TOPEKA CHAMBER RECEIVES 5-STAR ACCREDITATION FROM U.S. CHAMBER

The United States Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce the 5-Star Accreditation for its adherence to the highest industry standards and its efforts to create and expand business opportunities in the community.  Just over 120 of the roughly 7,000 chambers nationwide hold the prestigious 5-Star Accreditation.

Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management said, “Throughout the pandemic, these chambers continue to lead while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, value in programming and effective communications.  They are commended for this great accomplishment.” 

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.

“Our team worked hard for months in the hopes of just receiving the Accreditation, which is an honor in and of itself,” Curtis Sneden, Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce president, said.  “To then learn that we’d been awarded the top honor, Five-Stars, was a thrill.  I couldn’t be prouder of our team here and of all this organization has accomplished since the Greater Topeka Partnership was founded.”

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.

The mission of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce is to mobilize the community to speak with a highly influential voice in support of public policies that create economic success.