About
Information – History – What is a Chamber? – Why Join? – Functions
When you join a Chamber of Commerce, you become part of an institution. It’s a team of residents, growing local business and promoting the community as a whole.
- As a Chamber member you gain immediate access to the “Most Trusted Source for Local Information” – the Chamber of Commerce.
- As a Chamber member you become a part of a vibrant group of businesses with the advantage of a local referral network.
History of the Chamber of Commerce
Origin of the Chamber concept
The concept of various businesses joining together in a mutual effort to increase commerce had its beginnings in Europe hundreds of years ago. Primarily as a defensive tactic, traders banded together for protection against common enemies and to establish policies to govern trade. This was eventually extended as a means to exert influence on governments and legislation.
The first organization of businesses was evidently in Marseilles, France, where the first use of the term, “Chamber of Commerce” has been documented. This fledgling group was established by the city council in 1599 – over four centuries ago. The idea caught on and spread to Germany and eventually throughout Europe.
The concept comes to America
The modern Chamber of Commerce is more of an American development. The New York State Chamber is the oldest Chamber of Commerce in America, formed in 1768 and chartered by King George III in 1770. That makes it older than the Declaration of Independence, so Chambers of Commerce are not a new development.
Local chambers
The first local chamber was founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 1773. This was followed by New Haven, Connecticut and then to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1800. The trend spread rapidly across the country soon after. By 1870 there were 40 local Chambers of Commerce in the United States. Today there are over 5,000 Chambers of Commerce.
The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce has evolved from simply the protection and promotion of commerce to many of the things we have presented on this website. The primary function of protecting commerce remains the same, but it is interesting to follow the changes and adaptations of the Chamber functions through the years as chambers have adjusted to the changing needs of society. Today the role of Chambers of Commerce has expanded to address socioeconomic concerns and social needs, going far beyond its original intent several centuries ago.
The prosperity of individual businesses depends on the development of the community. The success of individual businesses serves to increase the prosperity of the community and the resulting prosperity bounces back to the benefit of the local business owner. It’s a win-win deal, as we have pointed out in other sections on this site.
National chamber
President William Howard Taft sent a letter to Congress in 1911 addressing the need for a “central organization “in order to “keep purely American interests in a closer touch with different phases of commercial affairs.” A few months later the U. S. Chamber was born.
The U. S. Chamber of Commerce began in 1912 and today claims a direct membership of 300,000 businesses and 3 million in state and local chambers. The U. S. Chamber of Commerce is not the same as local and state chambers, which focus on local and state issues. The U.S. Chamber is concerned with national issues and dealing with the federal government.
International chamber
The chamber concept functions on a global scale as well. The International Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the world. Founded in 1919, it now has hundreds of thousands of companies under its umbrella in over 130 countries. With headquarters in Paris, it is a watchdog of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
The primary purpose of the ICC is to promote trade and investment, an open market for goods and services and encourage the free flow of capital.
Chambers require free enterprise and private initiative
America as a nation stands for freedom and the Chamber concept can only be found where private initiative and free enterprise exist. Chambers of Commerce serve a function internationally, nationally and locally, with a proven record of success for the benefit of local business and commerce, as well as on a much larger scale.
Your chamber
Historically and to this day the Chamber of Commerce remains the most trusted source of information on local businesses and services and the most dependable ally in commerce. There is no better partner for success than your local Chamber of Commerce.
What is a Chamber of Commerce ?
The Chamber of Commerce is an interconnected group of businesses and professionals working together to increase local commerce and serve their communities more effectively than can be done individually.
There is a distinct advantage in combining efforts with other like-minded businesses and applying available technology effectively to expand your own business, while increasing global awareness of your community. The more your local business community grows, the more potential there is for your own business or service.
As a business person in today’s economy, it is imperative that you apply all the tools available to you in order to succeed. Many of the tools necessary for expanding your business and reaching potential customers and clients are only available to you through your local Chamber of Commerce.
Without the support of the Chamber and the technology available through Chambers of Commerce, it is much more difficult for an independent business to be successful in the turbulent economic seas prevalent today.
Prospective customers searching for reputable businesses through the internet or by traditional sources normally begin with the local Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber, in turn, can drive incoming business directly to you as a member.
Chambers of Commerce are not governmental organizations and receive no direct government funding. Each Chamber is a separate and independent entity and these individual entities are not connected by governance or funding.
The Chamber exists to serve its members. It provides the resources and tools you need. To maximize your success, membership in your Chamber of Commerce is a “no brainer.”
Why Should I Join the Chamber of Commerce?
Membership in the Chamber of Commerce offers many advantages for business success not enjoyed by non-members. The purpose of a Chamber is to assist you as a business owner by providing valuable tools to help you grow your business.
As a Chamber member you have many business advantages including the following:
- You are now part of a network of local businesses with similar community interests and concerns and are able to interact with like-minded business owners and professionals.
- You are a member of a team with a goal of increasing global awareness of your community and its commerce, as well as your individual business or service. You can speak in a unified voice regarding community and business issues.
- You have a platform from which to express opinions and offer information to the public. Through the use of available technology you can broadcast your business or service locally and globally.
- You have access to a public forum for community involvement, education, cultural activities, and public debate.
- You contribute to community pride by putting the community on display, promoting activities and events that present the chamber members as vibrant and involved.
- You have access to and may contribute to the community calendar, which is used to disseminate information on community events, business meetings and items of interest to chamber members, as well as the public.
- You are now listed in the Chamber’s powerful business directory, for easy access by other members, but primarily members of the public who may be looking for your business or service.
- You provide the public with a location where visitors can find information on the community and local businesses. Chamber members can utilize the headquarters for projects, business promotions, board meetings and various Chamber and business needs.
- You have full-time representation and full-time results.
- You have a “watchdog” protecting your interests politically and economically.
- You have access to the only recognized business support center in the community with online selling tools to increase your sales through the internet.
- You also have access to new technology which expands your web of influence, your access to information, and your ability to communicate through the internet and the use of mobile devices. This is an important application in today’s economy.
How Does the Chamber of Commerce Function?
The Chamber of Commerce is governed by a Board of Directors, which collects suggestions and information from Chamber members for consideration or action.
The Board sets general policy which is implemented by the executive staff. The Board is normally charged with selecting the President or leader. The Chamber staff consists of director(s), officers, or volunteer workers who may serve with or without pay. Full time Chamber executives and full-time staff are normally the only employees who are paid.
Here are some of the functions of your Chamber of Commerce:
- The Chamber is designed to support your business or service.
- The Chamber creates a legislative climate in which businesses can profit and increase employment, broadening the tax base.
- The Chamber identifies public issues, but avoids purely partisan political issues.
- The Chamber helps to create job opportunities through the stimulation of industrial and commercial growth.
- It encourages the improvement of community facilities and the development of human resources.
- The Chamber has the honor of presenting awards, acknowledging new business developments, and presenting dignitaries to the community.
- The Chamber exists to serve its members and the public, including welcoming tourists and new members of the community.
- The Chamber is often the mediator in disputes. This is a definite asset to the local community.
- The Chamber is the community mailroom, disseminating business and community information.
- The Chamber is the local fundraiser, event planner, and business promoter.
- The Chamber has many technological advantages, which are currently in use by many or on the horizon for others. Modern
Chambers provide members with significant promotional services and tools, which are valuable for local businesses and extremely valuable for home based businesses. Virtual business members are a growing segment of Chamber membership.
*Ralph Higgins is a writer for the Green Business Chamber and contributor to ChamberMe
Information courtesy of www.chamberme.com
