What do Napoleon Bonaparte and Hollywood have in common? That’s not the start of a very corny joke — there’s really is a connection… both are strongly linked with a chamber of commerce. Napoleon, history’s most famous military strategist, obviously also had a good head for business too because he established the Paris Chamber of Commerce in 1803. That was three months before the start of the Napoleonic Wars… now his chamber is the biggest in the world, boasting 310,000 members.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is behind two of tinsel town’s most famous attractions.
In 1949, the chamber got the job of fixing a battered old sign overlooking the Hollywood Hills. They changed it from “Hollywoodland” to… well, you already know that. Then in 1953, they came up with the idea for the Hollywood Walk of Fame… there are now as many stars on that 2.1km stretch of pavement as you can see in the night sky. Why am I telling you this? To show you just how much a chamber of commerce can transform the lives of its members, not to mention the identity of its location.
What exactly is a chamber of commerce?
Officially, it’s a peak body that represents and furthers the interests of businesses in a given place. However, each chamber is different and you can’t fully comprehend their capabilities and scope of influence until you join one. So let me give you an insider’s guide to 5 reasons you need to join your local chamber.
- Have your voice heard.Local chambers of commerce are powerful advocacy groups. They’re apolitical and most have links to state and national chambers, giving you access to a vocal and skills-rich chain that covers the whole country and all industries. In 2011, for example, the Port Adelaide Chamber of Commerce successfully lobbied for heavy trucks to be banned from their city centre. Now there’s less pollution and traffic congestion, and more tourists are visiting the heritage buildings.
- Create a network.I’m hesitant to use the word “network” because so many people immediately think of schmoozing to get sales. No so. For me, it’s about developing relationships and sharing resources. For example, one friend was recently invited to join a retail buying group. Another met someone who can help her find an office on the main street. And I even overheard a cafe owner offer to deliver coffee every morning to one lucky business owner!
- Access opportunities.This is about getting in the loop through chamber newsletters, activities and even word-of-mouth. My local chamber, for example, organises a huge annual arts festival. Members are not only invited to participate, but can all piggy back on expensive advertising programs. Other chambers of commerce have business awards, special member offers, grants and marketing initiatives.
- Get an education.Chamber events are a casual and relaxed way to soak up useful information, covering everything from inspiring guest speakers, the nuts and bolts of running a business to even the latest business news or legislation. You even get to eat eggs Benedict or sip champagne while listening!
Even the more social events are worthwhile because they provide an opportunity to chat with like-minded people who understand the highs and lows of running a business.
For example, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce runs a seminar series through the month-long Geelong Small Business Festival, while numerous chambers hold charity golf days. The members of the Manly and Penrith Valley chambers of commerce are a little wackier – respectively, they’re into pram races for charity and lazer skirmishes simply because… well, they can! And if you’ve got an energy left after all that eating and exercise, you could put your hand up to deliver your own presentation.
- Transform your community.As you know, every community is constantly changing. Being a member of your local chamber of commerce helps you see and be part of that bigger picture, and gives you the chance to set the future direction of the place where you live or do business. Let me explain. Most chambers have a vision for what they want the local community to be, one that maximises business prospects, and works to make that a reality. As you can imagine, the lifestyle, look and identity of a place influences its ability to become prosperous so, not surprisingly, chambers often undertake activities to draw tourists and new residents. The flow-on effect, of course, is increased services and openings for new businesses. The Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches Chamber of Commerce is the perfect example. They’re beautifying their town to fulfil the claim Woolgoolga is the best place in NSW to see migrating humpback whales. They transformed an eyesore of an old water tank, overlooking the best viewing beach, into a must-see attraction by commissioning local artist Lee Holmes to cover it with a stunning mural of migrating whales.
