The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that after a comprehensive self-review, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded us with 5-Star Accreditation. This prestigious honor puts us among the top 1% of chambers nationwide, with only six Chambers receiving this distinguished 5-Star rating this year. “While the application process itself took six to eight months to complete, it has taken more than five years to build this Chamber to a 5-Star level,” said Sonia Douglas, vice president and COO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. “A sharp focus on the needs of businesses, the flexibility to meet those needs, and a drive to help our members excel – that is the Chamber’s ultimate mission and the reason we can say with pride that we are now in the top 1% of chambers in the nation!” The only national program recognizing chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement, Accreditation allows us to renew, improve, and promote sound business practices, policies and procedures. 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. For more information, please visit www.gainesvillechamber.com/5-Star_Accreditation.aspx or www.uschamber.com/chambers/accreditation/default.