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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 13 awarded the Buffalo Niagara Partnership the prestigious 5-Star Accreditation designation in recognition of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and significant positive impact on the community it serves.

Five-Star Accreditation is a significant milestone and is valid for the next five years. The BNP's accomplishment places it among the very best in the industry, with only 197 chambers nationwide holding this elite status. The BNP is also one of just five 5-Star Accredited chambers in New York. This recognition is a reflection of exceptional leadership and impact, and it also underscores the BNP's contributions and role as a leader in the Western New York business community.

“Achieving the Accreditation designation is a significant accomplishment that underscores the chamber’s steadfast dedication to its community and its commitment to organizational excellence,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “This prestigious recognition places the chamber among the top in the industry, showcasing its exceptional leadership, meaningful contributions and critical role in driving growth, innovation, and opportunity within the business community.”

The U.S. Chamber's special recognition for the BNP included:

• The BNP’s Leadership Development Committee was recognized for its annual board evaluation process and its thoughtful approach to recruitment in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals.
• The BNP's leadership was commended for its partnership with neighboring chamber and economic development organizations to pursue a federal Tech Hub designation and grant funding.
• The BNP was recognized for its Executive Exchange and BNP Empower programs, as well as its Heard on the Hill events.
• The BNP developed a comprehensive Advocacy Agenda with clear policy priorities and a focus on regional growth.
• The BNP was noted for its Member Pulse Report, Industry Leaders Forums and the work of its Committee for Economic Growth.
• The BNP's facilitation of in-district meetings with member companies and elected officials, as well as its utilization of Voter Voice as an effective tool for grassroots education and engagement.
• The BNP was recognized for its leadership role on the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition as well as the Benefits Bridge Coalition.
• The BNP was recognized for its Committee for Economic Growth Political Action Committee.
• The BNP developed an excellent communications and marketing plan. It has clear goals and strategies, as well as measurable benchmarks for success. The chamber leverages a variety of tactics, channels and partnerships to achieve its marketing objectives.
• The BNP's thoughtful approach to the integration of emerging AI technologies, allowing for efficient staff operations and the delivery of data-backed insights to aid the organization in driving regional economic growth.
• The BNP's efforts to develop BNP @ the cobblestone was recognized and its work to foster a modern, technology driven environment that promotes collaboration, innovation and productivity was acknowledged.
• The BNP achieved a perfect score in Technology and Facilities.
• The BNP has developed an excellent Personnel Policies manual and a useful New Hire Orientation program.

The U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program sets the standard for excellence in the chamber industry, fostering a pro-business environment across the nation. To achieve Accreditation, chambers must meet high standards in areas such as governance, government affairs, communications and technology. This comprehensive self-review process typically takes six to nine months to complete and reflects a chamber’s dedication to continuous improvement and measurable progress.

Local chambers are rated as Accredited, 3 Stars, 4 Stars, or 5 Stars, while 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 and chamber CEOs from across the country.

This 5-Star designation is the highest possible achievement for a local chamber to earn as part of the Accreditation program, and it underscores the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s commitment to excellence and its role as a vital resource for the business community, fostering growth, innovation and opportunity for its members and the region it serves.