When Dave Adkisson was just 22 years old, he was hired as the project manager for the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Three years later in 1979, he became the president of the Chamber. His wealth of knowledge and experience led him to write and publish a book based on all the lessons he has learned through the years.
“I put into writing what I would have wanted to know,” Adkisson said.
His book, Horseshoes vs. Chess: A Practical Guide for Chamber of Commerce Leaders, launched Tuesday on Amazon.
It reached the top 1% of all Kindle sales, and made it No. 1 in three categories including Public Affairs and Administration, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and Nonprofit Fundraising and Grants.
When Adkisson retired from the Chamber a year ago, he had dedicated much of his life to his career. His experience included eight years as Mayor of Owensboro, five years with the Chamber of Commerce in Birmingham, Ala., and 15 years with the Kentucky State Chamber before returning to Owensboro to finish out his career.
Adkisson, who has been working on this book for seven years, said he got more serious about writing this book in his retirement.
“A leader in our national organization approached me about 10 years ago in Washington. He recognized that I had served in a smaller city chamber in Owensboro, a metro chamber in Birmingham, and a state chamber for Kentucky,” Adkisson said. “I have been on the National Association of Chambers, and he told me that nobody had ever done this in the chamber of commerce world.”
In all, Adkisson garnered more than 30 years of chamber experience and 12 years in politics. He says is intended for Chamber of Commerce leaders.
“There are 7,000 chamber professionals in the United States and Canada and that’s really my audience,” he said.
The success of the Owensboro Chamber is included in the book.
“I tell the story of how the BBQ Festival started at the Chamber,” he said. “The Riverpark Center started at the Chamber. Owensboro Community College started with the Chamber. Over the years, the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has really helped to shape the community.”
Although it was written with a focus on the chamber of commerce arena, Adkisson suggested that close to 80 percent of the book would be applicable to anyone in the nonprofit sector.
“There’s a whole chapter on fundraising,” Adkisson said. “Overall, it’s a niche publication for a niche market. I wanted to stick to what I know and make it meaningful,” Adkisson said.
As far as what fuels his passion, Adkisson enjoys being part of a group of individuals with a focus on progress.
“I love working in the community — that was true at the Chamber and true in politics,” he said. “I loved seeing progress in the community, not to hold a position but to get things done. As mayor, I was more interested in the projects we completed than the title and the ceremonies.”
Adkisson’s book is available at chamberdave.com or on Amazon.
