Tough honored by Chamber Executives

ANOTHER WIN FOR ELDO-El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackson Tough has been honored as the 2017 Jim Anderson Professional Torch Award and Scholarship recipient by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

  The Missouri and Illinois Chamber Executives Award is based on leadership and mentor contributions, professional development goals and service to the industry, the chamber and the region. The award committee is composed of Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis Chambers of Commerce, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Illinois State Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives.

  El Dorado Spring Chamber of Commerce President Toshua McCormick nominated Tough for the award. She said, “Jackson truly knows business to business dynamics and has an intimate understanding of our community’s unique challenges and opportunities. When Jackson joined the El Dorado Springs Chamber at the end of 2010 the organization maintained approximately 80 members. The Chamber of Commerce has seen a 56% increase since his arrival. The average monthly luncheon attendance of 20 participants has tripled to average 60 attendees because Jackson engages membership and has advanced our chamber drastically. His commitment has brought new life to our chamber and our community. He implements and improves many community events, projects and programs. Jackson has been the catalyst or played a large role in many projects including two sidewalk enhancements, historic downtown neon sign renovation, holiday lighting refurbishment, coordinated clean-up campaigns, designed new community guides, produced a promotional video for our community and more. Last year the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce was honored as the Small Market Missouri Chamber of Commerce of the Year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. This tribute is in large part because of Jackson’s tenacity, leadership and vision for our chamber. His commitment also extends beyond the chamber of commerce. Jackson is an exceptional single father to two teenage daughters. He consistently illustrates commitments to his family, faith and, of course, our community.”

  Tough said,  “This is truly an honor, like the Missouri Chamber of the Year Award, it is a reflection of our membership coming together for business and community betterment. I greatly appreciate our Chamber President Toshua McCormick’s support and efforts to nominate me for the Professional Torch Award. I also appreciate the chamber board members who took time to write letters of recommendation. I certainly couldn’t do it on my own. It’s humbling to see our work acknowledged.”(From left) El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce President Toshua McCormick and El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackson Tough.