WASHINGTON, D.C. — At its board meeting last week/this month, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Accreditation designation to twenty-four chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.
“Chambers of commerce that achieve an Accreditation designation are truly leaders in their industry.” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming. When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming Accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership. Accredited chambers are recognized for their ability to serve as a resource to their region’s businesses while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, effective communications, and value in programming. They are commended for their continued advocacy of free enterprise, and for their commitment to serving members and their local businesses. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”
The U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program facilitates continuing excellence in the chamber industry and fosters a pro-business environment across America. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.
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 with 4 Stars
- Gaston Business Association (Gastonia, NC)
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce (Gulfport, MS)
Accredited with 5 Stars
- Abilene Chamber of Commerce (Abilene, TX)
- Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce (Allen, TX)
- Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce (Aurora, IL)
- Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce (Daytona Beach, FL)
- Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce (Galveston, TX)
- Greater Omaha Chamber (Omaha, NE)
- Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce (Rochester, NY)
- Greensboro Chamber of Commerce (Greensboro, NC)
- Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (Duluth, GA)
- Habersham County Chamber of Commerce (Cornelia, GA)
- Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (Los Angeles, CA)
- Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce (Leesburg, VA)
- North Country Chamber of Commerce (Plattsburgh, NY)
- Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce (Rockwall, TX)
- Springdale Chamber of Commerce (Springdale, AR)
- Tampa Bay Chamber (Tampa, FL)
- The Chamber - Grand Forks / East Grand Forks (Grand Forks, ND)
- The Osceola Chamber (Kissimmee, FL)
- Tucson Metro Chamber (Tucson, AZ)
- Tulsa Regional Chamber (Tulsa, OK)
Accredited State Chamber with Distinction
- African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (Trenton, NJ)
- Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (Frankfort, KY)
