WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting last week, awarded accreditation to 20 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.
“Chambers of commerce play a critical role in their communities” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “From connecting business owners with needed resources to advocating on behalf of their members with lawmakers, each day these outstanding chambers convene thought leaders and strengthen the collective voices of their members.”
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, finance, human resources, program development, government affairs, communications, technology, and facilities.
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
Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce, Ringgold, GA
Accredited with 3 Stars
Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, Palmdale, CA
Accredited with 4 Stars
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, Branson, MO
Covington Newton County Chamber of Commerce, Covington, GA
Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce, Delaware, OH
Miramar-Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce, Pembroke Pines, FL
Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, Nacogdoches, TX
Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, Russellville, AR
Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, Thibodaux, LA
Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, Tyler, TX
Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, Wausau, WI
Accredited with 5 Stars
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, Dover, DE
Garland Chamber of Commerce, Garland, TX
Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Beaumont, TX
Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce , Irvine, CA
Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Shreveport, LA
LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, LaGrange, GA
Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, Marshalltown, IA
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Mobile, AL
Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, Sterling, IL
