Diane Schwenke, retired president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce was awarded lifetime membership in the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE).

The WACE board of directors votes to present the award to individuals who’ve demonstrated leadership and service to the organization. Schwenke received the award at the recent WACE  conference in Sacramento, Calif.

Schwenke has served as a board member and board chairwoman of WACE as well as a conference chairwoman and chamber academy instructor.

“It has been my pleasure and my honor to serve as a mentor and educator for other chamber professionals. This award is very special to me since it was awarded by my former peers,” she said.

Schwenke retired from the Grand Junction chamber in 2022 after working more than 30 years in the position.

An organization for the education and professional development for chamber executives and staff, WACE represents a total of more than 800 chamber professionals in 21 western state and Canada.