FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
March 15, 2005
Contact: Beth  Stockner
Communications and Events

U.S. Chamber Announces Local Accreditation Awards
Bristol Chamber of Commerce Wins 5-Star  Rating

Bristol, TN/VA - The United States Chamber of Commerce  awarded the  Bristol Chamber of Commerce with a 5-Star Accreditation for its effective organizational procedures and outstanding  contribution to positive change in the community. The Bristol Chamber of Commerce was one of four chambers across the country to receive this award at  the February 28, 2005 U.S. Chamber board meeting. Thirty-two chambers were recognized with some level of accreditation at the meeting. Only 10 Chambers in the entire nation currently hold this level of accreditation.

"Accreditation is one of the highest honors bestowed on local chambers fighting for pro-growth and jobs policies at the federal, state, and local level," said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber President and CEO. "We are proud to  recognize the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and its members for helping to advance the principles of free enterprise - the bedrock of this prestigious award."

To achieve accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations  and programs, including: communications, governance, government affairs, and technology. The final rating, Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars, depends on the chamber's ability to successfully meet additional criteria, including: accountability, financial transparency,  employee involvement, political advocacy, and community involvement. The  accrediting board, a panel of U.S. Chamber board members, votes on the final accreditation.

The  Accreditation Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only one of its  kind to monitor the dynamic chamber of commerce industry. Rolled out in 1964,  the Accreditation Program was developed by a team of chamber executives and the  U.S. Chamber of Commerce for continuous improvement of local chambers of  commerce.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation,  representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. For more information about  our accreditation, please contact Lisa Meadows, President and CEO, or Paula  Hurt, Vice President Finance and Administration or visit  www.uschamber.com.