The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded the prestigious 5-Star Accreditation, one of the highest honors from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business advocacy organization. The recognition places the Paducah Chamber among the nation’s top 1% of all chambers of commerce. Of the approximately 7,500 chambers in the United States, only 145 have earned recognition as a 5-Star Accredited chamber. In Kentucky, there are five chambers with 5-Star ratings including the Kentucky Chamber, Bowling Green, Christian County, Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), and Paducah.

The accreditation process takes place every five years. This is the second consecutive time the Paducah Chamber has earned a 5-Star rating.

“We are thrilled to have been recognized again with the 5-Star Accreditation,” said Sandra Wilson, Paducah Chamber President/CEO. “Not only is it an accomplishment to earn 5-Stars, but it is equally important to keep it. We have worked hard to maintain this Accreditation as a reflection of excellence for our business community.”

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. This ranking reflects the chamber’s dedication to serving both 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.

“Accredited chambers of commerce are impactful advocates for the business community,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM.  “Accreditation 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. It is an extraordinary accomplishment.” 

In order to be considered for accreditation, a chamber must complete a detailed application outlining nine areas of organizational structure including governance, finance, human resources, government affairs, program development, technology, communication, facilities and benchmarking. 

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. 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. 

The Paducah Chamber is the region’s largest business advocacy organization.