The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce was named 2012 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Award judges noted that they were impressed by the Springfield Chamber’s strategic plan, volunteer involvement and leadership and advocacy initiatives.

The American Chamber of Commerce Executives represents more than 7,000 chamber professionals and 1,200 chambers of commerce in the United States and Canada.

Chambers honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have not only demonstrated success in community leadership and organizational strength, but also have made an impact on key community priorities.

The two other finalists in the Springfield Chamber’s category are the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County (Indiana) and Hilton-Head-Bluffton (South Carolina) Chamber of Commerce.