You may have noticed this "Accredited" logo on some chambers' websites, letterhead or in their newsletters.  These chambers, rated as  Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars, have passed the muster of very highest standards of operation.  The following eight Ohio chambers are currently Accredited by the U.S. Chamber:
            Darke County (Greenville) ***
            Dayton Area *****
            Medina Area ***
            Northeast Cincinnati (Mason) ***
            Toledo Regional *****
            Troy Area ****
            Tuscarawas County (New Philadelphia) ****
            Westerville Area ****  

The Accreditation Program defines standards of excellence in chamber planning and performance and shows chambers how they can reach and maintain these standards. It also helps chambers measure achievement while giving recognition and encouragement to chamber members and staff who meet high standards of operation and who are contributing in an effective way to the good of their chamber and community.

The criteria and standards used in the guidelines become tools for management control and self-discipline -- guiding the organization by helping it upgrade and improve its basic effectiveness. Chambers that have earned Accreditation value the process as a worthwhile experience. It has helped them focus attention on the nine critical areas that add to successful chamber performance:
     * Governance
     * Finance
     * Human Resources
     * Governmental Affairs
     * Program Development
     * Communications
     * Technology
     * Facilities
     * Benchmarking 

 For more information on the U.S Chamber's Accreditation Program, click here.