5-Star Accredited Chamber
In July 2010, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced that the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce had achieved 5-Star accreditation, which is the highest level of accreditation awarded to chambers of commerce nationwide.
President and CEO of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Raymond Burns said, “We are honored to receive the 5-Star accreditation. The NWA region, our programming, leadership, and staff are all backbones of our organization. It’s important we get it right and that we all pull on the rope in the same direction. The accreditation program has helped us do that. This is a credit and tribute to all of our members.”
Chambers can be accredited or accredited with 3, 4 or 5 stars and are required to re-accredit every five years. The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce was first accredited in 1991 and is now only one of only 66 chambers of commerce nationwide to be awarded the highest level of accreditation of 5 stars.
As a 5-Star Accredited chamber, the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce represents the top one percent of chambers in the country.
Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and performance by providing chambers with a rigorous self-analysis tool.
Undergoing the accreditation process shows chambers how to reach and maintain industry standards. In addition, it measures achievement and recognizes members and staff who contribute to the good of their communities. Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber provides a road map to building sound chambers and develops the mechanisms that allow a local or state chamber to effectively fight for business.
The accreditation board noted that the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce does an excellent job of recognizing its volunteers for their efforts on behalf of the Chamber and providing a diverse array of products and services to its members.
The Chamber was also commended for investigating and implementing technology initiatives that will greatly enhance the Chamber’s mission and position in the community as well as for its detailed marketing plan that includes strategies for programs and services, as well as for target audiences.
The accreditation team also praised the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the program that its members value most - the government affairs program.
The Chamber received a perfect score on five of the nine sections of the application—the Governance, Human Resources, Technology, Communications, and Facilities sections.
Governor Mike Beebe (D-Ark.) stated that the Chamber’s 5-star honor was proof of the region’s pro-business approach.
He called the area the Rodeo Drive of the Midwest and a jewel in Arkansas's crown.
Mike Watts, President & CEO of FM Corporation and Chamber member said, “The five-star accreditation of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce provides verification to its membership that they support a top-notch organization that can effectively champion their interests. To those looking to the area for business opportunities or relocation, it reflects on the quality of the existing business community and provides assurance of a professional organization that can meet their needs.”
The cities of Rogers and Lowell proclaimed July 19, 2010 as Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Re-accreditation Day.
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) as well as Rep. John Boozman (R-Ark.) sent congratulatory messages to the Chamber and its members. To see the proclamations and read the messages, click on the links below.
Accreditation Announcement Luncheon - July 19, 2010
|
