How to Join a Local Chamber of Commerce

Your local chamber of commerce is an organization that helps local businesses promote their services and advocate for good business practices. Membership in a chamber of commerce varies from community to community, but the main benefit is building good relationships with fellow entrepreneurs. You'll need to do some research into your local chamber of commerce before you join.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Become a Member of a Chamber of Commerce

1. Search for your local chamber of commerce to locate a website and contact information. The United States Chamber of Commerce is the national body that helps connect local organizations from all 50 states. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce website features a local search tool that will point you in the right direction (see Resources below).
2. Fill out an application for the chamber of commerce in your community. Most chambers have a website that promotes community businesses, as well as membership in the organization. The main variables in determining your membership fees are your use of recruiting tools, regular website advertisements and other discounted services offered by the chamber.
3. Attend events sponsored by the chamber of commerce and prominent businesses in your community. Job fairs, open houses and summer cookouts allow you to network with other business leaders, in an informal atmosphere. In addition to networking opportunities, these events let you see the chamber's work in progress.
4. Ask to be featured in chamber of commerce publications as a new member as soon as you join the organization. Most local chambers publish a monthly newsletter that highlights services the organization provides. A small introduction in the newsletter or the chamber website gives you maximum publicity early in your membership.
5. Develop a promotional package that you can submit to the chamber of commerce before you join. As a new business, you need to create a logo and an effective catch phrase that will differentiate your company from others. A polished package, including brochures, catalogs and other materials, will help you maximize your membership.

Tips & Warnings

• Look over the list of local companies that are members of the chamber of commerce in your city. Your business will only benefit from chamber membership if there is a diverse group of companies involved in the organization. Since your local Chamber seeks to promote member companies, you should be able to go to the website and look up member profiles.