A Legacy of Leadership
The first Chamber of Commerce was established in 1599 in Marseille, France to promote regional economic interests. This model spread to America with New York's statewide chamber in 1768 and Charleston's local chamber in 1773. Despite centuries of difference, these early chambers share much of the same core mission as those we lead today: advocating for business interests, improving infrastructure, and shaping economic policy.
The role of chambers has never been more crucial. Trust in businesses and chambers is strong. A 2024 Harris Poll survey, conducted on behalf of ACCE, found that 81% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber of commerce is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. Nine in 10 feel that their local chamber has an impact on growing the local economy (90%) and addressing challenges within their community (88%). We have tremendous momentum to bring even more bold leadership and lasting impact to our communities.
In the next decade, chambers will shape – and be shaped by – three spheres of influence:
- Linchpin influences - fundamental to chambers' role as trusted community leaders
- Timeless influences that every generation of chamber leader faces
- Timely influences - highly relevant now, and likely critical in the future
Recognizing these influences requires a keen perception of the larger picture of what is driving societal change. Chamber leaders must think like futurists and be able to discern weak signals that could evolve into trends that affect businesses and communities. Horizon 2035 is designed to keep you a step ahead by highlighting key future-facing influences. The influences below create both challenges and opportunities. There is no silver bullet. Smart chamber leaders must create targeted strategies based on their community’s needs and social dynamics.
- Download the report or explore the influences in greater detail below.
- Brief summary document
- Discussion guide
- Discussion prompts for each influence
- From Sheree Anne: How Can You Focus on the Future When the Present Feels Uncertain
Linchpin Influences
A central or most important element that holds together the other parts of something, whether an idea, system or organization.
Linchpins hold things together. For over 400 years, chambers have helped hold their communities together - as conveners, connectors and trusted community leaders. And if you look inside the most effective chambers, you see these Linchpin Influences at work.
Timeless Influences
Not affected by the passage of time, having an enduring quality that remains relevant or valuable regardless of era.
Some influences are timeless. The following will continue to be critical to chambers through 2035, just as they were to our forebearers over four hundred years ago.
Timely Influences
Relevant to the present time or circumstances and likely of critical importance in the future.
As important as long-term influences are, there remain influences that require immediate and timely work to take advantage of an opportunity or mitigate possible adverse effects. These timely influences have necessitated the rise of different leadership abilities in chamber executives.
Foresight Tools
The Future is not a place we visit. The Future is what we make it.
How we use this knowledge to the advantage of our communities and our chambers is up to us. All chambers of every size and function can use this content to inform and engage its members and community partners. Every region worldwide can leverage this information into action that creates a brighter future.
About this Report
The process and people behind Horizon 2035.
Leveraging foresight tools, this initiative represents the work of nearly 1,000 ACCE members, partners and staff alongside the team at NEXT Generation Consulting. Thanks to all of you! Many thanks to ACCE’s Horizon Investors, the Horizon 2035 Task Force and the ACCE team for their leadership. Each of you provided insightful support during the year-long process, the impact of which will be felt for years to come.
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