The honor was bestowed at the annual ACCE Convention in Los Angeles Thursday, Aug. 4.

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, Texas, Chamber being the other.

Only 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.

On Aug. 3, Lafayette Chamber President and CEO Rob Guidry and Vice President of Operations Cydra Wingerter represented Lafayette at the finalist interviews during the 2011 Annual Convention. The interview served as an opportunity for a panel of seasoned Chamber professionals to further explore Lafayette's programs and management practices.

The Lafayette Chamber staff was present during the award announcement Thursday night.

The national recognition is the latest for the Lafayette Chamber. Earlier in 2011, the Chamber earned reaccreditation with a five-star rating from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The five-star accreditation places the Lafayette Chamber in the top one percent of the near 7,000 Chambers in the United States.