ShawneeDispatch.com

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community.

"Accreditation recognizes chambers for their high standards of practice, full accountability to members, and steadfast commitment to community," Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, said in a release. "We applaud these organizations for advancing these principles of free enterprise."

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. To receive accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs and technology. This extensive self-review can take six months or more to complete.

Linda Leeper, president of the Shawnee Chamber, said the chamber's staff, board of directors and volunteers spent countless hours completing the accreditation process over the past year.

"When we heard the news of our 4-Star Accreditation, we were extremely pleased," she said. "What a compliment to all our members and the entire Shawnee community. The review process was very rigorous but allowed us to evaluate our entire operation against the highest standards of excellence for organizations. The Shawnee Chamber will benefit from accreditation with enhanced membership and program development and a justified pride in our Shawnee Chamber."

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 more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.