June 2025 -The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it has earned official Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, placing it among an elite group of chambers nationwide recognized for excellence in leadership, governance, and member service. This distinguished honor affirms the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to driving economic vitality, supporting local businesses, and elevating the Finger Lakes region as a premier place to live, work, and visit.

“Chambers of commerce that achieve an Accreditation designation are leaders in the industry,” says 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.”

The U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program promotes excellence within the chamber industry and supports a pro-business environment nationwide. To earn Accreditation, a chamber must meet high standards across nine key areas: human resources, program development, membership, governance, facilities, government affairs, communications, benchmarking, and technology. For the Watkins Glen Area Chamber, this extensive self-review is a process more than two and a half years in the making.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and strategic vision of our team and board of directors,” says Nigar Hale, Executive Director of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to serve the Schuyler County business community and honored to be recognized on a national level for the high standards we uphold. We continue to strive for excellence in all that we do—for our members, stakeholders, and community.”

Out of more than 7,000 chambers of commerce across the country, only 190 currently hold Accredited status. The Watkins Glen Area Chamber now joins an elite group of just six Accredited chambers in New York State and fewer than 3% nationwide.