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The Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce is one of 11 across the U.S. earning a special accreditation recently.

Monique Thierry, vice president of the Southwest and South Central Region U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the accreditation is for excellence in overall navigation of the communities as a chamber.

“What you do with your leadership, what you do to continue to provide help and assistance to the businesses and continue to grow this economy,” Thierry said.

The chambers were recognized for their ability to serve as a resource in their region.

“The Port Arthur chamber continues to excel in Texas,” she said. “We know in the nation that there are over 7,000 chambers, there are over 500 in Texas and not that many are accredited. There are about 589 that are accredited nationally, and in Texas it’s 41.”

Thierry gave kudos to the Port Arthur board, the volunteers, the elected officials and the businesses in attendance at Tuesday’s Leadership Luncheon held at Bob Bowers Civic Center.

The distinction comes with a plaque for the 5-star, top of the billing accreditation.

Thierry is familiar with the area and the movers and shakers with the chamber.

When she started the job she was working government affairs at the Chamber of Southwest in Southwest Louisiana and Lake Charles. This dates back to the time of Hurricane Rita, she said.

“And so we had the pleasure of getting to know our friends on this side of the Sabine and working together in a coalition effort to make people aware of the resources that we have here,” she said.

Thierry has had the pleasure to work with many chambers, business leaders and congressional members across the region, she said.

She paused her words to give praise to Joe Tant, the new president of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Board members joined together on stage to accept the plaque for the 5-star accreditation.