I recently attended a multi-Chamber networking event – hosted by five local/regional Chambers of Commerce – at a convenient location that provided plenty of room for members to meet, mingle, introduce themselves and network with other business leaders. This is an annual event, and each time I attend I wonder why more businesses don’t take advantage of such a valuable opportunity.

If you’re currently a Chamber member, you most likely understand the inherent value of that membership in terms of sustaining your business presence and growing your business.

If you’re not currently a Chamber member, here are 8 good reasons why it might make sense for you to join:

1. Chambers of Commerce have, as a primary objective, a responsibility to act as advocates for their members’ needs; collaborating with local government officials and agencies on issues like business regulations, permitting, zoning, taxation and physical expansion. They’re on your side!
2. Chamber membership provides increased visibility and credibility for you and your firm. Membership is very often viewed as a mark of stability and commitment to good practices and standards. Your membership fees are, in essence, a year-round advertisement for you!
3. Chamber members enjoy excellent “inside” networking opportunities with other members who are local business owners and may become clients or customers. The Chamber provides a welcoming professional environment to get to know each other, and member businesses are much more likely to engage with one another. Chamber relationships frequently lead to revenue opportunities!
4. Chamber members much more easily build strategic partnerships with other members who run complementary businesses, and that often leads to new opportunities for collaborative projects and mutual profitability!
5. As a member of a local or regional Chamber, you enjoy marketing opportunities through regular business-to-business events, chamber publications, website listings, and sponsored events. As well, educational resources such as workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs are available – sometimes for members only – and provide excellent new information or refreshers on important topics.
6. Community involvement is a cornerstone for Chambers of Commerce – it’s a key component of their charter. Community activities provide a terrific resource to the community and its institutions, organizations and public charities. And, just as importantly, those activities deliver visible opportunities for the business to meet like-minded folks and build partnerships that sustain far beyond the specific event.  So, it’s good for the community – and good for you!
7. As a Chamber member, you often have access to cost-saving programs including group health insurance rates, office supply and other service discounts, and special advertising opportunities. In addition, access to market research and economic data specific to your local area can often be provided to help inform your business decisions.
8. And finally, it’s a fact that when asked for recommendations for a product or service, Chamber members almost always refer to other Chamber members whom they know, trust and use themselves.

Not sure which Chamber of Commerce might be best for you? Ask a business leader in your community; or explore the choices you’ll find in the U. S. Chamber of Commerce directory.  You’ll find a lot of information out there to help you decide!