If you’ve seen one Chamber, you’ve seen one Chamber…and so this statement has persisted for over 300 years. Although Chambers of Commerce were founded back in 1599 in France at Marsellies, the first U.S. Chamber started in 1768 in New York City. Their primary objective stated was to promote commerce, support industry, involve themselves in resolving business disputes and develop laws and regulations that benefit general trade. Today Chambers of Commerce number in the thousands.
Your Chamber Connection has seen a variety of Chamber personalities over the past 25 years and each varies depending on the need of their business community.
Lorraine Deitchman, President of Your Chamber Connection, recalls a number of experiences and Chamber functions over the years. There are Chambers that coordinate beauty pageants, or produce Christmas Parades and large community auctions. These communities benefit from the tourism dollars and jobs created during these Events. Other Chambers focus on developing programs that bring the local business community together for networking opportunities and business education, while some concentrate strictly on attracting new businesses and jobs to their area. They also work very closely with city, state and federal leaders to ensure they serve as the voice of business.
The most successful Chambers are those that have successfully incorporated all aspects of Commerce: Economic Development, Legislation, Information Services, Education, and Networking.
Your Chamber Connection is honored to have worked with over 700 Chambers of Commerce and to be a part of their continued growth. We believe in some small way we have also contributed to the quality of life around the country.