What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A Chamber of Commerce is a form of business network, for example, a local organization of businesses whose objective is to further the wellbeing and growth of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. Local businesses are members, and they elect a board of directors or executive council to set policy for the chamber. The board or council then hires a President, CEO or Executive Director, plus staffing appropriate to size, to run the organization.
Recognized chambers of commerce have been around since the year 1599 and still exist today.
In short, a Chamber of Commerce:
· is an organization made up of local business people to network and promote the interests of the business community
· should be viewed as your business partner. It is a valuable tool for any small business owner and it should be fully embraced
· is essential to the growth and in some cases the revitalization of a local area. While chambers of commerce do not directly influence political outcomes, they may try to influence or lobby local community leaders to pro-business stances
