5 Reasons Why You Need to Join Your Chamber of Commerce

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Porter’s Office Products and the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce 

Mark Porter, owner and CEO of Porter’s Office Products. He is also one of the newest executive directors of the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

We are excited to announce that Mark Porter, owner and CEO of Porter’s Office Products, has been elected to be Chairman of the Board of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce. It is a great honor to have him serve the business community of Madison County. 

“The Chamber provides me a way to contribute and give back to the community more meaningful than what I can do on my own,” said Mark. 

Text reads: "Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Directors." In the background is the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce logo. In the foreground are the current members of their executive board.

What is a Chamber of Commerce? 

The first Chamber of Commerce in the United States was founded on April 22, 1912 – only 3 years before Porter’s was founded!   

Would you have guessed that the first Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1599 in Marseille, France? This Chamber was founded to unite the merchants, industrialists, traders, and craftsmen who worked and served their community. It gave them an outlet to tackle community challenges and created a place of unity. 

As their influence grew, they became a persuasive power among public authorities and their community. It was so successful that throughout the centuries and across the world, Chambers would continue to form to protect the needs of businesses. 

While the United States Chamber of Commerce exists to protect the interests of American businesses, many smaller, local Chambers have formed. These Chambers are here to help protect the interests of their communities.  

How can the Chamber of Commerce help me?

The Allen Fairvew Chamber of Commerce has stated, “Local Chambers tackle both issues and trends taking place in their community as well as offer resources and services to help local businesses succeed. It isn’t just a goodwill effort, but an effective strategy.” 

While the offerings and setup of each chamber are different, they all have one common goal. According to the US Chamber of Commerce About Us page, the goal is to “advocate, connect, inform, and fight for business growth and America’s success.” 

So, how can joining a Chamber of Commerce help you? According to statistics from the American Business Magazine

  • 59% of consumers think that being active in the local Chamber of Commerce is an effective business strategy overall. 
  • If a company shows that it’s highly involved in its local Chamber, consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.
  • When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, they are 40% more likely to eat at the franchise.  

This sounds like great news, right? Being a member of your local Chamber of Commerce shows statistical benefits for growth, inclusion, and expansion! There are still so many benefits to be found from joining. 

Why should you join a Chamber of Commerce? 

1. It Takes a Village

We’ve all heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” It is no different for local businesses. 

For example, many successful business owners will tell you they could not have achieved success on their own. While you may have an abundance of motivation, hard work, and perseverance, you still need support. Your local Chamber of Commerce provides you with the support necessary for success. 

2. Network with other Businesses 

Take a moment to think about how many businesses are in your local Chamber. It’s quite a few, right? Each of these businesses are potential contacts – a giant, living Rolodex.  

These organizations can help you grow and scale your business. Whether it’s helping you with branding and marketing, pointing you in the right direction for fixing up your bathroom sink, or giving you a company to collaborate with! These networking connections are vital. Help your local community flourish by supporting your neighboring businesses. 

These connections can become potential customers as well. No matter what industry you work in, being able to market yourself and network in your community is an important aspect of growth. While each Chamber is different, foundational events include gala’s, city/county events, ribbon cuttings, and more. Take advantage of these opportunities to grow and connect with others! 

3. Engage with your Community 

What better way to engage with your community than to support local events? 

For example, each November the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce hosts a Veteran’s Day event. For this event, Chamber businesses can donate to have their logo displayed in the program and/or on a wreath. The proceeds for this event go to local veterans’ groups to give back to those who have served our Country. This event is hosted at the local High School to connect students, community members, and Commerce together. 

Mark and his wife standing next to the Porter's Office Products wreath at the Veterans Day event hosted by the Rexburg area Chamber of Commerce.

4. Help better your Community

Your local Chamber of Commerce is always fighting for you, whether you realize it or not. They speak on behalf of all businesses in their area when it comes to new regulations, fees, taxes, costs, or assessments that may affect local companies. 

With the Chamber fighting for you, you get a chance to affect laws in your local government. Through Chamber forms, you can voice your opinion on new legislation or other concerns.  

5. The more you engage, the more you benefit

The more you engage with your Chamber, the more benefits you can reap. It’s simply not enough to pay your dues and show up to a meeting every once and a while. Take time to engage with others and grow your network. If you’re an older, established business owner, see if there are any new businesses that could use a mentor. 

Reach out and sponsor events or Chamber meetings to help get your name out and serve the community. Attend a forum on a topic you’re not familiar with. Even if it’s a few hours a month, you can find ways to engage with the Chamber and your community. 

In Conclusion 

If you’re looking for a way to expand your reach and your network, there’s no better way than to join your local Chamber of Commerce. There is strength in numbers, and the camaraderie found within is second to none. No matter what industry you find yourself in, you can reap the benefits of your local Chamber of Commerce today. So, what are you waiting for? 

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