*** Photo Cutline: U.S. Chamber of Commerce representative Ben Taylor. left, presents Chamber President and CEO Chris Hembrough, center, and 2017 Chamber Board Chairman Tom Gihl, right, with a plaque commemorating The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce achieving 5-Star Accreditation status.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce was honored to have Ben Taylor of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce visit Monday afternoon and award The Chamber with a plaque commemorating 5-Star Accreditation for The Chamber’s community leadership, proven impact, sound policies, and effective organizational procedures.

The Chamber is one of 105 chambers of commerce in the nation to achieve this status. With more than 7,000 chambers in the nation, that places The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in the company of only 1.4% of chambers to receive 5-Star Accreditation. This marks the second consecutive time that The Greater Springfield Chamber has received this designation.

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective community leadership and organizational efficiencies. To receive Accreditation, every five years a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive review process can take 6-9 months to complete.

“I am proud of our team who has worked tirelessly to earn this not only for The Chamber, but for every single one of our members,” said Tom Gihl, 2017 Chamber Board Chair. “It is an achievement only possible by the efforts and support of our Board leadership, volunteers and Chamber members.”

Special recognition was given to our Chamber in the following areas:

  • Economic development leadership through the Quantum Growth Partnership (Q5)
  • Success of several events, including the Annual Gala, Economic Outlook Breakfast, Job & Career Fairs, Small Business Awards, and the State of the City Luncheon
  • Comprehensive Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Business Continuation Plan
  • Achievement of a perfect score in the Governance, Technology, Communications, and Facilities sections.

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 and chamber executives from across the country.