Hyannis, MA: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce a 4-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. This prestigious honor recognizes the Chamber as one of the top-performing chambers in the country.
“Chambers of commerce that achieve an Accreditation designation are leaders in the industry,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming. When chambers earn the distinction of becoming Accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership. They are commended for their continued advocacy of free enterprise and for their commitment to serving members and their local businesses.”
Of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the U.S., there are currently only 190 Accredited chambers, and just three in Massachusetts. The Cape Cod Chamber is now one of only 190 chambers to achieve a 4-Star designation, representing the top three percent of chambers nationwide.
The U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program promotes excellence in the chamber industry and fosters a pro-business environment across America. To receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet strict standards in governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This comprehensive self-review process takes approximately 6–9 months to complete.
“Over the past few years, we’ve worked hard to align everything we do—our policies, programs, and operations—with the highest standards in the industry,” said Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. “Earning this 4-star accreditation is a real validation of that effort, and a strong endorsement of our commitment to delivering value for our members and building a strong future for Cape Cod.”
As part of the Accreditation process, the Cape Cod Chamber received special recognition for several key areas of excellence, including:
- Innovative board-led initiatives such as the Cape-Based Commercial Driver’s License Training Programs.
- Robust internal governance and planning, including its strategic planning process, new employee onboarding, performance evaluations, and clear job descriptions.
- Strong cybersecurity and technology infrastructure, including deployment of a Zero Trust Framework, a comprehensive technology plan, and continuous staff training.
- Professional development investment, including active staff participation in national leadership programs like Institute for Organization Management and the Business Leads Fellowship.
- Award-winning tourism and marketing efforts, with data-driven campaigns, targeted advertising, and a consistent brand identity through its style guide.
- Regional advocacy and public policy leadership, including a comprehensive 2025 Legislative Agenda, participation in major statewide councils and task forces, and ongoing collaboration with lawmakers through trips, roundtables, and coalitions.
- A model working environment, achieving a perfect score in the Facilities section and being commended for its safety protocols, on-site consultant engagement, and staff first aid training.