OSHKOSH (6/8/2026) —The Oshkosh Chamber has once again earned the prestigious 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest designation awarded to chambers nationwide. The recognition reflects the Chamber’s commitment to organizational
excellence, strong governance, sound financial and operational practices, and meaningful impact on the business community it serves.
The Oshkosh Chamber has maintained 5-Star Accreditation since 1992, successfully renewing the designation every five years through a rigorous evaluation process. The accreditation recognizes chambers that demonstrate excellence in areas including governance, finance, advocacy, communications, technology, and member programming.
The Oshkosh Chamber is currently one of only two chambers in Wisconsin to hold the coveted 5-Star distinction. The other is the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, which received its 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2024. Oshkosh Chamber is one of 195 recognized chambers nationwide to be awarded the 5-Star Accreditation, and to lead the ranks of over 7000 chambers across the nation. Organizations like the Oshkosh Chamber represent the highest standard of chamber excellence in Wisconsin.
“Receiving this recognition speaks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and members who work every day to strengthen the Oshkosh community,” said Rob Kleman, President and CEO of the Oshkosh Chamber. “Advocating for businesses, supporting economic development, and creating opportunities for education, networking, and talent and leadership growth are at the heart of what we do. Everything we do is focused on helping make Oshkosh a place where people and businesses can live, work, and grow.”
“This recognition reflects the strength of the partnership between our Chamber staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, investors, and members,” said Chris Nimis, Chair of the Oshkosh Chamber Board of Directors. “For more than three decades, the Oshkosh Chamber has maintained the
highest standards of excellence while remaining focused on what matters most—supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities that strengthen our entire community. We are proud to see those efforts recognized at the national level through this 5-Star Accreditation.”
“Earning the Accreditation designation is an extraordinary accomplishment and a mark of excellence for a chamber’s organization, staff, and leadership,” said Raymond P. Towle, Vice President, Federation Relations and Coalition Partnerships at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Achieving Accreditation reflects the completion of a comprehensive and challenging evaluation—an extensive, rigorous review of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming—as well as its leadership and impact in the community. This distinction recognizes chambers of commerce representing the very best of our industry and validates their role as advocates for their business communities. Accredited chambers demonstrate strong leadership, transparent governance practices, and an unwavering commitment to delivering impactful programs and services that help make their regions a place where workers, businesses, and citizens can thrive.”
The U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program facilitates continuing excellence in the chamber industry and fosters a pro-business environment across America. To receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of
governance, finance, human resources, government affairs, communications, and technology. This extensive self-review can take six to nine months to complete.
Local and regional chambers are rated “Accredited,” “Accredited with 3 Stars,” “Accredited with 4 Stars,” or “Accredited with 5 Stars.” The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber of Commerce board members and qualified chamber CEOs from across the country.
As the highest possible achievement in the Accreditation program for local chambers of commerce, this Five-Star designation recognizes the Oshkosh Chamber as a leader in the chamber industry. It underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to excellence, affirming its vital role as an advocate and resource for a strong local business community, while fostering growth, innovation, and opportunity for its members and the region it serves.
About the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
For more than 100 years, the Oshkosh Chamber has served as the advocate and guardian of business and industry to support the thriving Oshkosh and northeast Wisconsin region. As a five-star accredited Chamber, our non-profit represents over 900 members, from small businesses to international corporations.
