Rockdale Citizen

Fred Boscarino, president and CEO of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, is shown at the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives annual conference where he was named the recipient of the Executive of the Year Award Honoring Kent Lawrence, the most prestigious award given by the GACCE. Shown with Boscarino are Kali Boatright, left, GACCE chair and president of the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, and Myrna Ballard, right, GACCE immediate past chair and president of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Special Photo

CONYERS -- Hard work and dedication to his profession were rewarded last week when Fred Boscarino, president and chief operating officer for the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, was named Executive of the Year by the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

The award, the top honor given by the GACCE, was presented at the annual conference at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel last Thursday night.

"I have performed Chamber of Commerce work for 31 years, which means that I am deeply rooted in my profession and that I love what I do," Boscarino said this week. "To be recognized as the Kent Lawrence Chamber Executive of the Year of 2012 by the GACCE board of directors had an enormous impact on me. It was overwhelming to be so honored."

For more than 20 years, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives has presented the Executive of the Year Award, which was created to recognize members who give of their time and talents for the betterment of the organization, for the assistance and support of their colleagues for the improvement of Chambers of Commerce, and for the advancement of the profession. The award is named in honor of Kent Lawrence who gave unselfishly to build the Chamber profession and to assist Chamber professionals in every possible way, according to the GACCE. Kent retired from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and in recognition of his many years of service, GACCE renamed the award in his honor in 1991.

Boscarino has led two Chambers in Georgia, and he worked in the membership field for four Chambers in Florida. He has been involved with the National Association of Membership Development (NAMD), the Florida Association of Membership Development, and the U.S. Chamber's Institute program. He earned the designation of Georgia Certified Chamber Executive (GCCE) from GACCE, and serves on its board.

As president of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber, Boscarino has led the Chamber through the "Entrepreneur Friendly Community" accreditation process; initiated a successful economic development program entitled "O.P.E.N. -- Opportunities for Promoting Entrepreneurship & Networking:" initiated the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast; achieved status of a state certified Chamber (one of only 25 in Georgia) and has brought financial stability to the once-financially struggling Chamber.

Boscarino was recommended for the award by former Conyers Mayor Charles Walker. In his letter of nomination Walker wrote, "I have not seen a more innovative Chamber executive here or elsewhere," adding, "I have observed the creativity and innovative manner in which he pursues Chamber objectives, and it has brought a virtual renaissance in the Chamber."

Glenn Sears, director of the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council, added, "Over the years he has introduced a myriad of successful programs, which keep the membership enthused and involved, and has consistently been seen as a godsend for the Chamber."

ACCE is the professional society of Chamber of Commerce executives and staff in Georgia. GACCE provides services to its members in the areas of professional development, information, and networking opportunities, and advocates the local Chamber's role in economic and community development.