As of November 13, 2025, that the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce has earned 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is the highest level of achievement, placing the Bastrop Chamber among the top 2% of all chambers of commerce nationwide.

The Accreditation Program, established in 1964 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is the only program of its kind. It defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, governance, and programming.

When a chamber earns Accreditation, it is widely recognized throughout the industry as a mark of excellence for the organization, its leadership, and its staff. It validates that the Chamber delivers programs that strengthen the local economy, advocate for business interests, and positively influence the entire community.

Out of 7,000 chambers of commerce across the United States, fewer than 200 are currently accredited, and only a 154 hold the prestigious 5-Star designation like the Bastrop Chamber. In Texas, 32 chambers have reached this level of recognition, making Bastrop’s achievement especially significant.

For our members, this recognition means the Bastrop Chamber is operating at the highest level of accountability, transparency, and performance. It ensures that our programs and advocacy efforts are not only meeting but exceeding national standards.

This milestone reflects the Chamber’s commitment to its mission: “To improve business prosperity and the quality of life in Bastrop County, through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration.”

 

Accredited chambers have meaningful and impactful programming; they have demonstrated organizational strength and sound financial practices. They deliver results on community and regional policy priorities and have a variety of engaged members and active volunteers.

Accreditation is a mark of high distinction. Out of the nearly 7,000 chambers of commerce nationwide, only 199 chambers currently hold an Accreditation designation. This means that approximately 3% of chambers across the country have met and maintained the criteria to call themselves U.S. Chamber Accredited.

 

On November 9, 2023, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce joined this elite group. Not only did the chamber achieve an Accreditation designation, but the organization also earned the high honor of becoming Accredited with 4-Stars. This designation recognizes the high-quality expertise and strong leadership displayed by the Board of Directors and Chamber staff at the Bastrop Chamber and reaffirms the outstanding work of the Bastrop Chamber. It also sets the Bastrop Chamber on a path of excellence as it demonstrates a commitment to striving for continuous improvement against measurable benchmarks.