When I speak to some businesses about their lapsed membership in their local chamber, it often sounds like their talking about a gym membership. “I didn’t really go to anything” or “I didn’t use it.” Or the businesses that have never been a member think every community should have a Chamber, they just don’t see the point in belonging themselves.
What they’re missing is all the behind-the-scenes benefits of Chamber membership. Just as your investment grows in a savings account in a bank, your business investment in chamber membership is growing ~ even when you aren’t actively participating. Here’s what you’re getting that you may not even realize:
7 Ways a Chamber Membership Is Always Working for You
Advocacy
Even if you never attend a single event, your Chamber is advocating for the needs of business. We work with local, state, and federal governments to influence policies and regulations that impact businesses. And when individual business voices are needed to compel lawmakers to “do the right thing,” the Chamber sends out ‘Calls to Action’ encouraging you to reach out via phone or by email. We simplify the process by putting you in touch with key decision makers to save you time. Oftentimes we provide you with a template to help you easily craft your message. This advocacy can lead to favorable business conditions, tax incentives, and regulatory changes that benefit businesses without members having to actively lobby for them.
During Covid, local leaders turned to the Chamber to learn more about business needs. The Lakewood Chamber was essential to helping businesses remain or reopen by advocating for them. Whether it was for outdoor dining areas, providing information and resources on government protocols, providing free masks and no-touch thermometers, and frequently broadcasting where to apply for grants/loans. Much of this advocacy occurred behind the scenes, but “someone” had to do it – and that’s exactly what the Chamber frequently does.
Economic Development
The Lakewood Chamber is typically involved in initiatives to promote economic growth within our community. We work on attracting new businesses, expanding and keeping existing ones and improving infrastructure. As a result, businesses experience increased economic opportunities and growth even if they’re not directly involved.
Educational Resources
The Chamber offers valuable educational resources and workshops on topics like business management, marketing, and human resources. Members can benefit from these resources to improve their skills and knowledge, ultimately enhancing their business operations. Even if you never attend a single session, Chamber membership (and thus, the learning opportunities) extends to all your employees. Many of our online educational sessions are on our YouTube Channel, so you can view at your leisure and pace. The Chamber is also a great host for speakers and may bring in people to share their knowledge and skills for a very affordable price, an additional asset to the community.
Marketing and Promotion
The Lakewood Chamber promotes our members through our seasonal directories, website, social media, and community events. This exposure boosts a business’s visibility and reputation, attracting potential customers or clients who might not have discovered the business otherwise. The decal window cling that indicates a business is a proud member reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy because two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community.
Community Engagement
Chambers play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and social responsibility among businesses. We support local charitable causes, events, and community development projects. The Chamber spearheads programs like Lemonade Day, Warm Coat and Blanket Drive, Pet Food for the Pantry at the local Humane Society and more. When a business is part of a chamber, it indirectly contributes to these efforts, enhancing the overall quality of life in the area and potentially improving its reputation.
Tourism
The Lakewood Chamber operates a Visitor Information Center 7 days a week, offering tourists and the general public helpful guides, brochures, and maps about local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and activities. This center serves as a valuable resource for visitors and encourages them to explore the area, thus boosting local business. Additionally, the Chamber actively engages in destination marketing by promoting the unique attractions, events, and experiences available in our community by the creation of a tourism section on our website, brochures and advertising campaigns to attract tourists. This marketing effort results in increased visitor numbers, leading to more revenue for businesses.
Infrastructure and Grants
Chambers often advocate for improved infrastructure, such as better transportation options, the development of tourist-friendly amenities, and the preservation of natural or historical landmarks. These efforts can enhance the overall visitor and resident experience, making the area more attractive to tourists, relocating businesses, and resident retention, while boosting local commerce.
The Lakewood Chamber also gets involved with bringing money into the area for quality-of-life projects through grants and other forms of funding. Our ability to work with the public and private sectors is unparalleled. We act as a bridge between groups and bring leaders of all areas together for the betterment (and funding) of the community. The Lakewood Chamber provides a range of benefits to businesses beyond what may be immediately apparent.
Even if you don’t have the time to give to Chamber membership events and activities, your Chamber is working on things like advocacy, economic development, marketing, community engagement, and tourism initiatives to improve your quality of life and add to your business’s potential for growth.
We work tirelessly to create a more favorable business environment, helping our members thrive without requiring you to take individual action on many of these fronts. And just like your business ~ without an income stream ~ the Chamber, as a business, will cease to exist.
Linda Smith
President/CEO