Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Receives 5-Star Accreditation


(Nov. 15, 2017) Chattanooga, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce has received 5-Star Accreditation for overall sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on our community.

“To receive a 5-Star Accreditation is strong affirmation that the goals our board and membership have established for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce are those of leading Chambers across the U.S.,” said Bill Kilbride, Chamber President & CEO. “Our leading role in Chattanooga 2.0, School-to-Work programming to 15,000 public school children, new jobs created through economic development initiatives and our focus on diversity in supplier network programs were key initiatives of our Chamber which the Accreditation recognized. We are proud of our accomplishments for our communities in this work.”

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs and technology. This extensive self-review can take six to nine months to complete.

“Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively influencing action in their community,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, Vice President, Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management.  “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.”

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars or 5-Stars. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber of Commerce board members.

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