“Earning the Accreditation designation is an extraordinary accomplishment and a mark of excellence for a chamber’s organization, staff, and leadership,” said Raymond P. Towle, Vice President, Federation Relations and Coalition Partnerships at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Achieving Accreditation reflects the completion of a comprehensive and challenging evaluation—an extensive, rigorous review of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming—as well as its leadership and impact in the community. This distinction recognizes chambers of commerce representing the very best of our industry and validates their role as advocates for their business communities. Accredited chambers demonstrate strong leadership, transparent governance practices, and an unwavering commitment to delivering impactful programs and services that help make their regions a place where workers, businesses, and citizens can thrive.”

 “This is a proud moment for the Asheville Chamber,” said Kit Cramer, president and CEO of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Five-Star Accreditation reflects years of dedication from our staff to high levels of excellence and impact. But, it’s also an award for our whole community. We could not do what we do without our members, volunteers and partners. Accreditation reminds us that our greatest strength has always been the people who come together through this Chamber to help our community thrive.”

 “When communities across the country are searching for examples of constructive leadership and practical collaboration, this recognition sends a powerful message that Asheville’s business community leads, and that when people come together around shared purpose, extraordinary things are possible,” said Sabrina Rockoff 2025-2026 Asheville Chamber Board Chair.

The U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program facilitates continuing excellence in the chamber industry and fosters a pro-business environment across America. To receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of governance, finance, human resources, government affairs, communications, and technology. This extensive self-review can take six to nine months to complete.

Local and regional chambers are rated “Accredited,” “Accredited with 3 Stars,” “Accredited with 4 Stars,” or “Accredited with 5 Stars.” State chambers are rated “Accredited State Chamber” or “Accredited State Chamber with Distinction.” The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber of Commerce board members and qualified chamber CEOs from across the country. 

As the highest possible achievement in the Accreditation program for local chambers of commerce, this Five Star designation recognizes the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce as a leader in the chamber industry. It underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to excellence, affirming its vital role as an advocate and resource for a strong local business community, while fostering growth, innovation, and opportunity for its members and the region it serves.

Source: Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.