Benefits of Joining

A chamber of commerce is an organization of businesses operating as a 501(c)6 organization. Chambers of commerce seek to further their collective business interests while advancing the economic well-being of their community, region, state, or nation.

The Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together to promote the civic and commercial progress of our community. The area’s economic well-being is related directly to the caliber of work that is done by the Chamber. That is how the Belvidere Area Chamber has a major impact on the business, income, and future growth of the area.

Networking is POWERFUL!

When you decide to join a local chamber, you automatically open up yourself — and your business — to a network of potential partnerships. Business contacts from your local chamber could become the supportive community you turn to one day for assistance or vice versa. In addition, your new business contacts may be the people who serve as your sounding board for new ideas, come up with solutions to internal business problems, and even partner with you on a new endeavor.

• According to a study conducted by the Schapiro Group, 49% of consumers were more likely to think favorably of a local business if it was a member of the local Chamber— and 80% were more likely to purchase a product or service from a Chamber member.

• This study also showed that 63% of consumers thought a business’ local chamber membership showed community involvement, 69% thought it showed a good reputation and 70% thought it showed good business practices.

The TJB American Business Magazine published an article that shared the following information.

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.
• If a company shows that it’s highly involved in its local chamber consumers are 12 percent more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

As your local chamber continues to grow, so will your network. The chamber holds monthly networking opportunities allowing you to get to know community members, fellow business owners, and other professionals in your industry.

While the events can range from formal to fun, each will allow you to make new connections and foster additional exposure for your business.

Your business's relationships and possible expansion through a local chamber network will often be unmatched.

Your local chamber can make a great marketing resource for your company via avenues like its newsletter, website, social media, and more. In addition to networking events, chambers often hold events, such as "lunch and learn," where members can pick up new skills or techniques. These types of events can offer resources for advancement for all your employees.

Getting involved in the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce is a great way to increase the credibility of your business, find new marketing venues, tips and tricks, have a voice in local government on issues that impact small businesses, improve your networking opportunities, and have access to professional development.

• 3 million businesses are currently part of a chamber of commerce.
• If a consumer knows a business is part of its local chamber of commerce, the business will have a 63% increase in the likelihood that the consumer will shop with them.

Joining a chamber of commerce is a great way to be part of the community. This is important since 8% of small businesses fail because they don’t have a network.