The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has dropped the accreditation level for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce from a five-star rating to a three-star rating.

Chamber President Chris Hardy said Wednesday that the change is a disappointment, but not one that will impact members.

"Most of the recommendations received were referencing programs or initiatives that the U.S. Chamber feels we should work toward, specifically regarding Government Relations," Hardy said. "None of the recommendations received referenced the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce as not performing our duties and not providing a high level of value to our members. Actually the recommendations were to the contrary, they were items we can look at as an organization and determine if these additions to our annual program of work fit our Chamber and business community."

Based on a point system, the three-star level puts Albany on par with chambers in Bainbridge, Monroe and Jonesboro. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Georgia has 19 accredited chambers, eight three-star chambers, two four-star chambers and seven five-star chambers.

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