The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has earned the highest-level of distinction in the Chamber world: a 5-Star Accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce.

The Greensboro Chamber is one of only two Chambers in North Carolina that has the 5-Star rating, and out of roughly 7,000 Chambers nationwide, only 141 – that’s less than 2 percent – hold that distinction.

The Greenville Chamber of Commerce was the other chamber in North Carolina that earned the 5-Star rating.

US Chamber Vice President Raymond Towle explained the process in a prepared statement.

“Chambers of commerce that achieve an Accreditation designation are truly leaders in their industry,” he stated. “This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming. When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming Accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership. 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. They are commended for their continued advocacy of free enterprise, and for their commitment to serving members and their local businesses. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”

Brent Christensen, the president and CEO of the Greensboro Chamber, said he was “incredibly honored” the organization was recognized for building and supporting a thriving network of area businesses.

Christensen said the key to earning the honor was providing quality service to member businesses while maintaining tight operating procedures and keeping the organization financially sound. To earn the 5-Star Accreditation, the Greensboro Chamber had to meet certain very high standards in operations and programs – which included things like governance, government affairs, communications and technology.

That extensive evaluation process took about a year.

Christensen obviously knows a thing or two about running these organizations – in the past, when he ran the chamber of commerce in Gainesville, Florida, that chamber also earned a 5-Star ranking.

The Greensboro Chamber achieved a perfect score in the Governance, Human Resources, Program Development, Technology, Communications, and Facilities sections of the review.

The Greensboro Chamber was also commended for its leadership role in helping local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for the chamber’s “commitment to continuous improvement.”

Anita Bachmann, chair of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, was also delighted with the news.

“We are very excited about receiving a 5-Star Accreditation by the US Chamber of Commerce” she stated in a Monday, Nov. 28 press release. “This further strengthens and showcases the talent and outstanding performance of our Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. We are very proud of the continued accomplishments and successes of our team and leadership in all they do to move Greensboro and Guilford County forward.”

The Greensboro Chamber has more than 1,250 member businesses and it’s the largest business organization in the community. Its goal is to help those businesses succeed and grow. The Chamber – a partner in the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance –serves as Greensboro’s primary economic development organization, with a particular emphasis put on “community and entrepreneurial advancement” via Action Greensboro and Launch Greensboro.