Brian Owen, executive director of the Seaside Chamber of Commerce.

Brian J. Owen, the executive director of the Seaside Chamber of Commerce, was among the 30 chamber executives to graduate last Friday from Academy, a professional development program presented by the Western Association of Chamber Executives.

Academy is an interactive training program on chamber management essentials designed for today’s chamber executives and staff professionals.

During the three-year academy program, graduates participated in 18 three-hour classes and must successfully complete additional independent study outside of the classroom.

W.A.C.E is an association of chamber of commerce executives and staff professionals designed to promote and enhance professional development. With approximately 850 members from 18 Western states and Canada, W.A.C.E. is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States.