A chamber of commerce is a local business network designed to help business owners in the same town or area connect with one another. The overall goal of local chambers is to help support local businesses and to improve the community.
Chamber Services Build Stronger Businesses
Chambers work to further the interests of businesses in the area or industry through advocacy, networking opportunities and various other member benefits. This includes helping to promote local businesses and improve their growth. From regular networking and volunteer events to promotion and marketing packages, chamber membership can help businesses gain access to opportunities to make connections, meet potential new clients, and gain exposure for their brand.
Chambers of commerce can also be an excellent platform for a business’ marketing efforts to reach potential clients and to find new business leads.
Membership in a Chamber Builds a Business Credibility in the Community
Chamber membership enhances a company’s reputation. Research points out that consumers are more likely to do business with a company if it’s a member of their local chamber of commerce.
According a research study by The Shapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street Services, when consumers know that a small business is a member of their local chamber of commerce, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
Another study by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives showed consumers believe a business participating in a chamber is trustworthy, involved with the local community and is an industry leader. Secondly, consumers think more favorably of a company that is a member of a chamber because, to the consumer, a chamber membership infers trustworthiness, community involvement, customer care, success and leadership in the business community.
Chambers Connects Consumers with Local Businesses
Local chambers sponsor local community events and other community organization. Community event sponsorship is a great way for businesses to receive visibility while showing support for their local community. Plus, chambers of commerce will maintain an online directory of current members. Many consumers use these directories to find local businesses in their areas to support. Thus, chambers provide a great consumer service by connecting consumers with its businesses.
Here is a directory of some local chambers in major cities:
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) – https://usblackchambers.org/
National Black Chamber of Commerce – https://www.nationalbcc.org/
The Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce – www.gwbcc.org
Chicagoland Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. – www.chicagolandbcc.org
New York City African American Chamber of Commerce – www.nycityblack.com
Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce – www.glaaacc.org
Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) – www.ghbcc.com
New Orleans Black Chamber of Commerce (NORBCC) – www.norbchamber.org
Florida Black Chamber of Commerce – www.floridablackchamber.com
Atlanta Black Chambers – https://atlantablackchambers.org
