About the Certification
The IACCE Chamber Certification Program promotes public awareness of the chamber of commerce brand as a non-profit community development business membership organization by providing a peer review process of generally accepted chamber of commerce organizational benchmarks.
Certification with IACCE defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The purpose of the IACCE Certification Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across Illinois.
By becoming an IACCE Certified Chamber of Commerce, chambers are recognized for sound business practices and for providing responsible and innovative programs to benefit their membership. IACCE is the professional development organization for Illinois chamber professionals. As such, it is our responsibility to guide chamber leaders and support each other.
Implementation
The IACCE Chamber Certification Program is voluntary. Any chamber that is accredited through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is exempt from all application requirements with proof of accreditation. Only IACCE members may apply. Application does not guarantee approval of verification. Certification is based on information provided in the application and is a recognition designation. IACCE is not endorsing the chamber in any legal manner and is not liable for the actions of any certified or uncertified chamber.
Submission Timeline
The deadline to submit applications is September 1st of each year. (No applications are accepted after this date.) Panels of at least three chamber professionals review and score each application. The fee to apply is $250 ($50 for U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accredited Chambers) and must be paid no later than September 31.
Newly certified chambers are recognized during the IACCE annual conference at the annual awards ceremony, including a presentation of an IACCE Certified Chamber of Commerce plaque.
IACCE Accredited Chambers
Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce (2021)
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (2022)
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce (2023)
McLean County Chamber of Commerce (2024)
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce (2025)