WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting this month, awarded accreditation to 16 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.
“It is critical that business leaders have a voice in the debates that will shape the business climate 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 foster a healthy business climate that enhances 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 4-Star Accreditation
Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce, Allen, TX
Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Cookeville, TN
Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Leesburg, VA
Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Oak Ridge, TN
Recommended for 5-Star Accreditation
Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, Bonita Springs, FL
Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Chattanooga, TN
Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, Dalton, GA
Greater Omaha Chamber, Omaha, NE
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester, NY
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Tampa, FL
McKinney Chamber of Commerce, McKinney, TX
McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Bloomington, IL
North Country Chamber of Commerce, Plattsburgh, NY
The Chamber - Grand Forks / East Grand Forks, Grand Forks, ND
Tulsa Regional Chamber, Tulsa, OK
Recommended for State Chamber with Distinction Accreditation
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Frankfort, KY
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.
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