ACCE recognized the Lafayette Chamber for excellence in operations, member services, and community leadership. The Lafayette Chamber was one of two finalists in its category; the Longview, TX Chamber being the other. This is a tremendous honor that only up to four chambers in four categories may receive annually recognizing the chamber as among the best in the nation. Applicants for the award are judged by a panel of peers and previous award recipients from across the country.

The Chamber President & CEO Rob Guidry and V.P. of Operations Cydra Wingerter represented Lafayette at the finalist interviews during the 2011 Annual Convention in Los Angeles, CA on Wednesday, August 3, 2011. The interview serves as an opportunity for a panel of seasoned chamber professionals to further explore the chamber's programs and management practices.The Chamber staff was present during the award announcement last night, Thursday, August 4, 2011.

The national recognition is the latest for the Lafayette Chamber. Earlier in 2011, the Chamber earned reaccreditation with a five star rating from the United States Chamber of Commerce. It is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The five star accreditation places the Lafayette Chamber in the top one percent of the near 7,000 chambers in the United States.