The United States Chamber of Commerce recently awarded the Cobb Chamber with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community.

“Each day, chambers of commerce are working hard to put the American dream within reach of every hardworking business owner,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “The Accreditation designation tells chamber members and the greater business community that this is an organization that has effective programs, sound finances and is a strong advocate for their interests.”

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.

“We are thrilled for the U.S. Chamber to recognize us among the top 1.5 percent of the 7,000 chambers in the nation as a 5-star accredited chamber of commerce,” said Cobb Chamber President and CEO Sharon Mason. “This is a reflection of the incredible impact that each of our staff, board, volunteers and members make for our community each day.”

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 board members.