A national survey reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy because two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community.
The study, conducted by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm, found consumer perceptions of chamber members to be positive in many ways:
When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
If you still don’t think you have time to join and participate in your local chamber of commerce,
consider the following:
● Most consumers think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective
business strategy overall. Membership communicates to consumers that a company
uses good business practices and is a reputable business in the community
● If a company shows it is highly involved in the local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber
board), consumers are more likely to believe their products stack up better against their
competition.
● Chamber participation infers your company is trustworthy, involved in the community and
is an industry leader.
● When consumers know that a company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they
are more likely to consider buying from it.
Examples of Benefits
These are examples of membership benefits:
● Reduced rates at Chamber events, including lunches, festivals, fairs, and networking
receptions.
● Appropriate introductions at Chamber events and to organizations within our network.
● Speaker slots at Chamber events, allowing you to share your organization’s
expertise.
● Opportunities to advertise and highlight your organization’s news updates via our
website
● Access our Membership Directory for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
● Create your own profile in our Members Area