The context
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website, the purpose of the accreditation program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry to foster a pro-business environment across the country.
Local chambers are rated accredited, three stars, four stars or five 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.
As of November, there are approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States, and 199 of those chambers are accredited. Of these 199 chambers:
- 3 are accredited
- 9 are three-star
- 33 are four-star
- 146 are five-star
“It is a process that involves about a year's amount of time, but five years of continuous upkeep of our day-to-day processes to include governance, financial procedures and programs,” Titterington said. “Documentation, real life exhibits and examples of emails, letters of advocacy as well as photos and booklets of procedures rounds out the submission. It is intensive, detailed and really requires a chamber to be up to date with current trends in the industry as well as stewardship of monies, programs, staffing and time.”
Titterington said the achievement would not have been possible without the support and dedicated work of the staff, members and community of the organization. The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo-Selma area) will receive its next accreditation in 2028, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“It's important for the community to know that this is not a one-person process but our staff of six works very hard to help us achieve these levels of excellence,” Titterington said. “It is also our members that we want to thank that without their input and support, we would not be able to be their advocates and voice in the community. We will continue to strive to promote commerce; quality-of-life businesses; and great local, state and federal relationships.”
