This week, the United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Columbia Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.
“Now more than ever, chambers of commerce have stepped up to serve as a resource to the business community and advocates of free enterprise,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “Through the pandemic chambers continued to lead while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, value in programming and effective communications.”
Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. To receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of government affairs, communications, and human resources. The extensive self-review took a year of preparation to complete.
“This is not a pay-to-play award. There is a lot of work that goes into achieving this recognition. It’s important to our Chamber to hold these standards for our business community so that we can offer the best quality service and value to our membership,” said Matt McCormick, President and CEO of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. The final accreditation determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members. Of the 7,000 chambers in the nation, the Columbia Chamber is amongst only 190 Accredited chambers and one of only 5 Accredited chambers in Missouri. Under 2% of chambers obtain a 5-Star Accredited status.