PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce with four-star accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. This is the third time the chamber's received the second-best rating offered by its national counterpart.

"We are thrilled that the Berkshire Chamber has earned a four-star rating for the third consecutive accreditation process," said Michael Supranowicz, president and chief executive officer. "We are one of only two chambers of commerce in Massachusetts and one of seven in the Northeast to have been awarded this rating. This prestigious honor puts the Berkshire Chamber among the top 4 percent of chambers nationwide."

Local chambers are rated accredited, three stars, four stars or five stars. State chambers are recognized as either an "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.

"Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively influencing action in their community," said Raymond P. Towle, the U.S. Chamber's executive director of political affairs and federation rlations. "We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise."

This is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs and technology. This self-review can take three to six months to complete.

The Berkshire Chamber is the largest organization of its kind in Berkshire County and one of the largest chambers in the state. For more information, visit www.berkshirechamber.com.