Chamber News Release

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce hosted a celebration today to commemorate their recent designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a Five-Star Accredited Chamber, the second time they have been awarded the highest level of accreditation. President and CEO Bob Duffy and members of Greater Rochester Chamber’s leadership team outlined the extensive work required to apply for the designation.

“Our Greater Rochester Chamber team is built on the values of passion, integrity, collaboration, inclusion, and fierce commitment to our members and community,” said Bob Duffy, Greater Rochester Chamber President and CEO. “Receiving this highest distinction from the U.S Chamber of Commerce again underscores our role as the trusted partner, resource, and advocate for businesses and non-profits in Greater Rochester, New York. By adhering to high standards of organizational excellence, we are best equipped to drive economic vitality in our region. I want to thank our team for all of their hard work throughout this process, as well as our members for their ongoing engagement and support."

Members of the Greater Rochester Chamber board’s leadership as well as other community leaders weighed in on the announcement:

Rob Sands, Chair of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, said, "The five-star accreditation validates the incredible job Bob Duffy and the entire Chamber team has done in making our Chamber a leader in representing the interests of our business community and the 9 county region at large."

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is a fierce advocate for businesses across Monroe County and the region. Whether it’s navigating COVID, economic issues and more, Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy and his team are second to none in helping our businesses and economy succeed. Congratulations on receiving five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber, and thank you for all your hard work.”

“This five-star accreditation confirms what the City of Rochester and local Chamber members already know: the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is one of the nation’s best, and is making a powerful difference in our community,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Congratulations to Chamber President Bob Duffy, its board of directors, and its entire team for this incredible and well-deserved recognition. Thank you for all the work you do to move Rochester’s economy forward and to create and retain jobs in our region.”

"Chambers of commerce that achieve an accreditation designation are true leaders in their industry," says Raymond P. Towie, U.S. Chamber Vice President for Federation Relations. "This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber's policies, operations, and programming. It is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment."

The U.S. Chamber Accreditation Program provides an opportunity for independent assessment of a chamber's operations and effectiveness. Chambers are awarded a star ranking, with five stars reflecting high effectiveness in a range of required activities including Finances and Administration, Economic Development, Communications, and Government Affairs, as well as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Less than half of 1 percent of chambers nationally are rated 5-stars. Greater Rochester Chamber is one of just three five-star chambers in New York State, the others being the Buffalo-Niagara Partnership and the North Country Chamber. Greater Rochester Chamber was first accredited five years ago and must achieve reaccreditation every five years.

Among Greater Rochester Chamber commitments highlighted for excellence by the U.S. Chamber were business advocacy, efforts around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, impactful signature events, talent strategy initiatives, and its leadership role in helping the greater upstate New York business community navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

Since 1887, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has been the trusted partner, resource, and advocate for businesses and non-profits in Greater Rochester, NY. Together, we help the nine-county Finger Lakes region grow and thrive.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce of the United States is the world’s largest business organization. Members range from the small businesses and chambers of commerce across the country that support their communities, to the leading industry associations and global corporations that innovate and solve for the world’s challenges, to the emerging and fast-growing industries that are shaping the future.