Aurora Regional Chamber Of Commerce Awarded Five-Star Accreditation From U. S. Chamber Of Commerce

Online, June 16, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The United States Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce with a five-star accreditation, its highest accreditation level, for high quality, expertise and strong leadership. Of the nearly 7,000 chambers of commerce in the United States, the Aurora Chamber is one of only 77 to be distinguished with five stars, placing it in the top one percent. Only nine chambers in Illinois are accredited; Chicagoland, Springfield, and Naperville sharing the five-star distinction with the Aurora Regional Chamber.

In order to receive accreditation, a chamber must meet rigorous standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, program development, human resources and staff development, finance, communications, facilities, and technology.

"We're very proud of this recognition and want to thank those who worked on the application, including the Board of Directors, volunteers, and various committees," said Joseph B. Henning, IOM, ACE, president and CEO of the Aurora Chamber. "Ultimately, this honor is another opportunity to promote our mission of providing the citizens and businesses of the Aurora and North Aurora region with professional growth, leadership, advocacy, connection-building and economic development."

"This is the first time we have attained the top honors of a Five-Star Accreditation. We are fortunate to be an integral part of this community and are thrilled to have earned such distinction and recognition from the U.S. Chamber. We look forward to doing even more for our members in the days to come-it's our passion," added Henning. "Our chamber's mission is to serve as a catalyst for business success in the communities we serve, including Aurora and North Aurora. We will continue to strive for the best through leadership, political action, and dynamic programs to promote economic vitality for our members and community."

"Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively influencing action in their community," said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber Executive Director of Political Affairs and Federation Relations. "We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise."

When we accredit the Aurora Regional Chamber, we're saying this is a chamber whose governance, financing, programs, and staff are responding to the needs of today, not the needs of yesterday, he added.

The U.S. Chamber gave special recognition to the Aurora Chamber in many areas, including its financial policies, its government affairs and political action committee activities, as well at its strategic planning and annual planning documents.

In recognizing the Chamber, U.S. Chamber President Thomas J. Donohue wrote, "Accreditation is one of the highest honors bestowed on chambers that support pro-growth and economic policies at the federal, state, and local level. This distinction honors (Aurora Chamber's) commitment to helping advance the principles of free enterprise - the bedrock of our great country."

"This five-star accreditation demonstrates our success in community leadership and organizational strength by being among the top in the nation for financial and membership development as well as making a measurable impact on key community priorities in areas like economic development, technology, education, transportation, healthcare, and cultural vitality," said Bill Winsininski, chair of the chamber board.

Winsininski added, "The chamber's programs serve to improve the quality of life in the Aurora region by recruiting and retaining business and a quality workforce. When the needs of business and industry are met, the community prospers."

The application was delivered to the U.S. Chamber in time for their March 31, 2012, deadline, and the Chamber was notified of its accreditation ranking in last week. The Aurora Regional Chamber was the only chamber to receive five-star accreditation during this round of applications. The accreditation lasts for five years until the 2017.

This accreditation program by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only national program that recognizes chambers for effective organizational procedures and community involvement. The accreditation program was established in 1969.

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.

The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce was established in 1906. It has been an accredited chamber since 2007, most recently with a four-star accreditation. It is the largest business association serving the communities of Aurora, North Aurora and the surrounding region.