For Immediate Release
November 18, 2025
*****PRESS RELEASE*****
LINCOLN, NE. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce the prestigious Accreditation designation in recognition of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and significant positive impact on the community it serves.
The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is one of only 197 Chamber nationwide to earn accreditation (154 with 5-star accreditation), and one of four Chambers in Nebraska to achieve 5-star accreditation. Accreditation lasts for a period of five years, which means the Lincoln Chamber will continue its 5-star accreditation status through at least 2030.
“We are thrilled the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has again extended the Lincoln Chamber its highest rated accreditation, an honor we have held since 2003,” said Jason Ball, President & CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. “Five-star accreditation is a demonstration that the business community of Lincoln, and the staff of the Lincoln Chamber, Visit Lincoln and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development are all functioning at the highest industry standard, and more importantly, making a difference for Lincoln businesses,” Ball adds.
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.
“I was excited to learn that the Chamber had again achieved a five-star accreditation but was not surprised,” said Russ Gronewold, CEO of Bryan Health and 2025 Chamber Board Chair. “As board chair, I have seen the work of the Chamber staff this past year up close—they are a dedicated and passionate group of professionals that take the work of economic growth in Lincoln seriously. This is well deserved recognition from the U.S. Chamber, and we congratulate the team for it,” Gronewold concludes.
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.
“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.”
This Five-Star designation is the highest possible achievement for a local chamber to earn as part of the Accreditation program, and it underscores the Lincoln Chambers’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.
CHRIS WHITNEY| COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
3 LANDMARK CENTRE | 1128 LINCOLN MALL, SUITE 100 | LINCOLN, NE 68508
P : 402.436.2376 | CWHITNEY@LCOC.COM| WWW.LCOC.COM
