Quantcast Smallbiz Central: Chambers are doing all they can...to get more members.
Chambers are doing all they can...to get more members.
Posted on: 08.21.09 by Donovan Wadholm
The unfortunate reality is that the modern chambers of commerce are self serving entities.

Aside from the regular BAH (business after hours) where the same people "network" with the same people chambers do little to support and grow commerce at their local businesses and nothing to support new businesses or economic development.

My local chamber will not allow non-chamber members at any of its events, receive any of its awards or use any non-chamber facility.  I understand that the goal is to promote/reward chamber members for their membership but it is my opinion that they only alienate non chamber members and risk loosing the possibility that they ever join.

I would be interested in hearing any stories about any chamber that reached out to the greater business community in any of their efforts with an egalitarian spirit in the development of a program.

Also, I would be interested in hearing, from a chamber member...not a chamber director/employee, why they joined the chamber and what benefits they get out of it.  I have found little in my own experience and it was not for lack of participation having attended dozens of events, joining several subcommittees and starting at least two new programs for entrepreneurs.
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Name: 
Donovan Wadholm
Business: 
Start-Up Software LLC
Address: 
Box 10215
Fargo, ND 58106-0215
Phone: 
701-541-0687
Website: www.Startup-Software.com