WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting earlier this month, awarded accreditation to 21 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.
“Each day, chambers of commerce are working hard to put the American dream within reach of every hardworking business owner” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “The Accreditation designation tells chamber members as well as the greater business community, this is an organization that has effective programs, sound finances, and is a strong advocate for their interests.”
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
Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Heathrow, FL
Accredited with 3 Stars
African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Trenton, NJ
Accredited with 4 Stars
Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, Albany, GA
Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Columbus, NE
Gwinnett Chamber, Duluth, GA
Texas City – La Marque Chamber of Commerce, Texas City, TX
Accredited with 5 Stars
Bossier Chamber of Commerce, Bossier City, LA
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Bowling Green, KY
Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Marietta, GA
Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, Edwardsville, IL
Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Columbus, GA
Greater Louisville Inc., Louisville, KY
Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Kearney, NE
Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Lee’s Summit, MO
Martinsville - Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Martinsville, VA
Olathe Chamber of Commerce, Olathe, KS
St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Cloud, MN
St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, Covington, LA
Valdosta - Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, Valdosta, GA
Accredited State Chamber
Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, Anchorage, AK
Accredited State Chamber with Distinction
Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Lansing, MI
