By Morgan Bryce
Opelika Observer
During its annual meeting, the Opelika Chamber of Commerce received four-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, making it one of 10 cities in the country to receive such high recognition this year.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website, accreditation is earned when a chamber of commerce accomplishes the following: reviewing, improving and promoting strong business practices; recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to the community; supporting the principles of free enterprise and promoting pro-growth policies at federal, state and local levels; and establishing best practices and staying in-step with industry changes.
Pamela Gregory, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce manager in the chamber’s Southeastern region, spoke on the great work that Opelika’s chamber has done.
“The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is one of five accredited chambers in the state, and one of the 201 accredited chambers out of the total of the 7,000 cities with chambers of commerce in the country,” Gregory said. “Not only have you met the requirements for accreditation, you’ve exceeded and gone beyond the requirements, and for that, you’ve received a four-star accreditation designation.”
President of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Barbara Patten said she was excited about the chamber’s recognition.
“I’m thrilled on behalf of myself and everyone here at the chamber,” Patten said. “I believe this accreditation shows how hard our chamber works and I hope that the citizens of Opelika see that as well. We work every day to improve and make Opelika the best place to be.”
Mayor Gary Fuller was also pleased with the chamber’s accreditation.
“I think the folks over at the chamber ought to be highly complimented and commended for their efforts to the city of Opelika,” Fuller said. “They always place Opelika first and foremost. I am very proud to be a part of a town with a chamber of commerce like ours,” Fuller said.