News Briefs -- Chamber five-star accredited; Blackwell named to League of Cities board

The Osceola Chamber five-star accredited by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded The Osceola Chamber with its designation of Accredited with 5 Stars for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

The Osceola Chamber’s 2022 Chairman Kevin Crain spoke about the accreditation news, “Only 11 other Chambers in the state of Florida are accredited – and now we are the ninth with five stars. I thank The Osceola Chamber Board of Directors for supporting this effort and our outstanding Chamber staff for their relentless pursuit of this accolade, a well-deserved recognition of President Newstreet’s leadership and our staff’s dedication to excellence. I cannot wait to celebrate with my fellow directors and Chamber members.”

Added John Newstreet, The Osceola Chamber President/CEO, “The Chamber’s tagline states ‘Business Works Better Together,’ and it is to the credit of our members, board, Chairman, and staff that we were able to demonstrate that message to our accreditors and walk away with a distinction that puts us among the top 3% of Chambers in the United States. This result, from an extremely arduous process, validates the important and fulfilling work we collectively do every day as The Osceola Chamber. Thank you to my team, my leadership, and all of our partners, especially Chair Kevin Crain, whose vision now translates to an impressive legacy! It makes me proud to know that we do it as well as or better than every other Chamber in the country, but our work continues, and we invite each and every reputable business to join our ranks and help each other achieve greater success.”

Chairman Crain and President Newstreet will celebrate with The Osceola Chamber Board of Directors at their next board meeting on Dec. 15 at The Osceola Chamber.

Blackwell named to League of Cities board

St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell has been appointed to serve on the Florida League of Cities Board of Directors. Mayor Blackwell is the first Council member from the City of St. Cloud to be appointed to this board.

The Florida League of Cities serves the needs of the state’s cities and promotes local self-government. The Florida League of Cities represents more than 400 cities, towns and villages throughout Florida, helping to ensure that local decisions are made at the local level.

I am honored to be appointed to this board, and especially honored to be the first from St. Cloud to serve in this role,” Mayor Blackwell said.

Mayor Blackwell, who has served as City of St. Cloud Mayor since 2016, also serves on the Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors, and on the Executive Board of the Florida Tri-County League of Cities, of which he will be sworn in as President in December.