Chambers of Commerce: What You Need to Know!
Chambers of Commerce are important to local economies and businesses everywhere. You can find these organizations in almost every community in the U.S. and internationally! But what exactly does a Chamber of Commerce do? The Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce is here to help answer that questions and more! Read on to learn all about Chambers of Commerce and how they can help your business.
Chambers of Commerce are networks of businesses that help promote one another and the local community. A Chamber of Commerce can fall into one of several different kinds of categories: Regional, city, state, national, or international. Chambers can help promote tourism, economic development, and a favorable business environment in their areas by hosting events, fundraising, and even lobbying for more business-friendly policies in government.
Internationally, the idea of Chambers of Commerce have been around since 1599! This first Chamber of Commerce was established in Marseille, France. In the United States, President William Howard Taft spoke about the need for Chambers of Commerce in America, and in a few months delegates from numerous different kinds of businesses and trades got together (700 of them in fact!) to create the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Now, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, "The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations." (https://www.uschamber.com/about/history) Amazing, right?
What is a Chamber of Commerce?
Chambers of Commerce are networks of businesses that help promote one another and the local community. A Chamber of Commerce can fall into one of several different kinds of categories: Regional, city, state, national, or international. Chambers can help promote tourism, economic development, and a favorable business environment in their areas by hosting events, fundraising, and even lobbying for more business-friendly policies in government.
When Did They First Start?
Internationally, the idea of Chambers of Commerce have been around since 1599! This first Chamber of Commerce was established in Marseille, France. In the United States, President William Howard Taft spoke about the need for Chambers of Commerce in America, and in a few months delegates from numerous different kinds of businesses and trades got together (700 of them in fact!) to create the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Now, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, "The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations." (https://www.uschamber.com/about/history) Amazing, right?
How Can My Local Chamber Help?
Every Chamber of Commerce is a little different, but all of us have a similar mission to help local businesses thrive so that communities grow. There are several business resources at the Lake of the Ozarks. One of those is Lake West Chamber! Members of our chamber benefit is several different ways, including...
- Listings - Get listed in the Online Membership Directory and in the printed Chamber Membership Directory.
- Ribbon Cuttings - Scheduled ribbon cutting and a photo to be included in local newspapers and our e-newsletter.
- Media Offers - Free one-eighth page ad (received at ribbon cutting) in the Westside Star from Lake Media to be used within 30 days.
- Referrals - Preferred referrals as the Chamber only refers other Chamber members!
- The Chamber Networking Social - Networking events every month to help promote your business.
- Email Blasts - Twice weekly email blasts at no additional cost for free advertising.
- Brochure Display Racks - Racks inside the office display each business members' brochures, business cards, or flyers. A kiosk outside gives potential customers access to member information 24/7.
- Events - Take advantage of multiple events throughout the year with several marketing opportunities at each.
The Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce is here for you and your business! If your business is looking for ways to increase exposure and improve networking, joining the Chamber of Commerce could be the perfect answer. Give us a call to learn more about how we can help: 573-374-5500.
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