what is the chamber of commerce and what can it do for me?

**andrewrichardgale** · 08-18-2008 10:18 PM

is it just how to avoid scamS?

**agraiders** · 08-18-2008 10:35 PM

The chamber of commerce is basically a network of businesses in a community. The main advantage of joining the chamber is being able to network with other businesses in your community. For example, a computer service person could meet lawyers, doctors, financial planners, etc who may one day want his services.

**andrewrichardgale** · 08-18-2008 10:52 PM

oh cool, i passed the one for my town today and i was wondering what it was. How do I join? Is it free? Is it worth it?

**goelephant** · 08-18-2008 11:12 PM

Your Chamber is usually not free. Around here, for a one person business it's only $25 a year to join.

My Chamber provides a monthly newsletter and puts on a networking event once a month. For $25 a year it's a pretty good investment.

**andrewrichardgale** · 08-18-2008 11:16 PM

count me in guys, thank you for your information

**rogercbryan** · 08-19-2008 08:56 AM

Every business should be part of their local chamber of commerce. I was on the board of my chamber when I lived in OH. They do a lot of good for the community and for businesses. You will get an inside look at your community, its problems, its growth opportunities and often its members have access to deals before the general public does. It's great for networking and cross selling services. We used to have a discount program in Brook Park, OH (suburb of Cleveland) where chamber members would only do business with other chamber members and in exchange we all discounted our prices.

Hmmm... I need to look into joining my chamber in DC...