Photo courtesy of The Chamber
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently awarded the Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County with its designation of Accredited with 3 Stars for sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community.
“This is a great achievement for the Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County,” said Etowah Chamber President and CEO Christi Robinson. “Being accredited by the US Chamber of Commerce is a testament to the work the entire Chamber team does on a daily basis for our businesses and for our community. We are very proud of this accomplishment.”
Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either 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.
In order to receive accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications and technology. This extensive self-review can take six to nine months to complete.
According to its mission statement, The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County is to be a catalyst for economic growth in Etowah County by serving member businesses through advocacy, education and community partnerships.
“When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of being accredited, it truly is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “This designation recognizes the positive impact these organizations have had within their communities while honoring their commitment to continuing to serve local businesses. From connecting small business owners with needed resources to advocating on behalf of their region with lawmakers, these chambers convene thought leaders to strengthen the collective voices of their members.”
The purpose of the U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America.