In honor of National Chamber of Commerce Day, we’ve collected responses from all of the Chambers we’ve featured in our Chamber Camaraderie series to share why you should join a Chamber of Commerce.
“Different chambers provide a wide variety of opportunities to members along with offering legitimacy to their organization. In addition to business support, some chambers act as tourism centers for their community which helps drive tourists to their local businesses. But overall, Chambers of Commerce provide chances for businesspeople to expand their reach. A Chamber affords the opportunity to meet others in their community through networking events. Most people prefer to do or recommend a business with whom they like and trust. These get-togethers offer that occasion to get to know members in a relaxed setting.
Secondly, Chambers provide resources for businesspeople to obtain professional and personal growth through educational seminars and legislative events. Chambers partner with local and state agencies that assist companies from grant writing to support in opening or growing a business.
Finally, as a member, through the member dues, a business provides the conduit for which a chamber CAN offer support to other members, the community (through fundraisers for scholarships and organizations that need help, etc.), and their own staff members.” – Pam Dziura, Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce
“Being a part of a like-minded group dedicated to helping businesses grow and connect can push your career or business further.” – Peter Brown, Pembroke Chamber of Commerce
“Because they’re amazing, duh! In all seriousness, every business owner needs to be a part of a chamber. Owning a business is hard, and having the support of an entire community of other local businesses who want to help pump you up, help you learn, help you grow – it’s priceless. They offer so many opportunities to network, learn new skills, create new collaborations, and expand your reach. And most of them are able to do all of that for a VERY reasonable fee.
Of course, like most things, you get out of it what you put into it. So it’s important to recognize that in order to get the most of your Chamber membership, you need to take advantage of everything they’re offering and engage. Go to the events. Sign up for the free classes. Volunteer from time to time. And without a doubt, you will start to see a positive impact in your business.” – Jessica Ponyrko, Marshfield Chamber of Commerce
“Joining your local Chamber of Commerce is important for many reasons but I feel there are two reasons that sit at the top. First- when you join the chamber you are joining a community, the relationships that organically form between members are invaluable. I have witnessed every new business be welcomed with open arms. Our members root for one another, they want everyone to succeed! Second- is professional growth. Any and all opportunities to learn are opportunities worth taking advantage of. By utilizing the connections you make and the lessons you learn with your membership, your business is bound for success!” – Elizabeth LaBrecque, Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce
“Being a member of a Chamber of Commerce is a valuable asset that should be utilized by everyone, as it provides a valuable platform for both networking and fostering connections with fellow professionals and businesses. These kinds of connections are incredibly important and useful, especially for people looking to grow their business.
Additionally, Chambers actively advocate for the interests of their members at various levels of governance and make it a top priority to address the concerns and issues of their members and to make sure they are properly addressed.
Chambers typically have access to extensive resources within the community, which allows them to offer useful programs and workshops which are aimed to empower their members about various topics relevant to their members and the community which they serve. Aside from professional development, Chamber membership also reflects a commitment to community development, as Chambers actively contribute to economic growth and support various social causes.
There are so many advantages, both seen and unseen, to joining the Chamber that it is fair to assert that everyone can benefit from a Chamber membership.” – Linsey Former, Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce
“Being a member of the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce can offer your business visibility, credibility, and support. The chamber can be a great marketing resource for your company via avenues like its newsletters, website, social media, and more. In addition to networking events, the chamber often holds events, such as breakfast meetings and after-hours meetings. We encourage our members to join as many events as possible to get the most out of their membership. It’s all about making connections!” – Laurie Solomon, Marshfield Chamber of Commerce
“Our Chamber is a bit different because we are grant funded, so we’ve done away with the membership model, and that really opened the doors to a lot more opportunities and even more support from the business community. They feel supported no matter if they donate or not, and it’s our obligation to give them assistance. We support all 11 towns in the Northern Berkshires, so it’s quite spread out, but a lot of business owners struggle with similar problems. I wouldn’t want someone to be turned away from a marketing or consulting opportunity just because they can’t pay a yearly membership fee. With that said, it makes it more difficult to educate everyone about the services that we offer because there’s many people who still don’t know what the purpose of a Chamber is.” – Makayla-Courtney McGeeney of North Adams Chamber of Commerce
“Networking within the Brookline business community is the most obvious reason. However, some of the other reasons could be more obvious.
You could expect increased visibility for your business, including social media and event visibility, inclusion in our monthly business blast newsletter and videos, or having a listing on our Chamber or Discover Brookline websites.
However, you might also have a chance to be a guest on our new Discover Brookline podcast, given a voice in town issues related to the Brookline business community (such as a recent proposed parking meter increase), and we often help our members with specific business challenges. We have an amazingly talented and active board. They are both highly skilled thought partners, but usually, if one business is experiencing a challenge, it’s likely one of our other businesses or board members also faces that challenge, and they might have an easy solution.” – Lisa Leger of Brookline Chamber of Commerce
“It’s important to be a member of a Chamber of Commerce so that your voice can be heard in local and state issues affecting your business. Local legislators turn to chambers to represent the local business community, and being a member gives you a seat at that table. In addition to that, there are so many opportunities to grow your business, get your brand seen, and make meaningful connections with other professionals – it’s a no brainer!” – Brianna Clark of Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce
“Businesses and organizations that belong to Chambers open themselves up for much greater opportunity for growth and collaboration. I have so many stories about connections that have been made through our Chamber, and often between unexpected parties, that have been very impactful. Belonging to a Chamber also sends the message that your business or organization is serious about being a part of the community.” – Diana Szynal of Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce
“Every Chamber is different. Some focus on community events such as holiday fairs, summer concert series, while providing mainly networking opportunities and small business support. Larger city Chambers such as ours, and some regional chambers really focus on driving economic development and growth to the areas we serve. I truly believe you need aspects from different chambers. I encourage every entrepreneur, business owner, and community organization to join a few Chambers. Building your network, resource base, and supporting the organizations that help move your business and region forward is important!” – Alexandria Eberhardt of Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce
“Membership in a Chamber of Commerce is invaluable for businesses of all sizes. The Chamber provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and support among local businesses. It advocates for policies and initiatives that create a favorable business climate, and it offers resources, education, and marketing opportunities to help businesses thrive. Additionally, being a Chamber member demonstrates a commitment to the community and can enhance a business’s credibility and visibility.” – Chrissy Ross of Sandwich Chamber of Commerce
“Supporting local is more than just a fashionable idea, it’s vital to elevate locally run small businesses and get people enthusiastically involved to keep our area’s cultural fabric thriving. It’s all about Connection. Whether you’re a business looking for a boost, or your business is already booming, we’re a bridge to getting the most out of our community. I like to (very) informally refer to us as “Your Business’ Wingman”. (lol)” – Nina Garcia of Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce
“Being a member of a Chamber of Commerce is essential as it offers networking opportunities, advocacy, and educational resources. It helps businesses connect, collaborate, and stay competitive while supporting a thriving local economy that benefits the entire community. Membership also demonstrates a commitment to the community’s growth and prosperity, showing that businesses are invested in the success of the area.” – Debjani Biswas of Arlington Chamber of Commerce
“Connection! Being involved in the Chamber of Commerce is invaluable for the connections it creates. It’s a hub for support, problem-solving, promotion, and community engagement—a place where businesses come together. The Chamber provides a wealth of experience and resources, ensuring businesses have the tools they need to succeed.” – Page Buldini of Medford Chamber of Commerce
“We cannot do business alone. It takes the support of the entire community to keep a business alive. Each person brings a special gift to the table in support of that!” – Jamie Chapman of Sudbury Chamber of Commerce
Do you know someone in a Chamber of Commerce who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them here.