FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - <11/13/2025>

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awards

Bastrop Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation

<BASTROP, TEXAS> The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce the prestigious 5-Star Accreditation designation in recognition of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and significant positive impact on the community it serves.  The Bastrop Chamber joins an elite list of the top 2% of Chambers in the United States, with only 154 out of over 7,000 Chambers achieving 5-Star Accreditation.  In Texas, only 32 out of 716, or 4.5%, Chambers of Commerce are 5-Star Accredited.

“Accreditation is a rigorous, months-long process that evaluates every aspect of chamber operations - from governance and finance to advocacy, programming, and member engagement,” stated Becki Womble, President & CEO of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce.  “This 5-Star rating affirms that we operate with integrity, accountability, and strategic vision that meets and exceeds national benchmarks.”

This achievement belongs to the past and present staff, Board of Directors, and members who believe in the power of the Bastrop business community. It’s been a years-long process, but 5-Star Accreditation is not the finish line, it's the foundation for our next chapter of growth, impact, and success.

“Achieving the Accreditation designation is a significant accomplishment that underscores the chamber’s steadfast dedication to its community and its commitment to organizational excellence,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “This prestigious recognition places the chamber among the top in the industry, showcasing its exceptional leadership, meaningful contributions, and critical role in driving growth, innovation, and opportunity within the business community.”

The U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program sets the standard for excellence in the chamber industry, fostering a pro-business environment across the nation. To achieve Accreditation, chambers must meet high standards in areas such as governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This comprehensive self-review process typically takes 6-9 months to complete and reflects a chamber’s dedication to continuous improvement and measurable progress.

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

This 5-Star designation is the highest possible achievement for a local chamber to earn as part of the Accreditation program, and it underscores the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to excellence and its role as a vital resource for the business community, fostering growth, innovation, and opportunity for its members and the region it serves.

The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce ‘s mission is “To improve business prosperity and the quality of life in Bastrop County, through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration.” Currently, the Chamber serves nearly 800 members throughout Bastrop County and Central Texas and is consistently ranked in the Top 5 Largest Chambers by the Austin Business Journal.

To learn more and/or join the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.bastropchamber.com.

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