VALDOSTA – The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce received a five-star accreditation once again this spring.

“The glittering accreditation is nothing short of an honor,” chamber officials said. “Accreditation from the U.S Chamber of Commerce recognizes chambers of distinction that meet and exceed organizational standards and exemplify superior service.”

In order to receive accreditation, chambers must submit an extensive application through the U.S Chamber of Commerce. The chamber staff reviews each application to ensure that the chamber meets or exceeds the minimum requirements. 

Chambers seeking accreditation are judged in nine areas: governance, finance, human resources and staff, government affairs, program development, technology, communication, facilities and benchmarking.

The status of accreditation depends on the number of criteria points scored in each area of requirement. A chamber that receives a five-star accreditation meets 90 percent or more of criteria.

Maintaining accreditation requires chambers to reapply every five years. The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce has maintained five-star accreditation for its 11th year, is one of only 125 five-star chambers in the country and is ranked in the top 1 percent of chambers nationally, chamber officials said.

This five-star accreditation sets the Valdosta- Lowndes Chamber of Commerce apart as an organization that exceeds expectations and strives for excellence.

The chamber of commerce supports hundreds of local businesses in Valdosta and is committed to being the voice of businesses in the community.

Local business owners can attest to the enrichment and support the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce provides business in the area.

Audrey King, vice chairman of Georgia Power Company, cites the chamber as a way to build one’s business as well as open the door to beneficial opportunities.

“I chose to be a part of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber because I witnessed firsthand the powerful impact on the community,” King said. “The chamber connects with the business community and delivers an experience, not just a membership. Members are provided access to multiple resources that further promote their business, build their brand and connect them to economic opportunities.”

Thressea Boyd, chief executive officer of THBoyd Communications, insists that active participation from chamber members helps make the chamber the unwavering buttress for business in the community that it is today.

“Getting the best value from a chamber membership is not about what you get but what you give,” Boyd said. “With any organization, active participation from all members is the key to success. Being part of the Valdosta-Lowndes chamber allows for networking opportunities, as well as gaining valuable professional development skills through the wide variety of classes that are offered.”

Both Boyd and King agree, becoming a member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce has exceeded their expectations.

“The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce was my first stop when I started my business,” Boyd said “Today, I not only value my membership but consider it an essential part of the success of my business.”

King cites the penchant for leading local businesses to success as one of the many reasons the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce both meets and exceeds her expectations.

“They deliver with professionalism, quality engagement and focus continuously on the roadmap for business success, while serving as a brand ambassador for other chambers,” King said.

At a five-star chamber, members receive nothing less than five-star service, chamber officials said.