Tammy Shepherd of the Columbia County Chamber, 5 Star Chamber Announcement
Thursday, November 14th, 2019
Tammy Shepherd, President and CEO of the Columbia County Chamber, discusses their recent fiver star accreditation from the US Chamber.
The United States Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting this week, awarded the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.
“It is critical that business leaders have a voice in the debates that will shape the business climate in their communities.” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “Accreditation recognizes a chamber’s work to foster a healthy business climate that enhances the quality of life for its members and its community.”
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.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as the top 1% of over 7,000 Chambers in the U.S., with only 128 Chambers earning 5-stars. In Georgia, only 14 Chambers are accredited, one accredited, three 4-star and eight 5-star,” said Tammy Shepherd, IOM, President/CEO, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.
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.
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