How does Chamber of Commerce work?

I am part of a pretty large hosting firm with servers in One Wilshire and I need to do marketing for our new division. The city chamber of commerce seems like a great place to social network but I was curious to know what kind of events take place at these meetings/socials? I don't know much about how the chamber of commerce thing works

 

Well, I can't speak for the one where you live; but, I've been involved with 2 very different ones - one as a volunteer for over a year and one as a prospective member (my not joining the second is more a matter of finances than anything else).

Let me start with the general. As a rule a Chamber represents the town/county it covers and it's members. Like most things, some do it well; others are poor ambassadors. Most Chambers will hold events throughout the year to both promote themselves, their community and their members.

Membership benefits vary. Most will include you in their "directory". These directories are in both paper and online form (though some charge extra for online listings, live links, or extra content). The paper directories usually list by company type, company name, and sometimes each member/representative from the company. I have heard from members of both Chambers that they look for service companies there before hitting the yellow pages - so a directory listing alone often functions as a great networking tool.

These directories are often included in relocation packets, hotel rooms (not all do this), and in person at the Chamber offices. People will visit Chamber offices when looking for things to do and relocation information about a town. I was shocked at the volume of foot traffic the one where I volunteered had; we gave out tons of directories.

Where I think Chambers vary the greatest is in their social, networking and educational activities. The one where I volunteered for a year had socials that truly revolved around beer - no joke; the town's movers and shakers were more interested in the beer than in networking; very cliquish and not terribly open to new members who were not somehow previously affiliated with the Chamber (read outsiders). The other one that I have looked into joining opens up their socials to prospective members and I must say the Business After Hours and Business Before Hours socials I attended were impressive after the beer chuggers. I saw real networking going on and members where obviously doing business with each other. Even without being a member, I was invited to several off-shoot business and marketing clubs and was warmly welcomed. (Though I must admit I came at the invitation of a well-known and respected business person and the lady who knew everyone took a liking to me and introduced me to just about everyone in the room and paid particular attention to those who could help me or hire me.)

Both Chambers are in the same state, both in counties of about the same size, and both dependent on the tourist trade.

If your Chamber allows prospective members to attend the social events (mainly Business Before & After Hours), I would strongly suggest you go to at least one of each prior to joining. This will help you determine if it is more about party central or more about growing a business community.

Typically BAH, is something like an informal cocktail party. Food is usually served, both Chambers I know had "adult" beverages (one charged, one didn't), and there's usually door prizes from other members and sometimes some quick announcements/reminders of upcoming events.

The BBH at both Chambers seemed a bit more refined and both had presentations or guest speakers or both.

When I spoke to some of the members at the second Chamber, they agreed that a much larger and more pricey Chamber in the next county was more like my beer crowd and less about supporting each other and the town. I strongly urge you to evaluate the "paper" marketing benefits (directories, ribbon-cutting, etc) and attend several of their social functions before making the investment in a membership.

I can tell you that some members who didn't partake of the beer bashes felt their membership was well worth the business the "paper" benefits brought them; so keep that in mind as well.

Hope that helps without sounding like a salesperson from your local office.

 

Yes, this is perfect in filling up the gaps in my understanding

Thanks very much