The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the South Bend Regional Chamber the prestigious Accreditation designation in recognition of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and significant positive impact on the community. The South Bend Regional Chamber received 5-Star designation, the highest possible achievement for a local chamber to earn as part of the Accreditation program, and it underscores the Chamber’s commitment to excellence and its role as a vital resource for the business community, fostering growth, innovation and opportunity for its members and the region it serves.
“The South Bend Regional Chamber has proudly maintained national accreditation for 55 of its 116 years,” said Ryan Matthys, board chair of the South Bend Regional Chamber. “This milestone demonstrates our long-standing commitment to excellence and our dedication to serving member businesses and the entire South Bend Region.”
“Achieving the Accreditation designation is a significant accomplishment that underscores the South Bend Regional Chamber’s steadfast dedication to its community and its commitment to organizational excellence,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber vice president, Federation Relations and IOM. “This prestigious recognition places the South Bend Regional Chamber among the top in the industry, showcasing its exceptional leadership, meaningful contributions and critical role in driving growth, innovation, and opportunity within the business community.” Just 3% of chambers of commerce nationwide are accredited with 2% (approximately 146) achieving the 5-Star accreditation status. Only three chambers of commerce in the State of Indiana are accredited, which includes the South Bend Regional Chamber.
The U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program sets the standard for excellence in the chamber industry, fostering a pro-business environment across the nation. To achieve Accreditation, chambers must meet high standards in areas such as governance, government affairs, communications and technology. This comprehensive self-review process typically takes six to nine months to complete and reflects a chamber’s dedication to continuous improvement and measurable progress.
Local chambers are rated as Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars or 5-Stars, while 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 CEOs from across the country.