The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) has once again achieved 5-Star Accreditation status from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is the second consecutive 5-Star rating for the CDCC.

Accreditation recognizes excellence in Chamber planning and performance. There are four tiers for this accomplishment: general Accreditation, then 3-Star, 4-Star, and 5-Star Accreditation. This means not only has the Chamber demonstrated it meets the high standards necessary to be granted Accreditation, it has gone above and beyond the minimum requirements to be awarded the 5-Star designation.

Achieving this Accreditation places the CDCC in the top three percent of all Chambers in the United States. There are just over 7,000 Chambers in the U.S.; of which, 208 are accredited. Only 120 have achieved 5-Star status. The CDCC is the only chamber in the state of Delaware to be accredited in any fashion.

“To be recognized as a 5-Star chamber of commerce is something we should all take great pride in,” said Sean Mace, Chairman of the CDCC Board. “This designation says your chamber of commerce, the CDCC, operates at the highest standards in the nation and is making a positive difference in central Delaware. I am so pleased that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has again recognized the hard work and dedication of Judy Diogo and the CDCC staff for their exemplary drive and dedication.”

5-Star Chambers achieve this rating by providing excellence in program delivery, for being member-centric, for representing their members in an exemplary fashion, for having excellence in the governing and financial management of the organization, and for using best practices to serve their members.

“We are very excited to have once again achieved a 5-Star Accreditation,” stated Judy Diogo, President of the CDCC. “What this means to us as staff is that the programs, events, publications and legislative representation we are providing to our members is some of the best Chambers can offer. We give our best because our members deserve the best!”

The CDCC was first accredited in 1975. Since then, it has been awarded accreditation eight consecutive times; earning 3-Star designation in 2008 and the first 5-Star designation in 2013. The status is valid for a period of five years.

Diogo added: “What this means to our members is that they are absolutely receiving a return on their investment in the CDCC. Our members can be proud of this 5-Star Accreditation - they helped us get there!”

For more information about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accreditation program, visit http://www.uschamber.com/chambers/accrediation.