Heidi

There are several important future trends that will affect chambers of commerce, and staying on top of these trends can help chambers to better serve their members and promote their communities. Some of the most important trends include:

1. Increased use of technology: As technology continues to advance, chambers will need to keep up with the latest tools and platforms to effectively reach and engage with their members and the community. This may include using social media, email marketing, and other digital tools to promote events, share information, and connect with members.
2. Emphasis on sustainability: As businesses and consumers become more environmentally conscious, chambers can play an important role in promoting sustainability in their communities. This may include promoting green initiatives and encouraging members to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
3. Focus on diversity and inclusion: With a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in society, chambers can help to promote these values in their communities. This may include promoting diverse businesses and entrepreneurs, hosting events and programs that celebrate different cultures, and encouraging inclusivity in all aspects of community life.
4. Greater emphasis on community development: Chambers are increasingly being seen as key players in community development, with a focus on driving economic growth and improving quality of life. This may include promoting local businesses, encouraging tourism, and working to attract new industries and investment to the community.

To leverage these trends, chambers should stay informed about the latest developments in technology, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community development. They should also engage with members and the community to understand their needs and priorities, and work to develop programs and initiatives that align with these needs. By staying on top of these trends and working to leverage them, chambers can help to drive growth and prosperity in their communities for years to come.

As chambers of commerce continue to evolve, so do the techniques and tools they use to market, brand, recruit, and retain members. In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s more important than ever to have a strong online presence and use cutting-edge marketing strategies to reach potential members.

One of the most powerful tools in a chamber’s arsenal is social media. With platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, chambers can connect with their target audience, share news and events, and build their brand. By posting regularly and engaging with their followers, chambers can build a loyal following and attract new members.

Another modern technique that chambers can use to market and recruit members is targeted advertising. By using tools like Facebook Ads, chambers can create highly-targeted ads that are seen by their ideal audience. This can help increase brand awareness and attract new members who are interested in the chamber’s offerings.

Video marketing is another effective tool that chambers can use to build their brand and attract new members. By creating high-quality videos that showcase the chamber’s offerings, members, and events, chambers can provide an inside look at what it’s like to be a part of the community. This can help potential members feel more connected to the chamber and make it more likely that they’ll want to join.

In addition to these marketing techniques, there are a number of tools and platforms that chambers can use to help them manage their operations and retain members. For example, many chambers use customer relationship management (CRM) software to keep track of member information and communication. This can help chambers provide better service to their members and improve their overall retention rate.

Another tool that can be useful for chambers is event management software. By using a platform like Eventbrite or Cvent, chambers can easily plan and manage events, sell tickets, and keep track of attendees. This can make it easier for chambers to organize events and provide a better experience for attendees.

Finally, chambers can use online directories and listing services to help market their members and promote their offerings. By listing members in online directories like Yelp, Google My Business, and the chamber’s own website, chambers can help members get discovered by potential customers and clients.

In conclusion, modern techniques and tools can help chambers of commerce market, brand, recruit, and retain members. By leveraging the power of social media, targeted advertising, video marketing, and other tools and platforms, chambers can build their brand, attract new members, and provide a better experience for existing members. As the world continues to evolve, it’s important for chambers to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies to stay relevant and competitive in today’s marketplace.

In-kind donations are valuable to a chamber of commerce because they provide resources and support that can help the chamber achieve its goals and serve its members. In-kind donations can be exchanged for membership dues, ticket costs and sponsorship fees. Here are a few reasons why in-kind donations are valuable:

1. Cost savings: In-kind donations can provide valuable resources and services to the chamber at a reduced cost, which can help the chamber stretch its budget and allocate resources more effectively.
2. Increased visibility: In-kind donations from local businesses can increase the visibility of those businesses and provide them with valuable marketing and branding opportunities.
3. Access to new resources: In-kind donations can provide the chamber with access to new resources and expertise that it may not have had access to before.
4. Support for the community: In-kind donations can also demonstrate a commitment to the community and show that businesses and individuals care about the well-being of the local economy.

In-kind donations can be a win-win for both the chamber and the businesses and individuals that donate. By providing valuable resources and support, in-kind donations can help the chamber serve its members and achieve its goals, while also providing businesses and individuals with increased visibility and other benefits.

Hello everyone, today we’re talking about the role of a Chamber of Commerce board of directors. As a vital part of any Chamber of Commerce organization, the board of directors plays a critical role in overseeing the operations and direction of the Chamber.

The board of directors is responsible for setting the vision and goals of the Chamber, making strategic decisions, ensuring financial stability, and ensuring that the Chamber is fulfilling its mission and serving its members. They are also responsible for hiring and overseeing the Chamber’s staff and making decisions about the organization’s programming and events.

The board of directors is made up of volunteers from the Chamber’s membership, typically elected by the membership to serve a set term. The number of directors on the board can vary from chamber to chamber, but the size should be large enough to provide the necessary leadership and expertise, yet small enough to be manageable.

The board of directors typically meets on a regular basis to discuss important issues, review the Chamber’s finances and programs, and to make decisions about the direction of the organization. These meetings are an important opportunity for the board to collaborate and provide valuable input on the Chamber’s initiatives.

In conclusion, the board of directors plays a crucial role in the success and impact of a Chamber of Commerce. Through their leadership, vision, and direction, they help ensure that the Chamber is meeting the needs of its members and making a positive impact on the community. If you’re interested in getting involved with your local Chamber, consider joining the board of directors and making a difference in your community!

If you’re running a chamber of commerce or a non-profit organization, you may have heard the terms “501c(6)” and “501c(3)” thrown around, but what do they actually mean? In short, these are two different categories of non-profit status under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

A 501c(6) organization is considered a business league or trade association. This type of non-profit status is typically granted to organizations that are comprised of businesses or trade groups, and their purpose is to promote the common business interests of their members. For example, a chamber of commerce may be considered a 501c(6) organization.

On the other hand, a 501c(3) organization is a tax-exempt, non-profit entity that is dedicated to charitable, educational, or scientific purposes. This type of non-profit status is typically granted to organizations that are focused on promoting the public good and improving the lives of others. For example, a charity or a religious organization might be considered a 501c(3) organization.

So, what’s the difference between these two types of non-profit status, and why does it matter?

The main difference between the two is the way they are taxed. 501c(6) organizations are taxed on any profits they earn that are not used to further the organization’s purpose, while 501c(3) organizations are exempt from federal income tax. Additionally, contributions made to 501c(3) organizations are tax-deductible for the donor, while contributions made to 501c(6) organizations are not.

It’s important to choose the right type of non-profit status for your organization, as it can have a significant impact on your finances and operations. For example, if your chamber of commerce has a dual mission of promoting the interests of your members and supporting local charitable causes, you may want to consider applying for both 501c(6) and 501c(3) status.

If you’re unsure which type of non-profit status is best for your organization, you should consult with an attorney or accountant who specializes in non-profit law. They can help you determine the best course of action based on your specific needs and goals.

Chambers of commerce have a long history dating back to medieval Europe. They were originally formed as guilds, which were associations of merchants and artisans who would come together to protect their economic interests and advocate for their rights. These guilds would often have their own courts and regulations to govern their members’ activities.

As trade and commerce expanded during the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution, so did the role of chambers of commerce. They became more focused on promoting economic growth and development in their local communities. They would often provide networking opportunities for business owners, as well as offer services such as market research, business training, and lobbying for pro-business policies.

In the United States, the first Chamber of Commerce was established in New York City in 1768. Today, there are thousands of chambers of commerce across the country, each serving their own communities. They continue to play an important role in promoting economic development and supporting local businesses.

Overall, Chambers of Commerce are non-profit organizations that support and promote local businesses and communities. They have evolved throughout history but continue to be an important part of the business ecosystem, acting as a liaison between businesses and government, providing networking and training opportunities and fostering a sense of community among business owners.

I’m publishing a The Chamber of Commerce Bible to help new and existing chambers of commerce effectively serve their communities and support local businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce Bible will provide comprehensive information and best practices on various aspects of running a chamber of commerce, such as hosting events, creating programs, generating revenue, building relationships with members, and much more. I aim to provide practical and actionable advice that will help chambers of commerce succeed and make a positive impact in their communities.

I want to share with you the story of how it all came about. You see, I was in a unique position. I had just started a Chamber of Commerce from scratch and through that process I realized that I had a lot to share from my experiences, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned.

So, I started documenting everything. Every time a board member, ambassador, or member asked me a question, I made a note of it. And before I knew it, I had a growing collection of tips, insights, and knowledge on starting and running a Chamber of Commerce.

I have a background in operations, marketing, writing, event planning, and I realized that my past experiences could help others in a similar position. So, I kept adding to my notes and expanding the scope of my book. It just kept getting longer and longer!

The goal became clear – to create a comprehensive guide that would help others start and run a Chamber of Commerce or other non-profit. I wanted to share my knowledge and make the process easier for others. To achieve that, I covered every aspect of starting a chamber, from planning and budgeting to marketing and outreach.

And that’s how this book came to be. It’s a result of my personal journey and the passion I have for helping others succeed. I hope you find it helpful and informative, and that it makes starting a chamber a little bit easier for you.