What a Chamber of Commerce IS and DOES

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

September 2, 2013

Jim Charapich

A Chamber of Commerce is usually a 501(c)6 - Not for Profit organization. In the USA they are not government. They may provide services to the government in varying roles. These roles can vary and include areas of economic development like tourism, business recruitment, and workforce development. A chamber of commerce is a private business, generally supported by members and volunteers. Some chambers have grown to support staff that run the operations of the organization. The Culpeper Chamber has a staff that is paid by the members to serve in providing support for our mission: To be the voice of the business community working to promote, build, and support the most effective climate for economic development. The Culpeper Chamber will celebrate our 100 Year Anniversary in 2014.

According to the American Business Magazine in an article May 4th, 2012 “Why Join Your local Chamber of Commerce” the following was stated:

1) Most consumers (59 percent) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It’s 29 percent more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and 26 percent more effective for communicating that a business is reputable.

2) If a company shows that it’s highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12 percent more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.

3) When a consumer thinks that a company’s products stack up better against the competition because the company is highly involved in its local chamber of commerce, it is because he or she infers that the company is trustworthy, involved in the community and is an industry leader.

4) When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40 percent more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.

5) When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 43 percent more likely to consider buying insurance from it. - See more at: http://www.americanbusinessmag.com/2012/05/why-join-your-local-chamber-of-commerce/#sthash.FifqZq6M.dpu

The Culpeper Chamber is a leading chamber in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Considering the size of our rural community, having over 500 members makes a strong statement about confidence in our vibrant business environment. The legacy of the Chamber is highlighted by the names of the Chairmen  & Chairwomen that have lead the organization for the past 100 years.

We are a member-led organization, with a range of committees managing the initiatives of the organization through a Board of Directors that include Events, Networking, Advocacy, Education, Services, Publications, and Workforce Development. In addition to our service to the traditional business community, the Culpeper Chamber has recognized the importance of the Non-Profit Community as business and established the Non-Profit Council. We continue to evaluate the needs of our members and adjust to the ever changing business environment to meet their needs.

We are proud to serve Culpeper and look forward to ensuring that Culpeper is a great place to live, work, and play.