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.
“Business leaders are a critical voice in conversations about promoting economic growth and job creation in their communities,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “Accreditation honors a chamber’s work to enhance the quality of life for its members and its region.”
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:
Recommended for 3-Star Accreditation
Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, Utica, NY
The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo-Selma Area), Schertz, TX
Recommended for 4-Star Accreditation
Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Canter, Castle Rock, CO
Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, Flower Mound, TX
Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, Grand Island, NE
Greater Louisville, Inc., Louisville, KY
Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Florence, AL
Recommended for 5-Star Accreditation
Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Port Arthur, TX
Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Winter Haven, FL
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Joplin, MO
Laredo Chamber of Commerce, Laredo, TX
Newnan- Coweta Chamber of Commerce, Newnan, GA
Recommended for Accredited State Chamber
Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, San Juan, PR
