Local Chamber News
Olathe Chamber of Commerce Earns U.S. Chamber Five-Star Accreditation
Olathe, KS -
The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Olathe Chamber of Commerce a Five-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. Fewer than one percent of the nation's chambers have earned this highest level of designation from the organization.
"We are proud to be the first and only chamber in the state and in the Kansas City area to earn the U.S. Chamber's Five-Star rating," said L. Franklin Taylor, Olathe Chamber president. "Achieving this level of accreditation reaffirms the importance of our mission, our impact on the community, and the overall outstanding vision and work of our staff, members, volunteers and community partners."
The Olathe Chamber of Commerce, the largest chamber in Johnson County and the second largest in the Kansas City area, is, by mission, "the voice of business that advances the economic well-being and quality of life in Olathe." In 1999-2000 the Chamber was selected by the National Association for Membership Development, an affiliate of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, to receive the "Nation's Best Chamber" Award for Excellence.
"Accreditation recognizes chambers for their high standards of practice, full accountability to members, and steadfast commitment to community," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "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 their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communication, and technology. The accreditation process is an intensive, three-to-six month process.
Chambers are rated Accredited, Three-Stars, Four-Stars, or Five-Stars. Only 41 chambers in the United States have earned a five-star ranking. Designations are 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 three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
Source: Kansas City infoZine News
Publication Date: March 10, 2008