OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – The State Chamber of Oklahoma earned an impressive honor from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its organizational excellence, sound policies that help Oklahoma’s business community and ongoing efforts to foster prosperity across the state.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded The State Chamber its Accredited State Chamber with Distinction designation, an honor reserved for chambers that excel in organizational operations, policymaking and community impact.
“Chambers of commerce that achieve an accreditation designation are truly leaders in their industry,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber vice president, Federation Relations and IOM. “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.”
The U.S. Chamber’s accreditation program works to facilitate continuing excellence among chambers and to foster a business positive environment across the nation.
A chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including governance, government affairs, communications and technology to become accredited.
The State Chamber underwent an extensive self-review in the accreditation application process, scrutinizing all aspects of its operation, which works daily to promote Oklahoma businesses, advocate at the State Capitol for the business community and develop policies that will help businesses and industries across the state thrive.
The U.S. Chamber rates accredits local chambers 3-Stars, 4-Stars or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either an “Accredited State Chamber” or “Accredited State Chamber with Distinction.” The Accrediting Board, a committee composed of U.S. Chamber board members, makes the final determination.
Carla Schaeperkoetter, State Chamber chief operating officer, said the Chamber received perfect scores in government affairs, technology and facilities, and also received the State Chamber with Distinction accreditation, which only five other chambers in the nation have.
“This is a mark of excellence on our organization, our leadership, and the contributions that we’ve made in the last several years,” Schaeperkoetter said. “This accreditation shows that we continue to serve as a resource to our state’s business community while maintaining transparent governance, sound financial controls, effective communications and valuable programming.”
Being accredited with distinction highlights the Chamber’s continuous efforts to serve as a resource for Oklahoma businesses while maintaining transparent governance, sound financial controls, effective communications and valuable programing, Schaeperkoetter said.
“This was important to us to signify that we are actually working towards a greater mission here. We want to be supporting the business community. We want to be showing them our free enterprise and pro-growth policies are working and implementing for businesses here in Oklahoma. It shows that at a federal and a state level, we are doing what needs to be done to support the businesses of Oklahoma,” she said.
