Local chambers have ample experience boosting development in their communities. They are also able to muster grass roots support for a national agenda that benefits all businesses. In turn, the local chambers' standing in their own communities is strengthened by their connection to the national chamber and adherence to sound membership service standards. The US Chamber of Commerce has promoted such standards in its accreditation program. It also gives a local area's business community proof positive that the organization is doing a good job of representing its interests.
Accreditation is a method for a national chamber to promote quality among local chambers.
This will likely become more important as local chambers gain prominence in economic decentralization trends. To be eligible for accreditation, local US chambers must be members of the US Chamber. In addition, a local chamber must have been in operation for at least three years. On average the accreditation process takes one year. In the first step, the US Chamber provides A Guide to Organization Analysis , a detailed questionnaire that local chambers use to evaluate all aspects of their operations and find ways to improve them.