(ROCKPORT AND FULTON, TX) The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce announced today that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Rockport-Fulton Chamber with the Five-Star Accredited designation, the highest such designation in the Chamber industry.

This is the third time (re-apply every five years) the Chamber has earned the distinction.

"Each day, our Chamber works hard to put the American dream within reach of hardworking Rockport-Fulton business owners. The U.S. Chamber Accreditation designation tells Chamber members and the Rockport-Fulton business community that we have effective programs, sound finances and we are strong advocates for their interests," said Diane Probst, CCE, Rockport-Fulton Chamber President/CEO.

The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce is one of only twenty-one Chambers in Texas to hold the 5-Star distinction.

Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in Chamber planning and recognizes Chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The purpose of the U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the Chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America.

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes Chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a Chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

"Only 204 chambers carry this distinction out of approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States. These strong Chambers represent the top 3% of all Chambers in the United States. And only 128, less than 2 percent of these Chambers are accredited at the highest 5-Star level," added Probst. "We achieved a perfect score in five of the nine sections: human resources, program development, technology, communications, and facilities. This designation is the Rockport-Fulton Chamber's third time to be recognized with 5-stars and we are very proud of this accomplishment."

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 Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce represents almost 800 businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals. Since 1952 the Chamber, as a catalyst for business growth; a convener of leaders and influencers; and a champion for a stronger community, has served as a unified voice of actively advocating for a strong economy. Through strong promotion of the community and businesses, leadership training on all levels, advocacy programming, networking opportunities galore, and constant efforts to build the economy, the Chamber stays steady and focused to achieve results.

“The entire Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce team, board, staff and members contributed to this accomplishment,” said Blake McDavid, chairman of the board of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce. He continues “at the first of the year, we developed two-person team chairs for the nine areas of the application. These teams then went and recruited committee members for their area. They met several times but stayed focused on completing their area in full. Then the staff of the Chamber pulled it all together. We had more than 60 people bringing this project to fruition. It takes a strong team to make something like this happen for a small community. We are so grateful to everyone for their efforts and support,” concludes McDavid.

For more information, contact the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce visit www.rockport-fulton.org or stop by the Visitor Center at 319 Broadway St., Rockport, TX 78382.

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For the newly released June 2020 statistical information, click here.