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The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Chamber has been awarded 5-Star Accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

So, how big of a deal is this accreditation? Only 67 chambers out of 6,939 chambers in the nation have achieved five-star status. The Chamber was awarded five stars in November 2005 and secured the rating again this week. “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, U.S. Chamber Executive Director of Political Affairs and Federation Relations. “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.”

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.

“This is truly a credit to the powerful work of this Chamber and its staff. I am proud of this accomplishment and the benefits that they offer to the regional business community,” said Robert W. Pearce, Jr., Chamber Chairman. “The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is not standing on past successes. We continue to move forward to help position our region as a forward-thinking location ideal for business growth and success. We are looking to the future of our region and believe every challenge we embark on today will help us accomplish our mission to advance our region’s economy, improve our quality of life, and enhance our members’ success. Our vision is to strengthen our region as the world’s best location to live, learn, work, and play.”

For more information, please contact the Chamber at (843) 577-2510.