Advocate, Educate, Connect
What is a Chamber of Commerce and What Do We Do?
A chamber of commerce is an organization of businesses seeking to further their collective interests, while advancing their community, region, state or nation. Business owners in towns, cities and other territories voluntarily form these local societies/networks to advocate on behalf of the community at large, economic prosperity and business interests. Chambers have existed in the US for more than two centuries, with many having been established before the jurisdictions they represent. A business-led civic and economic advancement entity operating in a specific space may call itself any number of things – board of trade, business council, etc. – but for the purposes of this primer, they are all chambers of commerce.
Chamber missions vary, but they all tend to focus to some degree on five primary goals: Building communities (regions/states/nations) to which residents, visitors and investors are attracted; Promoting those communities; Striving to ensure future prosperity via a pro-business climate; Representing the unified voice of the employer community; and reducing transactional friction through well-functioning networks. Chambers have other features in common. Most are led by private-sector employers, self-funded, organized around boards/committees of volunteers and independent. They share a common ambition for sustained prosperity of their community/region, built on thriving employers. Most are ardent proponents of the free market system, resisting attempts to overly burden private sector enterprise and investment.
Local businesses are voluntary paying members of a chamber (non-profits, quasi-public and even public sector employers also some times pay dues to belong). The membership, acting collectively, elects a board of directors and/or executive council to set policy for, and guide the workings of, the chamber. The board or executive committee then hiresa chief executive (various titles), plus an appropriate and affordable number of staff to run the organization. – Provided by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
The #1 Reason Why any Business Joins a Chamber of Commerce? To Grow!
Whether you ever walk in the doors of your Chamber of Commerce or participate in a single program or service offered, you benefit every day from what your Chamber of Commerce does for your business and community. In our community, the businesses make up for as much as 65% of the local tax dollars. This revenue makes it possible for our city and county to provide the beautiful roads, parks, and above standard quality of life we enjoy every day. Large business or small, the Coppell Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of the business community, focusing on ensuring we have a business-friendly environment and work to attract more customers and business to Coppell.
Never say, “I don’t have time to be in the Chamber.” 80% of our members don’t, but their support makes it possible for the Coppell Chamber to provide the services that the local and area businesses need to grow their business. The Coppell Chamber tackles both issues and trends taking place in our community as well as offers resources and services to help local businesses prosper. It isn’t just a goodwill effort, but an effective strategy.
From building your brand’s presence to increasing sales, learn how you can use your membership to foster your company’s growth.
Reasons to Join the Coppell Chamber of Commerce
Chambers are owned by their members and while the universal mission of chamber of commerce organizations sounds great, it works differently for each member. How you use your chamber depends on your market and your goals. Below are several reasons why local companies take advantage of their chamber of commerce resources, and how easily they go about it.
Membership Gives You Credibility
It is the role of a chamber of commerce to advocate and support the local community and its economy. When your business is associated with the chamber, it gives the perception that you stand for these things as well. As a result, consumers trust you more. This leads to more positive impressions of your business. Those seeking products or services related to your own will lean more toward your brand when faced with various options.
Gaining exposure is hard, especially when you’re a new business. You must find cost-effective ways to penetrate the market with your brand so consumers know who you are and what you offer. With a Chamber of Commerce membership, you gain resources that make this much easier and affordable.
Members are featured in online directories, which are used frequently by individuals, new residents, and businesses within the area. New members are also given various forms of marketing and promotion when they join, such as newspaper ads, ribbon cuttings, social media promos, videos and much more.
Numerous Opportunities to Build Business and Client Relationships
There is no lack of networking opportunities through the Coppell Chamber of Commerce. From committee involvement to leads luncheons, Lunch Mobs to ribbon cuttings and more, there are various opportunities to connect with other businesses every single week.
Most of these programs are included with membership or heavily discounted to members, making them an affordable way to build business relationships. Whether you’re a B2B or B2C company, the connections you make can lead to new customers or partnerships.
An Influential Voice on Large-Scale Issues
The Coppell Chamber of Commerce does more than serve as a marketing vehicle for local businesses. It has an important role in local government affairs as well.
We serve as a voice for the local business owners and industries. This includes addressing issues that may arise with new regulations, fees, taxes, costs, or assessments applicable to the businesses they serve. When you join the chamber, you become a part of that voice. Your opinion IS relevant and becomes part of the many contributed voices that form the chamber’s views and strategic plan.
It’s A Massive Rolodex of Potential Contacts
The Coppell Chamber is a community within itself. People do business with people they know, and the chamber brings its members together to benefit the community and each other. Through various programs and services, members meet, establish relationships and connect with a wide array of influential professionals.
Chamber Members are IN THE KNOW about Local Business News
Running a business is more than a full-time job and it can be difficult to keep up with what’s going on outside your company’s walls. The Coppell Chamber makes it quicker and easier. Through regular newsletters and weekly updates, the Chamber updates their members on various news and issues that are happening within the community, as well as Spotlight Featured or new businesses that may pique your interest.
It’s a great way to stay informed and connected, even when you’re on-the-go.
Opens Doors to Building Long Lasting Relationships Leading to Referrals
The Coppell Chamber is a business too and part of our job is linking companies and individuals to the resources they are seeking. The Chamber receives a slew of calls and emails from residents and businesses a solution that your product or service can offer. When you’re a chamber member, you become one of the resources we recommend.
The Coppell Chamber of Commerce is owned by our members and our job is to send more business to you.
Numerous Opportunities to Engage the Community
The Coppell Chamber actively arranges and executes events and programs, many of which are covered by the press. As an active member who helps plan, attends, sponsors, or hosts these events, you enjoy your moment in the spotlight as well. These are great opportunities for positive exposure, to engage your community and make a difference while promoting your business at the same time. It’s a win-win advantage.
Affordable Access to Promotional Tools
Most chambers offer promotion and publicity packages to help you grow your business. This may include ribbon cuttings, sponsorships, or advertising. Members are offered these packages at a price that is often much lower than what it would typically cost to execute.
Save While Growing Your Business
The Coppell Chamber of Commerce finds ways to help their members get ahead. This may include member-to-member discounts or offerings provided to members by members as a way of supporting each other and save money. Other discounts may include reduced rental fees for conference room space, discounted event tickets, or affordable promotional tools like the ones mentioned above.
Get Involved with the Coppell Chamber of Commerce
While you never have to participate in anything to benefit from what the Coppell Chamber does every day to support and promote their members, you benefit MORE when you get involved.
Explore the levels of membership that are available through the Coppell Chamber, as well as what unique benefits come with each. Your level of investment should be based on your market and the results you need to see.
From directory listings, spotlight features, publicity, and sponsored events, you can gain access to valuable promotional opportunities at a fraction of the cost it would take to do them yourself.