Frequently Asked Questions About Accreditation
What exactly is Accreditation?
The Accreditation Program defines standards of excellence in chamber planning and performance and shows chambers how they can reach and maintain these standards. It also helps chambers measure achievement while recognizing and encouraging chamber members and staff who meet high standards of operation and who contribute effectively to the good of their chambers and communities.
The criteria and standards used in the guidelines become tools for management control and self-discipline—guiding the organization by helping it upgrade and improve its basic effectiveness. Chambers that have earned Accreditation value the process as a worthwhile experience. It has helped them focus attention on the many important factors that add to successful chamber performance.
What are the benefits of becoming accredited?
- Enhances leadership development
- Provides a measuring stick with which to evaluate the quality of the chamber
- Provides better direction for the chamber board and staff
- Helps chambers develop a realistic program of work
- Promotes upgrades in chamber bylaws, policies, and procedures
- Develops pride in the organization
- Helps with membership development
- Brings prestige, respect, and recognition to the chamber
What are the deadlines for submitting application materials?
There are three deadlines each year for submitting your Accreditation application and fee. Each deadline corresponds with a board meeting, at which time the board reviews and votes on applications.
The deadlines are as follows:
- March 31—June board meeting
- August 31—November board meeting
- December 31—February board meeting
What is the fee for the Accreditation application process?
- $699 for U.S. Chamber members
- $1,199 for nonmembers
Please submit the appropriate fee along with the application.
How long does the application process take?
We suggest that you begin the application process at least four months prior to submission. Chambers typically spend between three and six months completing the application process.
From the date of submission, it takes approximately two months for us to process your application. We will contact your chamber if we need additional clarification.
How are we evaluated?
Your application will be reviewed by U.S. Chamber staff, an independent accrediting consultant, and the National Accrediting Board. All essays and supporting documents included in your application should be as specific as possible since you are assessed on what you submit. We provide feedback to all applicants.
What do we receive upon becoming accredited?
The U.S. Chamber will prepare a press release and recognize your status on its Web site. In the weeks following your Accreditation, you will receive a letter from U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue, a personalized certificate, and a marketing kit to promote your successful Accreditation. Also, your chamber will have the distinction of being one of the nation's best chambers of commerce.
How long does my chamber's Accreditation status last?
The Accreditation process must be renewed every five years. The U.S. Chamber needs to receive a completed current application before your five years of Accreditation lapse.
How is the star ranking system for local chambers determined?
Once the application has been reviewed by the Accreditation consultant, a designation of either Accredited, Accredited with 3-Stars, Accredited with 4-Stars, or Accredited with 5-Stars will be recommended based on the number of points scored in each section of the review. If all the minimum requirements are met, a chamber will earn enough points to become Accredited (minimum requirements are explained at the beginning of each section of the application). A chamber earning at least 70% of the total number of points will be awarded Accredited with 3-Stars; 80%, Accredited with 4-Stars; 90% or more, Accredited with 5-Stars.
How are state chambers ranked?
Once the application has been reviewed by the Accreditation consultant, a designation of either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction will be recommended based on the number of points scored in each section of the review. If all the minimum requirements are met, a chamber will earn enough points to become Accredited (minimum requirements are explained at the beginning of each section of the application). A chamber earning at least 90% of the total number of points will be awarded Accredited State Chamber with Distinction.
What if our accredited chamber has merged with a nonaccredited chamber?
If your accredited chamber has recently merged with a nonaccredited chamber, you are considered a brand new entity. Because there is considerable change concerning strategic plans, finances, policies, and facility, you must start over with the Accreditation process.
Our chamber has been accredited in the past. Is the process different to reapply?
The Accreditation process is the same for all chambers, whether previously accredited or not. Unlike in the past, the scoring guidelines will be updated every year to reflect changes in the chamber industry. Chances are, the guidelines that you use today will not be the same guidelines used five years from now when you renew your Accreditation.
We just learned of the new Accreditation application, but we went through Accreditation last year—do we need to go through the process again this year?
No. You will keep your regular five-year schedule. For example, if you were accredited two years ago, you will still renew your Accreditation three years from now, using the most recently updated application.
Is the decision of the Accrediting board final?
The U.S. Chamber and the Accrediting board take great lengths to review each application. Status levels are not considered lightly, and the Accrediting board stands behind each approval given.
However, if you believe an area has been overlooked, you may appeal your Accreditation status. The purpose of an appeal is to correct a miscalculation, interpretation, or evaluation of the original application submitted. If you choose to submit an appeal, click here to view the steps for this process.
Whom can I contact with questions about Accreditation?
You can contact Mathew Wasserburger, Associate Manager, Politcal Affairs and Federation Relations for all questions regarding the application and best practice pointers at 202-463-5478 or e-mail accreditation@uschamber.com.
You can also contact Lauren Mountain, Director, Political Affairs and Federation Relations at 202-463-5560 or e-mail accreditation@uschamber.com for all questions involving best practices and application section tips.
|
Share This Page