Why You Should Become Involved With Your Chamber of Commerce

If you know me, you know how much I’ve built an emphasis on taking care of our community and our customers. I’ve been a proud member of the Greater Memphis Chamber for years now. If you’re on the fence about joining, here are just a few reasons why you should join your local chamber of commerce.

1) Getting to Know Other Memphians & Their Businesses

This is one of the best things about being in your local chamber of commerce. We have so many great small businesses within the Greater Memphis area that are doing great things. You never know when the person you may be talking to may be able to partner with you on an event, or maybe needs to consolidate their office supply purchasing. Getting to know all of you through various networking events and committees helps me understand what your needs are, and has even blessed me with friends.

2) You Can Become a Trusted Local Source for Your Products & Services

Being part of your chamber of commerce can help build trust with other business owners. According to a survey done by the Associate of Chamber of Commerce Executives, consumers are 80 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from companies within their local chambers of commerce. The same study also states that customers have a higher amount of trust with companies in their local chamber. This is what has helped us become a trusted local source for office products and solutions within the Memphis area. I love being able to see our customers at our events (and if you haven’t been to any yet, let me know and I can get you some more info.)

3) Ongoing Training & Education

Within the OP Industry, we have a few conferences that our Yuletide Folk attend every year across the country that offer great sessions and seminars. For those of you with a lack of resources or time to attend an industry conference, the Memphis chamber specifically offers a program called Advice on Tap. This program allows fellow chamber members a free 30-minute phone call with some of the region’s leading professional minds. Areas of expertise covered range from Marketing to Human Resources. We’ve had many entrepreneurs tell us how helpful this service has been as their business grows.

If you’re looking for something that resembles a trade show, Bizpalooza happens every year in the fall and features various small businesses in Memphis. This can be a great way to expose younger employees to attending a tradeshow and how they can represent your business as well!

4) Work With Your Elected Officials to Foster a Better Business Environment

As a member of your local chamber of commerce, you can bring to the table some of the concerns you have as a business official. The Memphis Chamber offers an advocacy team that works with local government to address issues ranging from education to infrastructure, just to name a few. Your involvement will ensure that the voice of your town’s businesses is active in the government, and your input can be used to make your town or city a great place to work.

5) Increased Exposure & Promotion

As a chamber member, it’s easier to spread the word about what you offer and what advantages there are to being a customer of your business. Most chambers offer advertising programs that allow you to promote your business through newsletters, ad space in magazines or other publications offered by your local chamber. It’s best to go through all of the options available to find which ones work best for you.

You’ll also usually be listed in an online directory with other businesses, which will increase your reputability online. If you decide to go further into your online marketing, you’ll also have mailing lists with direct contacts, leading to great networking opportunities.