WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting today, awarded accreditation to 13 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 with 4 Stars:
Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, Flint, MI
Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, Galveston, TX
Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Port Arthur, TX
Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce, Rockwall, TX
Accredited with 5 Stars:
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, North Charleston, SC
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Springfield, IL
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitor Bureau, Kalispell, MT
Longview Chamber of Commerce, Longview, TX
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Lynchburg, VA
The Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Bristol, TN
The Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria, LA
Tucson Metro Chamber, Tucson, AZ
Accredited State Chamber with Distinction:
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Columbia, SC
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
