|
09/01/2007
|
|
| What s a Chamber of Commerce anyway? |
|
You probably have heard that question asked at one time or another. You may have wondered about it yourself.
It's a legitimate question. A lot of people - including many to whom the Chamber is very important have no real conception of exactly what the Chamber of Commerce is, how it works, or what it is for. There are in fact, a lot of misconceptions about the Chamber. For example, there are those who believe the Chamber simply gathers statistics, prints nice brochures, cuts ribbons at grand openings, answers inquiries and promotes what a great place St. Peters is to live, work and enjoy the good life. They're right of course - up to a point. We do all of those things, and proudly so, for they are all important. But, they are not why the Chamber exists. They are fringe benefits, the things we do as a matter of routine because they need to be done and we are good at doing them.
Most communities have a Chamber of Commerce, and those who belong take great pride in their membership. They put stickers in their window, plaques on their walls and pins on their lapels. They advertise their involvement for all to see.
But those who do not belong often ask why belong?
The answer is because they are proud of being part of an organization that plays such a key role in the community.
That begs the question: what is that role? The official description is: "A Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization established to promote civic, commercial, industrial progress of the community and county which it serves and to work for sound (whew!)
The simple version says so much more.
The Chamber exists to make any community a better place to live. The Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst?the vehicle through which all segments of business work together for the common good of the whole community.
A Chamber of Commerce provides an avenue for the business people in a community to create a positive business environment. It also provides the local business community with a vehicle to promote their region to the outside world either for tourism or business investment. It then serves to help people find their way when they arrive.
The Chamber provides an opportunity for those people who create local jobs and drive the local economy to work with government and the public to build a better community. The community Chamber works closely with the municipal and regional governments. on issues of mutual concern. The Chamber speaks for the business community at public hearings, to the media
They are the voice of business.
When a business joins the Chamber, they can learn about rising legislative issues that affect business, and add their voice to the Chamber's efforts to address them. Equally important is that the Chamber can then support them on the issues that concern their business. When a business joins the Chamber, they help make their community ? and their business - healthy and prosperous. "WE" are "YOU", the members, and all your business neighbors who are also members. YOU are the Chamber of Commerce! You provide the ideas, the drive, the goals, the funds and the know-how to keep the Chamber doing what it does.
|
|
|
|
| Back to News |
|
|
"Belonging to the St. Peters Chamber of Commerce has permitted me to meet and establish great relationships with a large number of other business people.
These relationships have been instrumental in enriching my life as well as building my clientele."
Linda Techmeyer
Secretary 2001
Chairman of the Board 2002 |
|
