recruitment and retention, human resources, communications, financial management, and volunteer engagement. Beyond the classroom, she began cultivating a national network of Chamber and Association professionals, exchanging ideas and learning from best practices across the country.

Now back in Temple, Bobbie Jo is already applying insights from the program and preparing to rejoin her cohort for Year Two in 2026.

The future is bright for the Temple Chamber—and it’s powered by professional growth, collaboration, and innovation.

​“The Midwest IOM experience was more than just training—it was transformational. I came back not just with new tools, but with a bigger vision for how we can elevate our Chamber and better serve our Members. I’m already excited for Year Two!”
— Bobbie Jo Young, Director of Membership Development