A chamber of commerce is an association or network of business people designed to promote and protect the interests of its members. A chamber of commerce is often made up of a group of business owners who share a locale or interest, but can also be international in scope. They will elect a leadership, name representatives, and discuss what policies to support and promote.
Chambers of commerce exist all over the world. They do not play a direct role in creating laws or regulations, although they can be effective in influencing regulators and legislators through their organized lobbying efforts.
How a chamber of commerce works
The first chamber of commerce was founded in France in 1599. The first in the United States was founded in New York in 1768. The United States Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1912 and promotes business development through lobbying at the national level. At the state, city, regional, and local levels, chambers focus on issues and advocacy that affect their individual members.
Such chambers may or may not be affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce through the Federation’s Partnership Program. The national chamber tends to support conservative politicians and is the largest lobbying group in the U.S. Chambers of commerce differ from trade groups or trade associations that promote a particular industry.
The benefits that chamber members receive include offers and discounts from other chamber members, inclusion in the membership list, and a number of other programs and services designed to promote business in the region.
Chambers of Commerce and Industry also play an important role in local municipalities in promoting business activities and representing their members. At least at the local level, chamber of commerce members often meet to discuss and try to formulate policies that affect the business and general economic environment. Members also receive recognition as a preferred local vendor and are listed on various municipal websites and in literature.