The Moore County Chamber of Commerce could be the area's newest national champion.

In a year that both the Pinecrest High School debate team and choir have won national recognition, the Chamber has been named a finalist for the Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

There are three finalists in its category and only a total of nine finalists nationwide. Patrick Coughlin, president and CEO of the Moore Chamber, and Vice President Linda Parsons will interview with the selection committee July 29. The recipient will be recognized July 31 during the ACCE annual banquet, which will be held in Raleigh this year.

Coughlin said that he was just honored that the Chamber qualified, but was thrilled to find out that it was selected as a finalist.

"My feet have not touched the ground," he said. "What we're so excited about is that this award doesn't just recognize accomplishments, it recognizes method as well. It's not just what we do, it's how we do it."

The Chamber was notified in early May that it qualified for the recognition. Through an annual operations survey, ACCE looks at results and the policies and procedures a Chamber employs to achieve those results. The Moore County Chamber is the only Chamber in North Carolina to be named a finalist.

Coughlin was quick to credit the Chamber's board and staff for putting it in a position to be recognized. Even if the Chamber doesn't win, he said it was still a great accomplishment to make it this far in the process.

"Achieving this level of recognition is thrilling for everyone on the team," Coughlin said. "Being recognized during the convention in our own backyard is even more special."

Contact John Krahnert III at 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.