Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Joining your local chamber of commerce might be one of the best decisions you ever make. Yes, networking, advertising and educational opportunities that could further your business abound, but the Chamber doesn't just benefit you personally. Bringing a diverse group of individuals and leaders together has ripple effects that extend into your local community.
How exactly a chamber of commerce helps local communities includes a long list — but the Salt Lake Chamber has whittled it down to three key objectives. You just have to remember your ABCs:
- Advocate policy
- Build business
- Connect community
Here's how the Chamber accomplishes these three initiatives.
Advocate policy
In an article for Investopedia, Adam Hayes writes, "While chambers of commerce do not directly influence political outcomes, they may try to influence or lobby local community leaders to pro-business stances."
As a business owner, public policy has a direct impact on your livelihood. By joining your local chamber of commerce, you can stay involved, informed and even actively influence public policy. It gives you a voice where you might otherwise not have one.
The Salt Lake Chamber, for example, helps develop principles, policies and positions surrounding major issues that affect Utah's business community. This happens through committees, subcommittees, task forces and councils made up of hundreds of representatives from member corporations, organizations, the academic community and volunteers.
"In almost every instance, significant public policy issue positions originate in one of these Chamber components," the Chamber's website states.
These committees cover a variety of topics and societal issues, including the economy, health care, housing, professional services, technology and more. To join, your employer must be a member of the Salt Lake Chamber.
Salt Lake Chamber president and CEO Derek Miller, along with Salt Lake Chamber board chair Gary W. Hoogeveen, explained how the Chamber's effort to shape policy ultimately benefits the community at large.
In the 2024 Public Policy Guide, they wrote, "We celebrate Utah's rich heritage and are dedicated to listening to new voices in our community. In this, we seek not just less division, but more unity — a harmonious chorus of voices working together to ensure a bright and prosperous future."
Build business
When you join your local chamber, you immediately have the support of a large network of individuals. Helping members succeed in their business efforts is at the heart of everything the Salt Lake Chamber does.
The Chamber regularly conducts meetings, seminars, workshops and other events to educate and empower its members and their employees. Though these events are often open to the public, Chamber members typically get a discount on the admission fee.
Additionally, members get to enjoy a host of other benefits. Boost your business by listing your company on the Chamber's Member Directory. Enjoy having referrals sent your way from your fellow Chamber members. Post company announcements in the Member News section of the website. Take advantage of member discounts on certain products, events and services. Attend regular member trainings to enhance your business know-how.
Your benefit level corresponds to whichever level of membership you choose. The higher the membership, the higher the benefits. It's common for people to join the Chamber and upgrade their membership not long afterward. The benefits are hard to beat.
Connect community
Though there are definite advantages to joining, you don't have to be a member to experience the benefits that the chamber of commerce brings to the community. The Salt Lake Chamber regularly hosts networking events, conferences, golf tournaments and other community events that anyone can be involved in.
For a full list of upcoming events, you can access the Chamber's events calendar online.
How to join your local chamber
The best way to understand how your local chamber of commerce positively affects your community is by joining it.
"Salt Lake Chamber membership is a business investment, and like all investments, a good business owner expects a positive return," the Salt Lake Chamber's website states. "Chamber membership is an investment that immediately pays off. The Chamber delivers a portfolio of benefits that seeks to improve your business' profitability and build a better community."
To join, simply visit slchamber.com/membership and invest in yourself, your community and your business.
