LANSING, Mich., June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded its highest level of accreditation to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce for its sound operations and effective legislative and political agenda.

The Michigan Chamber received a rating of Accredited, with Distinction, putting it among the top three percent of chambers nationwide. It is one of only six state chambers accredited by the U.S. Chamber and one of only four state chambers accredited with distinction. Of the 6,936 chambers of commerce in the United States, only 223 meet the standard set by the national chamber for accreditation.

"We are proud of our partnership with the U.S. Chamber and honored to be recognized for getting the job done for our members," said Rich Studley, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber. "This accreditation is proof of our commitment to improve our own organization even as we continue the important work to reinvent our state and move Michigan forward.

"This recognition is also a compliment to the volunteer leaders and members of the Michigan Chamber for their commitment to leadership and organizational excellence and to Chamber staff who worked long and hard on a lengthy application," Studley added.

Reforms championed by the Michigan Chamber this legislative session are saving job providers an estimated $3,984 per employee each year, spurring new jobs and investment in Michigan's future. The state chamber is also helping member companies become active participants in efforts to reform state and local government, while providing important services to help job providers manage their enterprises.

"Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively influencing action in their community," said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber Executive Director of Political Affairs and Federation Relations. "We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise."

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. To be accredited, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs and technology.

State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. One of every 2.6 employees in Michigan works for a Chamber member firm. The Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce