Just 41 of 6,936 chambers of commerce across the U.S. get the accreditation, which lasts for five years.

“This puts the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce in the top 1 percent of a very elite group,” Roger Gillespie, chairman of the local chamber, said Monday during the announcement of the accreditation.

“We should be extremely proud…it was a true team effort,” he said.

Chamber President Laurie Moran said the local chamber is the second in the state to achieve the accreditation.

Chambers must meet strict standards in nine areas in order to receive accreditation, including governance, government affairs, program development, human resources and staff development, finance, communications, facilities and technology, Gillespie said.

In addition, chamber benefits from accreditation include enhanced membership development, leadership development, realistic program development and justified pride in the organization, he said.

Moran and Gillespie said the recognition will enhance economic development in the region.

A solid and accomplished business-support system provides incentive for industries to locate to the area, Moran said.

Coy Harville, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said the recognition is another example of the region’s progress.

“It speaks highly of the Southside and how it’s maturing,” he said.

Danville Mayor Sherman Saunders agreed.

“We’re setting an example for others to follow,” he said.

Gillespie credited the chamber’s staff, board and volunteers for their hours spent on the application process for the accreditation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accrediting Board, a committee of chamber board members, ranks local chambers as accredited, 3-star, 4-star or 5-star.

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce has more than 720 members in the Dan River Region and aims to boost Southside Virginia by creating business growth and profitability.

Danville and Pittsylvania County merged their chambers of commerce in 2001. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations.

Contact John R. Crane at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (434) 791-7987.