Chamber earns 5-Star Accreditation

The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that following the completion of a comprehensive application, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the organization for the first time with 5-Star Accreditation. Less than three percent of all chambers in the nation earn this designation. The only other 5-Star chamber in the state is the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce.

The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce had previously been recognized with 4-Star Accreditation.

“The accreditation process, though rigorous and time consuming, was extremely beneficial because it allowed our team to identify and evaluate organizational activities that support our members and community.” said Dr. Dave Eckmann, President/CEO of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce. “We are honored to be recognized as an elite chamber organization and will continue to support our member investors and to lead our community through the economic challenges facing the region.”

In recent months, the staff of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce completed the Accreditation process. The organization was asked to demonstrate competency in nine core areas, ranging from finance to facilities.

This is the only national program which recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. Accreditation allows the organization to renew, improve and promote sound business practices, policies and procedures. Accreditation also recognizes the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce’s support of the principles of free enterprise and promotion of pro-growth policies at the federal, state and local level.

“Chambers of commerce that achieve an accreditation designation are truly leaders in their industry,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming Accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff and its leadership. This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations and programming. 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.”

Local chambers are rated accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars or 5-Stars. The final determination is made by the accrediting board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members and chamber executives from across the country and the designation lasts for five years. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.