A Chamber Membership Is Worth a Lot More Than That.
When I speak to small businesses that have let their membership lapse, they often make it sound like a gym membership. “I didn’t really use it.” What they’re missing when they say that is the behind-the-scenes benefits of chamber membership. Just as your investment grows in a savings account in a bank, your business investment at the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance is growing even when you aren’t actively participating.
Here’s what you’re getting that you may not even realize:
7 Ways a Chamber Membership Is Always Working for You
Advocacy
Even if you never attend a single event, the chamber is advocating for the needs of business. We work with local, state, and federal governments to influence policies and regulations that impact businesses. This advocacy often leads to favorable business conditions, tax incentives, and regulatory changes that benefit businesses without the members having to actively lobby for them.
Through our Economic & Government Affairs Committee we have been instrumental in protecting Alameda businesses from harmful legislation and “job killers.” During COVID, local leaders turned to the chamber to learn more about business needs. Our efforts were essential to helping businesses reopen by advocating for things like more outdoor dining areas and other protocols.
This advocacy is occurring behind the scenes, but you will get more out of it if you work with us and express your industry/business needs.
Economic Development
We are involved in initiatives to promote economic growth within Alameda such as the Alameda Point Coalition. We work on attracting new businesses, fostering innovation, and improving infrastructure. At the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance, we are working toward creating an economic development brand in our area geared toward increased economic opportunities and growth even.
Educational Resources
The Chamber offers valuable educational resources and Lunch & Learns on topics like business management, marketing, and regulatory compliance. Members can benefit from these resources to improve their skills and knowledge, ultimately enhancing their business operations.
Even if you never attend a single session, chamber membership (and thus, the learning opportunities associated with such) extends to all your employees. Plus, we also host speakers and bring in people to share their knowledge and skills for a very affordable price, which is an additional asset to the community.
Marketing and Promotion
We promote our members through an online and print magazine, a member directory, our website, newsletter (now featuring a special event-only monthly edition), social media, and the community events calendar. This exposure can boost a business’s visibility and reputation, attracting potential customers or clients who might not have discovered the business otherwise.
Community Engagement
The Alameda Chambers plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and social responsibility among businesses. We support local charitable causes, events, and community development projects including sustainability initiatives. When a business is part of the chamber, it indirectly contributes to these efforts, enhancing the overall quality of life in the area and potentially improving its reputation.
Tourism
We’re in the process of putting together a visitor information center and currently offer tourists helpful guides, brochures, and information about local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and activities. We enjoy being a valuable resource for tourists and encourage visitors to explore the area, thus boosting local businesses.
Additionally, we’re working on a tourism-focused website and marketing campaign to attract more visitors. This marketing effort will result in increased visitor numbers, leading to more revenue for businesses.
Infrastructure and Grants
Our efforts have led us to advocate for improved infrastructure, transportation options, and the development of tourist-friendly amenities. These efforts enhance the overall visitor and resident experience, making the area more attractive to tourists, relocating businesses, and resident retention, while boosting local commerce.
This upcoming year, we’re exploring opportunities through grants and initiatives to bring money into the area for quality-of-life and sustainability projects. Our ability to work with the public and private sectors is unparalleled. We work as a bridge between groups and bring leaders of all areas together for the betterment (and funding) of the community.
At the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance, we provide a range of benefits to businesses beyond what may be immediately apparent. Even if you don’t have the time to give to chamber membership activities, the chamber is working on things like advocacy, economic development, marketing, community engagement, and tourism initiatives to improve your quality of life and add to your business’s potential for growth. We work tirelessly to create a more favorable business environment, helping our members thrive without requiring them to take individual action on these fronts. So, the next time you think you don’t have time to join the chamber, instead ask yourself whether you can afford not to.
