WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting earlier this month, awarded accreditation to 17 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.
“Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit its local economy and positively influence its community,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.”
The only program of its kind in the country, U.S. Chamber accreditation recognizes excellence in chamber planning and performance. To achieve accreditation, a chamber must demonstrate quality programs, clear organizational procedures, and effective communications by meeting minimum operation and program standards in the areas of governance, program development, government affairs, and technology.
Local and regional chambers are rated “Accredited,” “Accredited with 3 Stars,” “Accredited with 4 Stars,” or “Accredited with 5 Stars.” State chambers are rated “Accredited State Chamber,” or “Accredited State Chamber with Distinction.” The final determination is made by the accrediting board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members, and chamber CEOs from across the country.
The following chambers of commerce received accreditation:
Accredited
Wilson Chamber of Commerce, Wilson, NC
Accredited with 4 Stars
Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, Lexington, SC
Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, Tomball, TX
Jackson Chamber, Jackson, TN
Accredited with 5 Stars
Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, Battle Creek, MI
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Evans, GA
Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Frisco, TX
Greater Gainesville Chamber, Gainesville, FL
Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, Irving, TX
Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, Greenville, NC
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland, FL
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lansing, MI
Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, Lawton, OK
Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock, TX
Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, Holland, MI
Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce, Roseville, CA
South Shore Chamber of Commerce, Rockland, MA
