In late November, Guy Occhiogrosso, President/CEO of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce was named to the 2020 40 Under 40 for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The honor was announced in the association’s quarterly publication, Chamber Executive Magazine. The annual recognition program showcases 40 of the industry’s top emerging leaders who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions to the communities they serve.

Guy has been in the chamber industry for almost 15 years serving two Whatcom County Chambers of Commerce – Executive Director of the Ferndale Chamber from 2006 to 2014, and Bellingham since 2014. He was one of eleven CEOs selected in this year’s cohort of the 40 Under 40 program.

This honor comes just as the Bellingham Regional Chamber was promoting our own 2020 Top 7 Under 40 program, showcasing the top young professionals in Whatcom County. Guy has always promoted our local young professional. “My first engagement with any chamber of commerce was via Whatcom Young Professionals” says Occhiogrosso. Whatcom Young Professionals (Whatcom YP) will be celebrating 15 years in 2021. It was created in 2006 to help connect Whatcom County’s young professionals. Whatcom YP is a program of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. Guy got involved with the program when he was employed with the Bellingham Herald, and served as one of the first Advisory Council members for the program.

Guy will celebrate seven years with the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce in March 2021, and 15 years in the Chamber industry in Whatcom County in August 2021. He explains “I had the privilege of working for a small business owner in high school and college. I was sold on the entrepreneurial spirit and the opportunity that comes with it to make communities better and stronger. It is my daily goal to make our community a better place to live, learn, work, and play.”

The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce has contributed to the success of the local business community for over 110 years. As a not-for-profit organization, the chamber provides value to its members by promoting their businesses, hosting programs and events that encourage peer connection, facilitating educational opportunities and advocating for policies that bring about positive change in Whatcom County. The chamber also serves as a catalyst in our community through its efforts to convene leaders and influencers in ways that drive growth. Visit bellingham.com to learn more and engage with us.