Chambers of Commerce are community-based organizations that work to support local businesses, foster economic growth, and connect businesses with government agencies. They serve as hubs for economic information, offering insights into everything from regional industry trends to small business challenges. Here’s how engaging with your local Chamber of Commerce can add depth, relevance, and authority to your dissertation.

1. Access to Up-to-Date Economic Data

Chambers of Commerce frequently gather and publish reports on local economic conditions. These reports may include business statistics, industry growth forecasts, and economic impact studies that are often not available in typical academic databases. By referencing local Chamber reports, you can include the latest data in your dissertation, grounding your work in the current economic realities of a specific region or industry. This is especially beneficial for students exploring market trends, economic development, or the impact of specific policies on local businesses.

2. Unique Insight into Small Business Challenges and Innovations

One of the primary roles of Chambers of Commerce is to advocate for and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This involvement gives them a direct line to the challenges, needs, and innovations of local businesses. Many Chambers conduct regular surveys or host discussions that reveal the pressing issues affecting entrepreneurs, such as regulatory obstacles, funding access, or workforce needs.

For a dissertation focused on entrepreneurship or small business studies, these insights can help you explore the real-life challenges businesses face and the creative solutions they adopt. This firsthand information can strengthen your argument and add a practical perspective that theoretical sources may lack.

3. Networking Opportunities with Business Leaders and Experts

Many Chambers of Commerce host networking events, panel discussions, and industry conferences, providing excellent opportunities for students to connect with business leaders, policymakers, and subject-matter experts. These connections can lead to interviews, case studies, or access to exclusive data that adds unique value to your dissertation. Conversations with professionals who are directly involved in the industry can offer practical examples and personal experiences that support your research.

If you’re interested in incorporating interviews or case studies in your dissertation, reaching out through Chamber events can be a great way to make these valuable connections.

4. Case Studies of Policy and Business Impact

Chambers of Commerce play an active role in policy advocacy and have a firsthand view of how different policies impact businesses. Many local Chambers collaborate with government agencies to advocate for policies that promote business growth. This collaboration often results in reports, studies, and case examples that can be incredibly useful for students writing about the effects of policies on local economies or industries.

Incorporating examples of policy impact from a local Chamber can enrich your dissertation by showing how regulations and government actions influence real-world business outcomes. This can be especially useful in fields like public policy or economic development, where concrete examples of policy effects are often difficult to obtain.

5. Community and Economic Development Initiatives

Chambers of Commerce are usually involved in various community and economic development projects, working to improve quality of life, attract investment, and stimulate job creation. For students interested in economic development or urban studies, these initiatives offer valuable case studies of how communities address economic challenges. Chambers often publish reports on their economic development projects, highlighting strategies that have succeeded—or failed—and the lessons learned along the way.

By incorporating these case studies into your dissertation, you gain a unique angle, presenting not just theory but actual examples of development strategies in action.

Conclusion

Incorporating resources from your local Chamber of Commerce can provide a distinctive, real-world edge to your dissertation. From up-to-date economic data and small business insights to networking opportunities and case studies, Chambers of Commerce offer a wealth of practical information that can strengthen your research. By combining this real-world information with professional academic guidance when needed, you can produce a dissertation that is not only academically rigorous but also rich in practical, local relevance.

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Here’s how tapping into your local Chamber of Commerce can elevate your research and bring real-world depth to your dissertation.

1. Access to Local Economic Data and Reports

Chambers of Commerce frequently compile and publish detailed reports on economic activity within their regions. These may include annual business surveys, industry-specific analyses, economic impact reports, and market forecasts. Such reports provide a snapshot of local economic conditions, offering students unique data that can inform research on topics like market trends, consumer behavior, industry challenges, and economic resilience.

For a dissertation focused on a particular industry or regional economic impact, these insights can be invaluable, allowing students to cite current, localized information that adds credibility and relevance to their work.

2. Insight into Small Business Trends and Challenges

For students interested in small business studies or entrepreneurship, local Chambers of Commerce can be a goldmine of insights. Chambers work closely with small businesses and are deeply familiar with the challenges, opportunities, and trends within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. They often conduct surveys or hold discussions that reveal the priorities and pain points of business owners, which can help students contextualize their research on small business resilience, innovation, or community impact.

This first-hand information is particularly useful for students studying how local factors affect small businesses and can be a unique angle for dissertations on entrepreneurship or local economic development.

3. Networking Opportunities with Business Leaders and Policy Makers

One of the greatest assets Chambers of Commerce offer is their ability to connect people. They frequently organize events, panel discussions, and networking opportunities where students can meet business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts. These connections can open doors to interviews, case studies, or first-hand accounts that lend authority and depth to a dissertation. Speaking directly with professionals who have practical experience in the field can provide unique insights that academic sources alone might not cover.

If interviewing a business leader or policymaker sounds daunting, Chambers often facilitate connections for students and researchers, making it easier to access valuable first-hand accounts.

4. Real-World Examples of Policy Impact and Business Dynamics

Many students writing dissertations in economics or public policy analyze how policies affect local businesses and communities. Chambers of Commerce frequently work with local and state governments, often acting as advocates for business-friendly policies. This position provides them with a front-row seat to observe how policies play out in real-time.

By working with your local Chamber, you can gain access to case studies and stories about the tangible impacts of regulations, tax policies, or trade decisions on businesses. These examples can be powerful additions to dissertations, allowing you to explore not just theoretical impacts but real-world outcomes that add depth to your analysis.

5. Understanding Community and Economic Development Efforts

Another area where Chambers of Commerce provide useful information is community and economic development. Chambers are often involved in initiatives that aim to attract investment, support local businesses, and create jobs. For students interested in economic development or urban studies, Chambers can offer a ground-level view of the strategies and programs that work (or don’t work) to stimulate growth and improve quality of life within communities.

These development efforts can be particularly useful for students writing case studies or exploring the interplay between economic growth and social outcomes in their dissertations.

Make Your Dissertation Stand Out with Chamber of Commerce Insights

Leveraging the resources of a local Chamber of Commerce can set your dissertation apart by providing up-to-date, real-world data and connections that many other students might overlook. From economic reports and case studies to networking opportunities and community insights, Chambers offer a variety of ways to enrich your research. By integrating this information with expert guidance when needed, you’ll be well on your way to producing a dissertation that is both academically rigorous and deeply relevant to real-world business and economic landscapes.

Incorporate these resources into your research strategy, and you’ll not only benefit academically but also gain insights into the broader economic forces shaping businesses and communities—valuable knowledge for any aspiring professional in the field of business, economics, or public policy.

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2. History and Evolution of the Knifemakers’ Guild

Since its establishment in 1970, the Knifemakers’ Guild has evolved from a small group to a recognized authority within the knife industry. Initially focusing on traditional knife types such as hunting knives and pocket knives, the guild has expanded to include makers of a wide range of knives, from tactical to custom-designed kitchen knives. This evolution reflects the changing landscape of the industry, with the guild constantly adapting to trends while upholding its foundational values.

3. Advocacy and Representation for Knife Makers

The Knifemakers’ Guild actively advocates for knife makers, tackling regulatory challenges and supporting fair practices. With various types of knives subject to specific laws and restrictions, the guild works to ensure that its members are well-informed and that the public understands the functional and artistic value of knives. By representing a wide array of knife types, the guild emphasizes the importance of safe and responsible knife use.

4. Networking and Professional Development

Networking opportunities within the Knifemakers’ Guild provide knife makers with resources to advance their craft. Annual events and shows facilitate connections between makers and collectors, fostering professional development. Whether a member specializes in traditional knife types or innovative designs, the guild’s events allow artisans to share techniques, learn about different types of knives, and expand their professional network.

5. Quality Standards and Certification Programs

The Knifemakers’ Guild enforces stringent quality standards, which apply to various knife types, ensuring members produce knives of exceptional quality. Members undergo a certification process that verifies their craftsmanship and adherence to ethical practices, giving customers confidence in the knives they purchase. From custom hunting knives to unique folding knives, the guild’s standards elevate the reputation of its members’ work.

6. Promoting Artistry and Innovation in Knife Making

The guild encourages members to explore new techniques and materials, fostering innovation across different types of knives. By showcasing both functional and artistic knives, such as chef’s knives, fillet knives, and EDC (Everyday Carry) knives, the guild provides a platform for makers to demonstrate their creativity. This dedication to artistry ensures that knife making remains a dynamic field, blending tradition with modernity.

7. Challenges Facing Knife Guilds Today

Knife guilds face challenges such as changing regulations and the saturation of mass-produced knives. Despite these obstacles, the Knifemakers’ Guild supports members by offering guidance and resources, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry. By promoting unique knife types and advocating for hand-crafted quality, the guild emphasizes the value of artisan-made knives in a market flooded with mass-produced options.

8. How to Join and Participate in the Knifemakers’ Guild

Membership in the Knifemakers’ Guild requires demonstrating a commitment to quality and professionalism across various knife types. Members benefit from the guild’s recognition, which can enhance credibility with collectors and customers. The application process involves skill assessments and adherence to the guild’s ethical standards, welcoming artisans who are passionate about crafting high-quality knives.

9. Conclusion: The Future of Knife Guilds in the Industry

As the knife industry evolves, the Knifemakers’ Guild will continue to play a crucial role in supporting artisans and promoting excellence across different types of knives. By championing industry-specific needs and advocating for the value of handmade knives, the guild ensures that both the art and craft of knife making thrive for future generations.

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• In 2000, the labor force participation rate reached 67.1% and was last at its peak. 
• After the 2008 crisis, this figure fell sharply, reaching a minimum of 62.7% by 2014.
• Subsequently, the trend reversed, but the pandemic again lowered this figure to 61.7%.
• And today, despite all the conditions for a safe return to work, few have done so. As of April 2024, the labor force participation rate is only 62.7%.

Businesses are concerned about this situation, since many jobs are not closed, which affects the revenue and success of companies. At the same time, there is an interesting trend in the increase in the number of people who want to engage in business on their own instead of looking for favorable opportunities in the labor market. These two trends indicate that business models are changing in the United States and, to attract labor, large and medium-sized businesses should make concessions previously unthinkable for them.

What Happened to the Labor Market?

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce closely monitors the state of the American labor market as it concerns many business people. The organization carefully collects and analyzes statistical data and conducts sociological research to understand the work behavior of the employed and the expectations and behavior of the unemployed. According to analysts, the key factor contributing to the decline of labor force participation in the United States is the rapid development of digital technologies.

How E-Commerce Changed the Labor Market

Digital commerce has revolutionized people’s understanding of doing business and offered business tools accessible to everyone. E-commerce made it possible to earn significant money without leaving home, promoting products and other platforms on social networks, blogging, streaming computer games, etc. Young people have become especially receptive to the opportunities of digital commerce and have most easily mastered new business practices. This affected the labor market since, instead of a natural renewal of the workforce, there was a significant outflow in favor of starting their own business, primarily in e-commerce. As a result of these processes:

• The older generation is retiring, freeing up jobs in the market.
• Young people, instead of competing for these positions, are seeking success in digital commerce by launching their projects.

Thus, in 2023 alone, more than 5.5 million new businesses were launched. This figure is the highest in recent years, but the growth is unlikely to stop there. The number of applications submitted to open new business in 2024 in the first few months has already reached almost 1 million.

The ease of launching your e-commerce project is facilitated by the low entry threshold for starting a business. Even those who previously unsuccessfully tried to grow their business projects, got into debt, and lowered their credit rating can try to do it again. Bad credit payday loans at FCLOANS gives them a chance to start over. By taking advantage of the simplicity of algorithms for making money on the Internet, they achieved significant success although they were plagued by failures in traditional ways of doing business.

Is Business Ready for New Employment Models?

Another consequence of the rapid development of technology is the popularity of remote work. The pandemic has made this form of labor organization a necessity. But even when it finished, many workers opted for remote work. And if the employer does not provide them with such an opportunity, they either leave in search of a more accommodating one or leave the labor market altogether, preferring the status of unemployed. Therefore, many companies experiencing labor shortages face a choice:

• Modernization at an accelerated pace to introduce automated systems that will perform some of the work that was previously performed by humans.
• Creating more jobs with opportunities for remote work and attracting specialists living abroad.
• Losing their competitiveness against the background of those companies that followed the first or second scenario.

The situation in the labor market in the United States has changed dramatically in recent years. Instead of competition for jobs, there was competition for employees. This means that the latter may demand more concessions from employers to remain active in the labor market.

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The Chamber’s Role and Influence

At its core, the US Chamber of Commerce is a powerhouse of advocacy, education, and networking. It serves as the bridge between government policymakers and the business community, ensuring that the legislative and regulatory landscape supports, rather than hinders, business growth. Through its efforts, the Chamber addresses critical issues ranging from tax policy and healthcare to international trade and infrastructure development.

The organization’s influence is evident in its ability to mobilize businesses across sectors, bringing together diverse voices to champion common causes. It provides valuable resources, including research reports, policy recommendations, and best practices, to help businesses navigate the complexities of the US and global economies.

A New Era of Business: The Rocket Game

Amidst its traditional roles, the US Chamber of Commerce also embraces innovation and the digital transformation of commerce. A testament to this is the growing interest in digital platforms and online games that intersect with financial education and investment strategies. One such example is the Rocket game, more here a compelling online experience that merges entertainment with real-world financial insights.

The Rocket game, offers users the chance to engage in a thrilling game of strategy and luck, with the underlying theme of financial investment. Players are invited to predict the trajectory of a rocket, with the potential to earn rewards based on their predictions. This game exemplifies how digital tools can be used to educate users on the principles of risk and return, making financial concepts more accessible and engaging​​.

Impact on Businesses and the Economy

The inclusion of games like Rocket in the Chamber’s dialogue around economic education highlights the organization’s commitment to fostering financial literacy and savvy among the American populace. By supporting innovative approaches to education, the Chamber plays a crucial role in preparing businesses and individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century economy.

Moreover, the US Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy for a regulatory environment that encourages digital innovation is crucial for the growth of new sectors, including fintech and edutainment. Its efforts to shape policies that enable technological advancement ensure that businesses can thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Advocacy for a Digital Economy

The Chamber’s work extends to the forefront of the digital economy, championing policies that support innovation, protect intellectual property, and ensure fair competition. It recognizes the importance of a robust digital infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and privacy protections in sustaining economic growth and competitiveness.

Through forums, workshops, and policy initiatives, the US Chamber of Commerce facilitates discussions on emerging technologies, from blockchain to artificial intelligence, emphasizing their potential to transform industries and improve societal outcomes.

Networking and Resources

Beyond advocacy, the Chamber offers a platform for networking, allowing businesses to connect, share insights, and forge partnerships. Its events and conferences serve as gathering points for industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, fostering a community of collaboration and innovation.

The resources provided by the Chamber, including market analysis, regulatory updates, and leadership training, equip businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Its commitment to supporting business growth extends to initiatives focused on workforce development, sustainability, and international trade.

Looking Ahead: The Chamber’s Future Focus

As the US Chamber of Commerce looks to the future, its focus remains on adapting to the evolving business landscape. This includes continuing to advocate for policies that promote economic resilience, drive innovation, and support the integration of sustainable practices in business operations.

The Chamber’s role in facilitating the digital transformation of the economy will undoubtedly expand, with a greater emphasis on promoting digital literacy, supporting the growth of e-commerce, and addressing the challenges of a globalized market. Its efforts to bridge the gap between traditional business models and the digital economy will play a crucial role in shaping the future of commerce in the United States and beyond.

In conclusion, the US Chamber of Commerce is more than just a business organization; it is a catalyst for economic growth and innovation. Through its advocacy, networking, and educational initiatives, it plays a vital role in shaping the policies and practices that will define the future of business in America. As the digital economy continues to evolve, the Chamber’s commitment to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to business education, exemplified by its interest in platforms like the Rocket game, underscores its vision for a prosperous and inclusive economic future.

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Professional and industry chambers of commerce represent the interests of specific industries or professional groups. They bring together companies and professionals working in a particular field to solve problems together and achieve common goals. An important part of their work is lobbying the interests of their members before the authorities at various levels.

American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA represents the interests of medical professionals, including physicians and medical organizations. They work to improve the quality of medical practice, regulate health care services, and make health care affordable.

American Automobile Association (AAA): AAA represents the interests of the auto industry, including automakers, dealers, and suppliers. They work on safety standards, environmental issues, and support for the auto industry.

American Bar Association (ABA): The ABA represents attorneys and legal professionals. They work to advance the legal profession, enforce rules and standards, and promote legal reform.

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): NAM represents the interests of manufacturers and industrial companies. They deal with issues related to manufacturing, trade, innovation, and ensuring the competitiveness of American industry.

Benefits of participating in professional and industry chambers of commerce

Participation in professional and industry chambers of commerce can bring a number of benefits to companies and professionals:

• Lobbying: Chambers represent the interests of their members before legislative and executive bodies, helping to influence the creation of legislation and regulation favorable to the industry.
• Sharing expertise and resources: Chamber members can share knowledge, expertise and resources to help improve services and products.
• Networking opportunities: Participation in chamber events and activities allows for new business contacts and partnerships.
• Education and Training: Chambers provide access to educational resources and trainings to help professionals develop their skills and knowledge.
• Leadership opportunities: Chamber membership can provide opportunities to hold senior positions and influence the industry.

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The name chamber of commerce is applied to slightly different types of organizations in different countries. In the UK and Belgium, for example, they are voluntary associations whose members provide financial resources through subscriptions. In other countries of the European Union and in some Latin American countries, these are bodies whose functions, membership, financial resources, and organization are determined by law. In such circumstances, chambers of commerce and industry often take on responsibilities that are normally performed by local or central government elsewhere.

The name chambre de commerce was first used for a temporary commission established in Paris in 1601 to study industrial and commercial problems. The Marseille Chamber was founded in 1599 by that city and received a patent for letters in 1650; it was the first chamber in the sense in which the term is used today. A decree of Louis XIV ordered the creation of chambers to appoint deputies to the royal council of commerce in Paris. Thus, some of these organizations were founded during the 18th century, mainly in ports. The chambers were abolished during the French Revolution in 1791 and reestablished by Napoleon in 1804. Subsequent legislation redefined their functions, tasks, and constitution; the 1858 law still provides the basic framework, placing France’s chambers of commerce under close government supervision. The functions of these chambers are many; they typically include representing members’ interests before local and national authorities, issuing certificates of origin, appointing members to advisory committees, providing advice on import duties and commercial legislation, establishing training schools, and organizing exhibitions, public works, and managing ports or airports.

The first British chamber of commerce was founded in Jersey in 1768; as the territory closest to France, it naturally adopted the French title. This was followed by Glasgow and Belfast (1783); Edinburgh and Leeds (1785); Manchester (1794); Birmingham (1813); and Liverpool (1850). The Great Exhibition (1851) spurred the formation of 13 in that decade. Junior chambers of commerce (for entrepreneurs aged 21 to 40) were introduced in 1925; by the end of the 20th century, there were more than a hundred.

The oldest chamber of commerce in the United States is the New York State Chamber, formed in 1768, when New York was still a British colony. The first city chamber was established in 1773 in Charleston, South Carolina. The United States Chamber of Commerce, “a national federation working for good citizenship, good government, and good business,” was founded in 1912. At the end of the 20th century, its membership included more than 40,000 business members and more than 4,000 member organizations, including trade and professional associations and local, state, and regional chambers of commerce. More than 5,000,000 individuals and firms are core members of the National Chamber of Commerce. Its various departments have provided information and advice on all contentious issues between business and government, including regulations, costs, tariffs, taxes, and labor-management relations. Its monthly magazine, Nation’s Business, had a large circulation, as did its research publications, committee reports, special bulletins, and an annual booklet on the policies it advocated.

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TAB is proud to serve as the state affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCOC).

Mission

• to protect the best business climate in the world by unleashing the power of free enterprise
• to improve the lives of generations.

Key principles

• Provide a light regulatory and taxation environment for businesses of all sizes and industries.
• Increase opportunities for employers to grow jobs, raise wages, and give back to their communities.
• Create a sustainable and inclusive workforce by improving the education system and encouraging second chance hiring.
• Support business development through smart immigration and trade policies and economic development incentives.
• Strengthen infrastructure, including energy, transportation, water, and broadband.

TAB works in a bipartisan way to protect Texas’ business climate. Learn more on our advocacy page.

Business is not just about lifting people out of poverty, it’s about solving problems. The Pfizer vaccine is a private sector innovation that has saved millions of lives. This is a free market system! Texas has the most dynamic economy and friendly policies to change the world through business.

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Chambers of Commerce in the United States can be considered community, city, regional, state, or nationwide (United States Chamber of Commerce). City Chambers work at the local level to bring the business community together to develop strong local networks that can lead to business-to-business exchanges. In most cases, city chambers work with their local government, such as their mayor, their city council, and local representatives to develop pro-business activities.

City Chambers

In 2005, there were 2,800 chambers of commerce in the United States and 102 chambers representing U.S. businesses abroad. According to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), there are approximately 3,000 chambers of commerce that employ at least one person, and “thousands more are founded as purely volunteer organizations.”

State Chambers

State chambers of commerce differ significantly from local and regional chambers of commerce because they work on state and sometimes federal issues that affect the business community. Just as a local chamber is critical to the local business community, state chambers serve a unique function by acting as an outsider voice on important business legislation that impacts the business community and is critical to shaping legislation in their respective state. State Chambers work with their governor, state representatives, state senators, U.S. Congressional leaders, and U.S. senators. Compared to state trade associations, which serve as a voice and resource for a specific industry, state chambers are considered an authoritative voice representing the entire business community to improve and protect a better business environment.

National and international chambers

Meeting national or international information needs is a key service provided by these chambers of commerce. In most cases, these services are free of charge to members; some offer personal and/or business services for very low fees (e.g., membership in other associations such as the NRA).

Mandatory or public law chambers

Under the compulsory or public law model, businesses of a certain size, type, or sector are required to become members of a chamber. This model is common in the European Union (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria), as well as in Japan and Indonesia. The main tasks of the chambers are to promote foreign trade, professional training, regional economic development, and general services to their members. The Chambers have been endowed by the state with public administration powers in various areas, which they exercise to manage order. The Chambers also have an advisory function; this means that the Chambers must be consulted whenever a new law affecting industry or trade is proposed.

Continental/private law chambers

Under the private model, which exists in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom, as well as in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark, companies are not required to become members of a chamber. However, companies often become members to develop their business contacts and, in the case of local chambers (the most common level of organization), to demonstrate a commitment to the local economy. Although governments are not required to consult chambers on proposed legislation, they are often consulted given their local influence and membership.

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During the oil crisis of 1973, the Chamber pushed for the expansion of domestic production. This included oil and gas exploration as well as coal mining and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. In 1981, the Chamber launched the “Rebuild America” campaign to help support President Reagan’s Economic Recovery and Tax Act. With the rise of globalization in the 1990s, the Chamber promoted increased opportunities for exporting American goods and services, hoping to create jobs for Americans.

While the various chambers of commerce may work with all levels of government, they tend to focus their efforts on specific levels: local chambers of commerce tend to focus on local issues, state chambers on state issues, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on national issues. at the federal government level. They also work closely with a number of youth organizations across the country on the importance and role of business in our modern society.

In 1993, the Chamber lost several members because of their support for Clinton’s health care reform. At the time, the Chamber decided to support health care reform because of the dramatic increase in health care costs faced by its members. However, House Republicans responded by calling for a boycott of the organization. By the time health care reform became a serious issue again in 2010-2012, the organization had opposed such efforts.

Although the Chamber claims to represent more than 3 million American companies, according to data, 94% of its revenue comes from about 1,500 large companies.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce building at 1615 H Street NW in Washington, DC
At the end of 2011, it was reported that from November 2009 to May 2010, Chinese hackers had hacked into the Chamber’s computer system. It appears that the purpose of the breach was to obtain information related to the Chamber’s lobbying on Asian trade policy.

Since Lewis Powell’s 1971 internal memo advocating a more active role in cases before the United States Supreme Court, the Chamber has been increasingly successful in litigation. In the Berger and Rehnquist Courts, the Chamber prevailed in 43% and 56% of cases, respectively, but in the Roberts Court, the Chamber’s success rate increased to 68% as of June 21, 2012.

During the 2008 election cycle, aggressive ads paid for by the USCC attacked a number of Democratic congressional candidates (such as Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken) and supported a number of Republican candidates, including John Sununu, Gordon Smith, Roger Wicker, Saxby Chambliss, and Elizabeth Dole.

The Chamber of Commerce has been an opponent of the Obama administration during the eight years of Barack Obama’s presidency.

During the 2010 election cycle, the Chamber spent $32 million, 93 percent of which went to Republican candidates. The Chamber’s spending from its general funds has been criticized as illegal under campaign finance laws. In a front-page article titled “Big Donations Help U.S. Chamber in Election,” The New York Times reported that the Chamber used campaign contributions without separating foreign and domestic contributions, which, if true, would violate prohibitions on lobbying by foreign states and groups. This includes the Chamber’s international chapters, AmChams, whose funds are not accounted for and may be mixed with the general collection. All Chamber branches, corporations, and members pay dues; the question is how they divide the money for spending in national campaigns.

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