Why chamber membership matters for small businesses

Small businesses often grow and become big businesses. And many, many small businesses launch locally and grow regionally until they serve vast stakeholder bases.

The growth usually takes time and tending by the owners and leadership. Chambers of commerce can be tremendous partners for local businesses looking to grow. I know this firsthand.

Last summer, I decided to join my local chamber of commerce. It’s an organization that principally serves three towns, but it also invites and celebrates members from beyond the geographic service area. Members from further afield are usually owners of businesses who want to engage more with our three-town chamber membership.

Thanks to the dynamic leadership of the executive director and her staff team, the local chamber I joined is thriving and growing. They work very hard to provide considerable value to members and to our local community.

During the past year I’ve met many wonderful local business owners from all channels of retail, service and organizations. I’ve enjoyed learning a lot about their business needs and have tried to also offer them thoughtful insights from my business experience. What I’ve observed is, like so many voluntary membership organizations, the more involved one is the more benefit one receives.

My local chamber of commerce offers many helpful benefits like regular opportunities to promote one’s business online and at events. Our chamber is host to a delightful and vibrant farmers market that offers more than produce. Many local businesses set up booths to showcase their products and services and it seems like the entire local community stops by on any given Saturday when the market is operating.

From networking breakfasts and lunches that showcase member restaurants and venues, to opportunities to learn more about various aspects of local business, there are so many opportunities to connect and support each other.

Chamber membership is a fabulous and generally inexpensive way to engage with a local business community in ways that undoubtedly will support one’s business trajectory. Every chamber also offers a different vibe, or culture, within its membership ranks. I think it is important to check out a few local chambers and determine which one seems right for you and your business.

When you commit meaningfully and show up to learn from other business leaders, you will enrich your business strategy, especially when you become an expert in what your local community needs and wants. I’ve found the chamber members to be warm, encouraging and kind. Chamber staff are dedicated to the success of the community and always are eager to help any member advance their business through their network. Their ultimate goal is member business success.

Whether you own a retail store, a professional service office or an organization that’s deeply engaged in the neighborhood, you will benefit from chamber membership. Join and examine the benefits accorded to members and make a point to utilize them through the year like a set of special goals that function independently of all the other important integrated marketing and communications tactics you have planned for your business.

Choose the local option. Join your local chamber. Give your business the opportunity to grow through the support of local business leaders who will quickly become your greatest cheerleaders. Best of all you’ll have some fun along the way, too!

• Rebecca Hoffman is the founder and principal of Good Egg Concepts, a strategic communication and brand marketing consulting practice serving clients across the Chicago region and nationally.