Who Should Join
Chambers of commerce have existed almost as long as there has been commerce. It was back in the Middle Ages that tradesmen banded together in groups to look out for their business interests. In 1599, the first organization to call itself a chamber of commerce formed in France, and in 1770, King George III chartered the first chamber in the colonies in New York City.
Your chamber of commerce is the only one of those entities that is actually looking out for your community and trying to improve things in your community. Being a chamber member gives small businesses the opportunity to connect with other businesses in the community. A chamber also adds a layer of credibility and trust in the community for a business.