The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting last week, awarded accreditation to 15 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.“Each day, chambers of commerce across this nation 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 region with lawmakers, these chambers convene thought leaders to 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, 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 3 Stars
- Minot Area Chamber of Commerce, Minot, ND
Accredited with 4 Stars
- Midland Chamber of Commerce, Midland, TX
- Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, Prescott Valley, AZ
Accredited with 5 Stars
- Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center, Anniston, AL
- Christian County Chamber of Commerce, Hopkinsville, KY
- Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, Edmond, OK
- Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, Hot Springs, AR
- Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, Summerville, SC
- Greenville Chamber, Greenville, SC
- Hilton Head Island - Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Knoxville Chamber, Knoxville, TN
- Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Havasu City, AZ
- Lufkin / Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, Lufkin, TX
- Plano Chamber of Commerce, Plano, TX
- Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, Shawnee, KS
