03.19.07
Local Chambers Of Commerce
Are you a member of your local chamber of commerce?  Did you know that the chambers of commerce exist to represent your interests as a business owner or manager?  There are generally monthly speakers on various business-related topics, and occasionally visits by politicians–an opportunity to tell them face to face what your business needs from the agency they represent.
In many locations, there are not only chambers to represent the city’s businesses, but also chambers to represent minority businesses’ interests, which may not always be the same as yours.  Chambers tend to publish directories of their members and to promote the idea of members patronizing other members’ businesses when they can.  They often have mixers, where you can meet the local leaders who will play a role in making your business successful.
You should approach the chamber of commerce, not from a me-me-me attitude, but from a we-we-we attitude.  You may not immediately gain customers by being active within the chamber.  Yet, you will have the opportunity to participate in making your local community better through things like offering scholarships to local high school students, fundraising for community-based charities, and sponsoring local youth sporting teams.
