What Does A Chamber Of Commerce Do?
Many people and businesses have heard about their local Chamber of Commerce and in some cases may have been members previously but they are still not sure what they are all about and how they can benefit from being involved.
According to Wikipedia “A chamber of commerce (or board of trade) is a form of business network, for example, a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests 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 the size, to run the organization.”
Although a business may be a member of a national organization such as the Coin Laundry Association or the National Restaurant Association, and may even attend events to learn new ideas and connect with other owners, they haven’t considered joining their own local Chamber of Commerce.
An old saying about data was “garbage in, garbage out”, a similar phrase could be applied to your local Chamber ” nothing in, nothing out”. Signing up and never attending events, training, sponsoring events or supporting a committee may get you something in return but meeting local business people and talking about common issues and events will see an even greater return on your investment.
What if you attended the Ribbon Cutting for a new business in your community? Imagine how that new owner would feel that another business owner would take a few minutes out of their day to say “Welcome to the community, I remember when I first started my business how overwhelming it was. If you ever need any help or ideas I’m just around the corner.”
Listen as I talk with Kim Boyd of the Calhoun County Alabama Chamber of Commerce about what they do and how you can be involved.
If you are in another area, or even another country, you may hear some ideas that you can implement in your own local Chamber of Commerce.
You can contact Kim at
kimb@calhounchamber.com
1330 Quintard Ave, Anniston, AL 36201
(256) 237-3536
Ken
