Manatee Chamber Named Florida's 2026 Chamber of Year

Operators using Florida chamber networks can note the statewide recognition of a six-time award winner's leadership.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy

Manatee Chamber Named Florida's 2026 Chamber of Year

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce was named the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals' 2026 Chamber of the Year, and its president and CEO, Jacki Dezelski, was named FACP 2026 Chamber Executive of the Year. The chamber is the only one to have received the distinction six times.

Why it matters

The dual recognition signals a sustained leadership standard among Florida chambers that serve local businesses, and it reflects the collective work of staff and members across Manatee County. For operators, chambers are a practical channel for business networking, advocacy and member services.

The Manatee Chamber, founded in 1889, has won the Chamber of the Year distinction six times, the only chamber to do so. Dezelski has 30 years in the chamber industry, and two staff members, Kaylee Carpentier and Liza Minteer, each marked five years as chamber professionals.

The players

Manatee Chamber of Commerce

A county business chamber founded in 1889 that serves businesses in Manatee County, Florida, and has been named Chamber of the Year six times.

Florida Association of Chamber Professionals

The statewide association that represents chamber of commerce professionals in Florida and presents annual awards for chamber leadership.

Jacki Dezelski

President and CEO of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce with 30 years in the chamber industry, who received both the FACP Chamber Professional of the Year and Chamber Executive of the Year awards.

The details

The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals presents its Chamber of the Year and Executive of the Year awards to recognize leadership within the state's chamber network. The Manatee Chamber's recognition was attributed to the collective dedication, leadership and commitment that drive its work throughout the community. Dezelski's dual selection makes her the first Florida chamber professional to win both the Chamber Professional of the Year and Chamber Executive of the Year awards.

1889: Manatee Chamber of Commerce founded.
2015: Dezelski receives inaugural FACP Chamber Professional of the Year award.
2026: Manatee Chamber named FACP 2026 Chamber of the Year.
November 6, 2026: Awards and career milestones publicly recognized.

Market Landscape

Chamber of commerce recognition programs like the FACP awards give statewide visibility to local business organizations that compete for member attention and civic influence. The Manatee Chamber's six Chamber of the Year wins position it as a sustained performer within Florida's chamber network.

Operators in Florida who rely on local chamber networks for referrals, advocacy and member services should note which organizations are gaining statewide recognition. Businesses weighing chamber membership can use these honors as one input among membership benefits, dues and networking value.

The takeaway

Chamber recognition is a useful signal of organizational stability and member engagement when comparing local business networks. Operators evaluating chamber membership should review each chamber's programs and member services directly rather than relying on awards alone.