Licking County Chamber of Commerce Awarded 4-Star Accreditation by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that, after an intensive and comprehensive self-assessment, the organization has been awarded 4-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious honor acknowledges the professional policies and extensive programming offered by the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, and places our local chamber of commerce among the top 3% of chambers recognized nationwide. 

The only national program recognizing chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement, Accreditation allows chambers of commerce a benchmark system by which to review, improve, and promote sound business practices, policies, and procedures.

Local chambers are rated in one of the following tiers: 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 and chamber executives from across the country.

The Licking County Chamber initially received Accreditation status in 2011 and improved our ranking significantly, to elevate to the 4-Star distinction.  “We’re very proud of the growth and progress,” said Dan McVey, Board Chairman.  McVey noted that “the review and documentation process is substantial, and took about a year to complete.”  Chamber President Jennifer McDonald said the elements that secured the local organization the improved ranking included the presence of an excellent Marketing & Communications Plan, the Chamber’s significant and documented efforts in advocating for the business community, and successful efforts to diversify and increase non-dues revenue sources. 

McDonald credits former President Cheri Hottinger for her diligence in overseeing and coordinating the completion of the accreditation application.  “This past year, the staff, board, and volunteers of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce spent countless hours completing the Accreditation process, said McDonald. “Our task: demonstrate competency in 9 core areas, ranging from finance to facilities. The result of our on-going hard work and thorough documentation is evidenced by this impressive rating. Our entire organization, and each one of our members, should be extraordinarily proud of this milestone achievement.  It was a true team effort. This is a very exciting time to be able to oversee the work of the Chamber and help further assure that Licking County is a phenomenal place to live, play and conduct business.”