The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce with its designation of Accredited with 4 Stars for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community, said officials.

“Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce receiving this accreditation is truly an acknowledgement of their excellent work,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “Accredited chambers are recognized for their ability to serve as a resource to their region’s businesses while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, effective communications, and value in programming.  They are commended for their continued advocacy of free enterprise and for this tremendous accomplishment.” 

The purpose of the U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

Dr. Dewayne Thompson, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce chairman of the Board said, “Congratulations to the leadership and staff of the Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber of Commerce for achieving a 4-Star rating! We owe a debt of gratitude to CEO Griffin and the leadership for this milestone to lead us into such elite company. Cleveland/Bradley County is fortunate to have such a stellar staff supporting the leadership or this would never have been a reality.”

“I am proud of our staff’s hard work and dedication to making this Chamber incredibly successful," said Mike Griffin, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce president. "The time and effort to achieve accreditation is no small task. Only 3 percent of chambers in the United States are accredited, and the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce has been accredited by the U.S. Chamber since 1981."

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.