I don’t think anyone would argue that the pandemic was bad for business – both locally and globally. But as businesses are working to rebuild, restructure and recreate their practices post-pandemic, one thing you might not realize is that local chambers of commerce are seeing a rebirth as well.
The other day, we received a telephone book in the mail, and my husband and I commented on how small it was. It seems surprising that such a book still exists in the realm of social media and Google. One could argue that the same could be said for a chamber of commerce. Why are they needed in the age of technology? What can they do for businesses that the businesses can’t do for themselves?
Kim Baker, Chief Executive Officer of the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce said she believes that chambers are more relevant now than ever before.
“Across the country, Chambers are in a bit of a renaissance period,” she said. “During the pandemic, we found that so many people wanted to know and understand more about who they do business with. They wanted to do it close to home, they wanted to take care of their community, they wanted to know the person behind the operations – to make sure the products were safe, what they expected, and easy to access.”
Bakers said that chambers are working harder than ever to make sure businesses and communities stay connected.
For instance, the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce currently has more than 200 events they self or co-produce. That’s so they can provide different events for different businesses, each with their own individual needs. And they use their extensive reach – social media, website, office and events to make sure their members can get in front of their desired audience.
“Local Chambers of Commerce are our nation’s strongest small business advocates,” according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website. “When businesses succeed, communities succeed, and local chambers are there every step of the way empowering businesses to grow and thrive even in the most challenging of circumstances.”
As we shift toward a more community-based, take-care-of-our-own mentality, chambers offer a clear directional path for businesses to make connections.
“I always tell folks if I were to take my ‘chamber hat’ off and look at our offerings through a different lens, I would still tell you that being involved with a local chamber is the starting point and best place to find connections within your community,” Baker said. “There aren’t many other functions that happen at the level of frequency ours do, where you can find so many leaders gathered together. Additionally, there aren’t many other organizations that offer you a variety of different ways to connect within a group of people. From email marketing to closed social media groups to member portals to snail mail mailings, there are a variety of ways to connect with others. Chambers bring credibility to businesses and organizations and help humanize them, putting faces to the operations.”
And chambers are a great resource for businesses that are still struggling post-pandemic.
Businesses that may be struggling or at a turning point should consider contacting their local chamber.
“They’ll dream with you, they’ll make connections, and they’ll help you land on solutions,” Baker said. “If you have a chamber in your backyard and they haven’t found you yet, go find them. And even if you think you ‘don’t need’ the chamber, chances are, they – and your community – need you.”
