Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on July 8.
The United States Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting last week, awarded the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.
“Accredited chambers are organizations that hold themselves to the highest industry standards. They are recognized for their work to create and expand business opportunities in their communities” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “Throughout the pandemic, these chambers continue to lead while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, value in programming and effective communications. They are commended for this great accomplishment.”
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 6-9 months to complete.
In a letter to our local chamber, Clark Thomason Jackson, U.S. Chamber of Commerce-Southeast Region | Congressional and Public Affairs said, “We would like to congratulate you and the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce on your 5-star Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber. We know this is a very extensive process and a laborious one as well. Accreditation is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. You are one of 194 accredited chambers in the country, and one of only 129 to have this 5-star distinction, which sets you apart from the other 7,000 Chambers of Commerce in the U.S.”
Julie Paysen, president of Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce said, “We were certainly excited to hear the news we have been awarded 5-Star Accreditation with our U.S. Chamber. For years, we have been focused on how we can best meet the needs of our business community. We are blessed to have a strong board of directors and dedicated staff all working together toward the same goal. It is rewarding to be recognized for achieving this goal with excellence.”
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.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce mission is always to serve, promote, and protect every member of the Chamber of Commerce in order to help them grow and prosper.
Original source can be found here.
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