DOVER — The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce has, for the third time, been awarded a 5-Star Accreditation designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s accreditation commission. This designation of accountability and credibility is not lightly awarded because it means that the chamber is performing at a higher level than 98% of others nationwide.

There are approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States. Of those, 199 are accredited by the U.S. chamber. Beyond regular accreditation, chambers are encouraged to “level up” to star designations by demonstrating extra programs and services they offer that will have a positive impact on their communities. Chambers can be awarded three, four or five stars by undergoing an exhaustive comparison to the chambers in our country that have been deemed the best.

The Central Delaware branch was awarded three stars in 2008 and then five in 2013, 2018 and 2023. Of those 199 accredited chambers, 146 have achieved five stars, including the CDCC. This designation places us in the top 2% of chambers in the U.S.

In addition to meeting all requirements in the nine sections of the regular accreditation process, the Central Delaware chamber has been given special recognition for several resources that impact the community in a profoundly positive way.

The CDCC was commended for its comprehensive process to develop an annual public policy agenda and was recognized for fostering an excellent working relationship with elected officials through frequent trips to meet lawmakers in the General Assembly to discuss priority issues for the business community. It was also noted for its commitment to having someone on staff whose role, in part, is to spearhead this kind of activity and focus on growing its grassroots network. The chamber’s Legislative Luncheon, Capital Reception and candidate interviews were acknowledged, too.

The chamber’s diamond program, Leadership Central Delaware, was highlighted, as well as its many partnerships with other like-minded organizations in the area, including Dover Air Force Base. The State of the Base Briefing and Military Affaire reception were also mentioned as impactful.

The robust communications and marketing plan of the CDCC — which includes a variety of tactics to reach its members, such as broadcast emails, the widely read Chamber Connections newspaper with member news and two Facebook Live broadcasts each week — were commended, along with our excellent relationship with the Daily State News. The chamber’s Technology Committee, which has worked tirelessly to make several improvements that assist members, increase staff efficiency and streamline processes, was lifted up in the final report, as well.

Internally, the CDCC was noted for its comprehensive “Leadership Guide and Committee Handbook,” used to train and guide members of its board of directors, plus its Board Orientation Program. The way that the group recognizes volunteers was also seen as excellent, as was its employee evaluation process. And finally, the chamber’s member retention efforts, including its 5-Star Journey Map to Engagement, were deemed noteworthy.

According to a group of independent evaluators from the U.S. chamber who have visited and studied countless chambers all across America, these items — which fell into the category of “Special Recognition and Areas of Note” — are items that the CDCC does better than most chambers in the country. The services not only assist members in growing their businesses but also pack a powerful punch when it comes to business life here in central Delaware.

If you are looking for educational opportunities to learn strategies and examine new trends; if you seek opportunities to influence public policy in ways that help lawmakers create business-friendly legislation; if you need new ways to tell the story of your business; or if you yearn for opportunities to connect with other businesses in the area, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce is built on a foundation of four pillars: Education, Legislation, Marketing and Networking. The chamber is the essential resource for the development of businesses in central Delaware.
If you are on a quest to find an agency that will walk alongside you and your business as you navigate opportunities for growth, the CDCC has everything you need, according to the experts.

To explore membership or for information, contact us at cdcc.net or 302-734-7513.