Chamber of Commerce: remaining relevant

Jul 05, 2018 Letters

Dear Mr. Editor,

The role of the chamber of commerce encompasses business counseling by chamber staff, business workshops and seminars, business expansion assistance, plant visits, work force data, business retention, business recruitment, commercial site inventory, economic development committee, office space inventory, small business council, business registration info and forms, commercial and industrial site facilities and contact, transportation capacity etc.
In today’s business environment, Chambers of Commerce must carefully navigate the waters between expectations and delivery of business assistance. In many instances, the role that the local chamber plays is dependent upon other organizations in the community.
In those scenarios, the partnership between the organizations reduces the Chamber’s significance, enables product/service duplication and limits the efficiency of service delivery. It is also imperative that Chambers take the initiative in areas where their strengths are an advantage.
Such would be the case with distributing business-related information and assistance. These two areas offer opportunity for contact between the Chamber and the business community. Where there is an economic development organization that has an active business retention and expansion programme, Chamber staff or senior volunteer(s) should be encouraged to be part of the visitation teams.
Establishing a relationship, via the site visits, gives the business an opportunity to meet a Chamber representative and the staff member the opportunity to make a follow-up contact. Such contact also puts the Chamber at the table when addressing business-related issues.
The local chamber must remain committed to helping local companies grow their business by taking the lead in programmes and efforts that help create a strong local economy and make our community a great place to do business. The chamber must continue to be an integral component of the community by offering a wide variety of programs and initiatives that positively impact the economic vitality and quality of life.
Members should be able to capitalize on the contacts, resources and support provided by the Chamber. The aim of the Chamber is not only to develop its members, but also to strengthen the community in which they serve and this will enable the Chamber to be more effective and competent.
Michael Hercules

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