Changing Expectations of Chambers

Chambers of commerce have proven their effectiveness as community changemakers leading to increased expectations from their constituencies. As a result, community members are now bringing new, oftentimes complex community issues to chambers, viewing them as trusted problem solvers. This shift has required chamber leaders to adapt and develop new leadership skills and approaches to meet elevated expectations.

Chambers are increasingly focused on the evolving member and community expectations about economic vitality and community vibrancy. They are seeking ways to capitalize on their community’s assets to stimulate economic development and create a sense of belonging for residents. This includes supporting broader societal initiatives, solving challenges that other institutions historically were charged with addressing and contributing to regional prosperity, all while maintaining core business support functions.

  • What new forms of leadership are required to respond to the community’s new and increased expectations?
  • How can you ensure your work portfolio is aligned with community needs in a way that also allows for bandwidth when new opportunities arise?

By the Numbers

ACCE Insights

 

Chamber Examples

  • The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber and North Coast Builders Exchange formed a permanent Employers Housing Council, convening the region’s major employers to advance and stimulate housing across the market spectrum through accountability, creative policy development and project support.
  • The Toledo Regional Chamber and the Lucas County Commissioners launched the Benefits Bridge Pilot Program to address the “benefits cliff,” the phenomenon of individuals declining wage increases, promotions or increased hours at work due to the fear of having public assistance benefits they receive drastically reduced or taken away. In its first six months, the program has enrolled and begun assisting approximately 50 individuals.
  • As part of a statewide coalition, the Grand Rapids Chamber led the development of MI Tri-Share to address childcare affordability and accessibility. Through MI Tri-Share, the cost of childcare is shared equally among the employer, the employee and the state, allowing parents to return to work.
  • The North Carolina Chamber will host the Business Summit on Mental Health later this month. The event will gather industry leaders, policymakers and experts to explore best practices for improving workplace well-being and addressing the evolving mental health landscape in North Carolina.
  • The Greater Memphis Chamber created the Public Safety Committee to address issues driving companies and workers away from the area. The committee regularly convenes multi-jurisdictional bodies to hold officials accountable to their public safety plans.
  • The Eugene Area Chamber conducted research and interviewed more than 150 stakeholders to produce its State of Homelessness report, which documented the homelessness crisis, shared promising practices and established a set of recommendations for further action.

 

Smaller Chamber Examples

  • The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced plans to support childcare centers and families in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The foundation allocated $125,000 toward the cost of tuition payments for the month of October at licensed early childhood development centers throughout Watauga County to ensure stability in the childcare industry while also freeing up cash for families to cover storm-related expenses.
  • The Statesboro Bulloch Chamber has stepped into the ongoing dispute between Bulloch County and the City of Statesboro regarding the fire service contract for the Five Mile Fire District. The chamber announced its intention to facilitate a resolution that ensures continued fire protection for residents and businesses within the district.
  • The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office joined efforts to address retail crime in the Imperial Valley. They surveyed business owners to gather insights and understand the impact crime has on area business and help them develop solutions.
  • The Ostego County Chamber hosted informational sessions for employers to discuss the impact of the opioid crisis and the moral and legal responsibility of employers. 

 

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