ROGERS — Northwest Arkansas is an example for the state, and the state is an example for the country in finding a way out of economic malaise, Gov. Mike Beebe said Monday.
Beebe spoke at a special meeting where it was announced that the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce received a five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The Rogers-Lowell chamber is one of 66 chambers in the country, and the only chamber in the state, to hold the U.S. chamber’s highest accreditation.
Beebe said that honor represents the region’s pro-business approach, a spirit he said will be necessary to improve the state and national economies.
The chamber goes through the accreditation process every five years, said Jennifer Haile, spokeswoman for the chamber. The chamber first received the five-star accreditation five years ago, the first time it was available, she said.
A news release from the Rogers-Lowell chamber stated that the accreditation process helps chambers understand what their responsibilities are and how to improve.
Win Hallett, chairman of the U.S. chamber’s accrediting board, said the Rogers-Lowell chamber’s accreditation reflects the expertise and enthusiasm of chamber employees and business owners.