WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meetings this month and in March, awarded accreditation to 24 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
Denton Chamber of Commerce, Denton, TX
Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, Lufkin, TX
Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce, Searcy, AR
Accredited with 5 Stars
Boise Metro Chamber, Boise, ID
Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, Brunswick, GA
Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Buffalo, NY
Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, Conroe, TX
East Parker County Chamber of Commerce, Willow Park, TX
Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Arlington, TX
Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, Chambersburg, PA
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln, NE
McAllen Chamber of Commerce, McAllen, TX
Melbourne Regional Chamber, Melbourne, FL
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Myrtle Beach, SC
North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, Oshkosh, WI
Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Rockport, TX
San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, San Angelo, TX
San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio, TX
Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Simi Valley, CA
South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, South Bend, IN
St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph, MO
White County Chamber of Commerce, Cleveland, GA
Accredited State Chamber with Distinction
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
