The United States Chamber of Commerce has  awarded the Olathe Chamber of Commerce a Five-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures,and positive impact on the community. Fewer than one percent of the nation's chambers have earned this  level of designation from the organization.

L. Franklin Taylor, Olathe Chamber president, said the Olathe chamber is the first and only chamber in the state and in the Kansas City area to earn the rating.

The Olathe Chamber of Commerce, the largest chamber in Johnson County and the second largest in the Kansas City area.

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. To receive accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communication, and technology. The accreditation process is an intensive, three-to-six month process.

Chambers are rated Accredited, Three-Stars, Four-Stars, or Five-Stars. Only 41 chambers in the United States have earned a five-star ranking. Designations are made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.