By Denise Romanelli

Today’s chamber of commerce provides a more robust venue for business leaders in the community for networking, education, and peer engagement.  Chambers foster partnerships and provide tools for commercial and industrial initiatives in the community.

Their purpose is to vitalize and stimulate the economy through business relationships.  Their work is for the best interests for the communities they serve as business advocacy and grassroots activists for political and municipal operations in the county.

According to the US 2018 Small Business Profile Office of Advocacy, small businesses employed 45.7% of the workforce in 2015.  Firms employing fewer than 20 employees experienced the largest gains, adding 1.1 million net jobs.

Entrepreneurship is competitive and can be daunting without information and guidance that a chamber of commerce can provide.

The American Business Magazine says as a business strategy, joining a chamber of commerce helps you stay on top of changing in issues and trends in the marketplace.  It brings credibility and visibility to your business.  It is an opportunity to share your craft with other professionals at business card exchanges, seminars, and luncheons that are sometimes hosted on the premises of local businesses who want to showcase their trade.

According to a research study by The Shapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street Services, consumers are 40 percent more likely to do business with companies who are part of a chamber of commerce.  They provide marketing opportunities for sponsorships and community-wide exposure at grand events attended by local citizens.  Chambers bring a winning combination of marketing through digital technology and face-to-face relationship building.

For those who pursue individual growth in their profession, there are educational seminars by subject matter experts such as Debbi Bromley, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Genex Services, LLC, who is leading a Women Influencing Business Leadership Workshop on Feb. 16^th at the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry.

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is bringing the magic of Disney to the workplace through their annual Disney Institute session on March 18^th.

Other local chamber events this week and over the next several weeks are:

• Tip Tuesday- Young Professional Happy Hour, an event hosted by Exton Region Chamber of Commerce, happens after work on Tuesday (2/5).
• The Phoenixville Chamber and the Jaycees hosts a Young Professional Networking Group on Tuesday (2/5).
• The Main Line Chamber of Commerce’s Business Card Exchange at the West Laurel Hill Funeral Home in Bala Cynwyd happens Wednesday (2/6)
• Southern Chester County Chamber’s Women in Business Breakfast is Wednesday (2/6) morning.
• Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce hosts a Legislative Roundtable Breakfast on Friday (2/8) morning.
• The Downingtown Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Networking Luncheon happens on February 19th.
• Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner Dance presenting the Chamber’s Citizen, Business and Organization of the Year Awards is scheduled for March 2nd.

A chamber membership will help grow your business referrals through personal engagement with your target audiences.  Your local chamber of commerce is a robust resource that enhances your business exposure through continuous involvement within your community and it offers educational opportunities at reasonable costs that will enhance your human capital.  Don’t leave out this essential component to your business plan.  Join today.

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Denise Romanelli has a background as an independent training consultant, community advocate, journalist, and Delaware County Community College adjunct instructor.  She serves as Executive Director of Sun East Charitable Foundation; is a member of Friends of the Delaware County Women’s Commission; and received recognition for her community service commitments throughout her career.