Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber

Thinking of starting a new business but not sure how or where to begin? The Lake West Chamber of Commerce would like to share some tips for you to get started on your way to success with your new business adventure. Starting your own business is definitely a great decision, but to ensure that it is the right decision, you need to ask yourself some very important questions. Is this a venture that is near and dear to you and your passions? Have you done your market research to learn if your area is in need, or wanting the business or service you will provide? Do you have the motivation to persevere from the start-up to running and operating your business and all the hours it will take to make it a success? Are you prepared to hear the word no, and possibly experience some failures along the way? How are you with communication? Networking, hiring (and sometimes firing) staff, and negotiating skills are all a part of the ownership and management of a small business. If you have asked you...

The definition of a Chamber of Commerce is “an association or network of businesspeople designed to promote and protect the interests of its members”.  Most every community has a Chamber of Commerce, or at least they should. In the U.S. alone there are approximately 4,000 active chambers that employ at least one person, and thousands more that function as strictly volunteer organizations. The purpose and goal of any Chamber are "to help to further the interests of small businesses in a local area”. Since 1987, the Lake West Chamber of Commerce has achieved this through hosting of networking social events, golf tournaments, charity events & fundraising, holiday parades and much more, Although the idea of a Chamber of Commerce has been around since ancient civilization, the term “Chamber of Commerce” was first used in the city of Marseilles, France in 1599 A.D., and was intended to exert influence on the powers of government. The first official state-wide Chamber of Commerce in...