Articles
How to Make Your Local Chamber of Commerce Serve You Better
By Dennis Mahoney , Article from and Courtesy of ChamberBiz.com
Jul 18, 2006, 14:57

In through the front door 
Local chambers of commerce thrive in most communities. They consist of business owners, organizations and community members working to advance the commercial, financial, industrial and civic interests of their neighborhoods. For members, chambers provide leadership, support and networking opportunities. For communities, they promote business visibility to residents and visitors. 

Chambers serve all-sized businesses 
Small- and medium-sized businesses can link to a network of similar businesses. These networks introduce new prospects and generate better ways to manage and grow a business. They extend news about a business, product or service to the public by word of mouth, sometimes the best form of advertising. 

Why Join a Chamber of Commerce? 

• Network with similar business owners 

• Amplify your voice in regulatory matters 

• Strengthen community image 

• Receive exclusive discounts 

• Stay informed of hot business topics and developments 

Large-sized businesses gain personal identities by becoming involved in their communities. The public views them less as a faceless entity and more as a company who cares about creating good will. 

You can beat City Hall 
Because small businesses have difficulty voicing their opinions in legislative matters, many state and city chambers include councils committed to helping small business development. Both councils and chambers often champion the "little guy" in community affairs. Their strength-in-numbers approach can cut through regulatory red tape and produce sizeable results in business affairs. 

Small business councils in many states relay business owners' concerns to policymakers. They work to preserve a state's small business as well as to review legislation affecting small businesses. They also amplify the small business voice throughout state and national levels. 

Not all work and no play 
Networking opportunities abound for chamber of commerce businesses. Through sponsored conferences and special events, business leaders rub elbows with potential business partners. 

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Council, for example, is one of many councils that sponsor "after hours" programs. The programs offer such hot business topics as managing employees, customer relations, financial statements and e-business. Hosted at popular locations, the programs serve as networking opportunities, idea exchanges and social mixers. 

More local chamber perks 
Membership to your local chamber often includes participation in member-only discount programs, products and services. The exclusive discounts can include such business necessities as long distance and cellular service, health and dental insurance for employees, overnight delivery specials and unemployment cost control services. Discount programs differ from chamber to chamber, so ask what perks a particular one offers before joining. 

Chamber fees vary on the local, state and federal levels. In Manhattan, membership costs $750 a year for small businesses, while in Ohio it's about $250. In addition to the various municipality rates, many also have different association levels, ranging from full memberships to additional fees for special services. In many states, all or part of your membership fee may be tax deductible. 

Your chamber of commerce serves as your community's front door. Membership doesn't require you to march in the July 4th parade, but it can provide leads to grow your business and access to places you've always wanted to reach. 

To learn more about the benefits of joining the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Click Here.