U.S. Chamber Awards the Albert Lea – Freeborn County Chamber with 4-Star Accreditation

Albert Lea, MN - March 7, 2014 The United States Chamber of Commerce today awarded the Albert Lea – Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the 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.”

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

Stephanie Haedt of Peterson, Savelkoul, Kolker, Haedt and Benda, Ltd and current board chair said, “The Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has worked very hard since the last accreditation five years ago to maintain and improve upon its accredited score from the US Chamber.  The full-star increase in the accredited score, in such a short period of time, brings us great pleasure and validates the hard work of the Chamber Staff, Board, Committees, Members and Volunteers that have and will continue to ‘promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate to improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County area.’ ”   

Jim Kruger, CEO of Freeborn – Mower Cooperative Services and immediate past board chair concurred and added,  “The Chamber’s increase in its accreditation score underscores its commitment to the Albert  Lea and Freeborn County business environment.  The members of the Chamber can be assured that the high level of service they have come to expect will continue into the future.”

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.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.