The Value of Joining Your Local Chamber of Commerce

As a part of our mission to bring business leaders together from the thirty communities across the North Shore to explore and take action on economic development issues, we find it incredibly useful to partner with six amazing local Chambers of Commerce. 

In our efforts to bring communities together to help bolster and improve our region’s economic development, we have become incredibly aware of how advantageous and valuable the chambers can be for businesses in every town and municipality they service. 

What is a Chamber of Commerce? 

For those of you who have not joined a local chamber of commerce, it may be smart to begin with what it is and how it serves the business community. 

A chamber of commerce is “an organization of business owners and entrepreneurs who promote the interests of their local business,” according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

The broad goals of these groups is to create a valuable business network that can lead to future advancement of the region’s economy. This can be done through developing strategies to save money, gain access to resources, and provide discounts for services/products. Ultimately, local businesses join in the hopes that these new networks can boost their brand’s visibility, credibility, and sales. 

North Shore Alliance’s Partnerships with Chambers of Commerce

Here at the North Shore Alliance we are pleased to partner with six chambers across the North Shore including: 

• Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce
• Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
• North Shore Chamber of Commerce 
• Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce 
• Salem Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Beverly Chamber of Commerce 

How Can a Chamber of Commerce Benefit Your Business? 

While each chamber is a little different, they each provide some benefits for businesses. 

Networking Opportunities 

Networking opportunities are especially beneficial for chamber members who need to collaborate with other businesses in the region. Knowing who to call personally when you need something, whether it is a service, product, or just advice, is an amazing and invaluable tool. 

Building Credibility

Being a part of a chamber of commerce is also advantageous as it gives new (and even older) businesses credibility. According to OnlineMBA, “Customers respond 63% more favorably to businesses that are members of a local chamber. By advertising themselves as a member of a chamber of commerce on their storefront or website, businesses add further credibility to their products and services. As such, customers are more likely to purchase from chapter members.”

Meet the Community 

When business members join a chamber of commerce they have a multitude of opportunities to get involved in the community. From sponsoring a t-ball team to playing a leadership role in running community events, being a part of a local chamber of commerce not only gets your brand name out there in front of the community, but enables you to become a real investor in the future of your region through community acts. 

Business Resources 

Being a business owner or entrepreneur means wearing many different hats for the business to run successfully. Chamber members have access to directories, facilities, financial access to loans, and member-to-member discounts that can help owners juggle the myriad of things that need to happen in small to medium sized businesses. 

Additionally, business leaders have access to educational and training workshops in the form of lunch-and-learns or seminars meant to go in depth on issues impacting regional businesses.  

If you are interested in joining your local chamber of commerce, they may have a listing of potential benefits that expand past the list we have outlined for you here. Click on the links above and get started on a business building relationship that will last years and allow your organization to grow and prosper as we head into a period of economic recovery along the North Shore.