Surry Business

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce its “3-Star Accreditation” for sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community.

“Accreditation recognizes chambers for their high standards of practice, full accountability to members and steadfast commitment to community,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.”

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 or surpass minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs and technology. It is the result of an extensive self-review that can take three to six months to complete. Local chambers are rated as Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars or 5-Stars. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.

President and CEO Betty Ann Collins said the Mount Airy chamber’s staff was elated when they heard the news

“It was quite a process and proved to be an eye-opener for everyone who worked toward the completion of the application,” she said.

“The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce continues to act as the leading advocate for local business by providing valuable benefits and services in a financially responsible manner to our membership. Being recognized in the top four percent of all chambers in the United States and in the top 37 percent of national accredited chambers is quiet an honor. We thank the U.S. Chamber for recognizing the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce and the quality of our chamber’s efforts. We consider it a real honor to work with our business community and we pledge to continue to operate at the highest standards.”

The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocate organization in Surry County. It sponsors the Autumn Leaves Festival that annually attracts tens of thousands of visitors in October. Its office in the Mount Airy Downtown Historic District, a former bank building at 202 N. Main, also houses the community visitors center.

The chamber will have its annual awards luncheon at noon March 27 in Cross Creek Country Club.