NEW YORK: The Knoxville Chamber this week was given Five-Star accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in recognition primarily of its services to the community’s businesses and its pursuit of economic development, said Knoxville Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Edwards.
The prestigious award isn’t granted lightly. The U.S. Chamber says only 102 of its currently more than 7,000 member chambers have qualified for the top level of accreditation.
“It’s a pretty big deal for us,” Edwards said. “The award goes to the chamber as an entity, but it reflects on our business community overall and how well they operate and function. It was awarded to the chamber as their representative.”
This is the first time the Knoxville Chamber has won the Five-Star rating, Edwards said.
“The criteria are very selective,” he said. “First, you have to have the accomplishments. But the recognition isn’t just for the things people see. It’s also about the methodologies we use in the programs we have, along with the results they produce. You have to be able to demonstrate that your methodologies are valid.”
While overall economic-development success, especially in attracting major new businesses, is a key element of the award, “helping small companies grow is every bit as important,” Edwards said.
“Most of our member companies have 20 employees or less,” he said. “But while we’re thought of as helping the really big companies, we also concentrate on helping the small businesses as well. It’s what chambers exist for — their role is to help local companies to succeed.
“In doing so, we’re growing jobs and providing an economy for everything a community needs to be great, including the tax base.”
Edwards said the Knoxville Chamber has been around since 1869, and has always been responsive to the needs of the business community. It has also worked diligently throughout the years to keep up with the changing business environment.
“While the actual work we do has changed with the way businesses operate, especially now in the global economy, every step of the way our chamber has evolved to meet changing needs,” he said.
In a statement, the chamber said the ranking “reflects the organization’s dedication to serving its members and the business community at large, by operating efficiently, being innovative and collaborative, providing members with resources to help their businesses grow, and contributing to positive change in the community.”
“While it is the organization that receives this recognition, the credit goes to our members, who volunteer their time, expertise, and money, and empower our staff to focus on our mission of driving regional economic prosperity each and every day,” Edwards said.
“In reality, it should be a 2,200-star accreditation, one star representing each of our member businesses, because we wouldn’t be here if it were not for them,” he said.
To be considered for accreditation, each chamber must complete a detailed application outlining nine areas of organizational structure that include governance, finance, human resources, government affairs, program development, technology, communication, facilities, and benchmarking, the Knoxville Chamber said.
“Every great city or region in the United States has a strong chamber of commerce that helps to foster a pro-business environment and grow quality jobs,” said Robyn Askew, chair of the Knoxville Chamber’s board of directors. “Our community should be proud of the work being accomplished by the Knoxville Chamber’s staff, and this national recognition further validates that.”
