FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2023
For more information, contact:
Justin W. Johnson
Communications & Marketing Director
(717) 696-6236
jjohnson@lancasterchamber.com
Lancaster, PA – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Lancaster Chamber with its designation of Accredited with 4 Stars for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.
“Accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “Earning this prestigious designation sets chambers apart in the industry and shines a light on the impactful work this organization is doing on behalf of its members and local business community.”
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.
“We are absolutely thrilled that the Chamber has been awarded with this honor”, states Heather Valudes, President & CEO of the Lancaster Chamber, “This was quite a process that the team really leaned in to get the 9-section application completed and submitted – so a sincere thank you to the entire staff and team for their support and commitment to the organization’s vision and mission. There are only five chambers in Pennsylvania with accreditation and only 193 across the country. With over 7,000 chambers in the US, this is an esteemed distinction that we are very proud to be a part of.”
By earning accreditation, a chamber shows its dedication to:
- Reviewing, improving, and promoting strong business practices
- Recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to the community
- Supporting the principles of free enterprise and promoting pro-growth policies at federal, state, and local levels
- Establishing best practices and staying in-step with industry changes
J. Seroky, Current Chair and President of High Concrete commented, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to congratulate the entire Chamber staff for this very deserved recognition and accomplishment. The Board is extremely proud of Heather and her team and their impact on our business community and the community-at-large. This accreditation just confirms what I and the Board have always believed; that the Chamber continues to be a strong support and resource for our businesses in the County.”
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.
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At the Lancaster Chamber, our mission is to create the environment, facilitate partnerships, and lead on issues that elevate business success. Established in 1872, the Chamber is celebrating its 150th Anniversary, commemorating 150 years of impact, support, engagement, and leadership for the Lancaster County business community. The Chamber continues to leverage the collective strength of the business community. By advancing a pro-business agenda, supporting community-focused initiatives, including Workforce, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and being committed to providing resources for all business professionals – the Chamber strives to build Lancaster into a thriving community for all.
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