Top designation places Olathe Chamber in top 1 percent in nation
OLATHE, Kan., November 8, 2013 – The United States Chamber of Commerce today awarded the Olathe Chamber of Commerce with Five-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. Only 3 percent of the nation’s chambers are accredited and only 1 percent has earned a Five-Star ranking, the highest level of designation from the organization.
“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,” said Tim McKee, Olathe Chamber president and CEO. “As the largest chamber in Johnson County and the second largest in the Kansas City area, we are proud to be one of the only three chambers in the state to be accredited.”
“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.”
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. 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.
About the Olathe Chamber of Commerce
The Olathe Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber in Johnson County and the second largest chamber in the Kansas City area. It was the first chamber in the state to receive Five-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – a designation obtained by only 1 percent of the nation’s chambers. To date, the Olathe Chamber remains a Five-Star-Accredited Chamber. Its mission is to be the voice of business that advances the economic wellbeing and quality of life in Olathe.
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