CofC obtains national accreditation from U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The CofC is now among a select group of State Chambers accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (Credit: © Mauricio Pascual)
The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce has been accredited as a “State Chamber” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, becoming one of just six to be certified as such throughout the nation.
The distinction was announced at the 2012 U.S. Chamber board meeting held Mar. 6, when the organization reviewed organizations for their excellence in chamber planning and performance. The rigorous process is based on a point scale awarded for several criteria, including pro-growth efforts as well as driving economic policies at the federal, state and local levels.
The local organization was selected among 221 of its peers that have been classified and which in turn are part of a universe of 6,936 U.S. chambers. With this accreditation, the Puerto Rico CofC is placed in the top 1 percent or above other chambers registered in the U.S., said its President, Salvador Calaf.
“This accreditation exceeds the five-star rating that we held, lasts five years and puts us in a select group composed by the Chambers of Commerce from Washington, Kentucky, Michigan, South Carolina and Oklahoma,” Calaf said upon revealing the information Thursday. “It is an honor and encourages us to continue our work for the island’s private sector particularly in the challenging times we live. Our work is and will remain proactive with the goal of promoting the island’s competitiveness.”
Local and regional chambers are rated “Accredited” or “Accredited with 3 Stars, 4 Stars, or 5 Stars” while state chambers are recognized as either “Accredited State Chamber” or “Accredited State Chamber with Distinction”, according to the U.S. CofC’s website.
“Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and positively influence their community,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber executive director of political affairs and federation relations. “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.”
The Puerto Rico CofC will mark its 100th anniversary next year.
