U.S. Chamber Awards Shawnee Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation

March 4, 2008

Shawnee, KS------ The United States Chamber of Commerce today awarded the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

“Accreditation recognizes chambers for their high standards of practice, full accountability to members, and steadfast commitment to community,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We applaud these organizations for advancing these principles of free enterprise.”

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 months or more to complete.

“This past year, the staff, Board of Directors and volunteers of the Shawnee Chamber spent countless hours completing the Accreditation process. When we heard the news of our 4-Star Accreditation we were extremely pleased. What a compliment to all our members and the entire Shawnee community. The review process was very rigorous but allowed us to evaluate our entire operation against the highest standards of excellence of organizations. The Shawnee Chamber will benefit from Accreditation with enhanced membership and program development and a justified pride in our Shawnee Chamber” said Linda Leeper, president, Shawnee Chamber.

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 more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

“Partnering with business to showcase our community” – Mission of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact Linda Leeper, President, Shawnee Chamer Commerce: (913) 631-6545.