Reasons to Join the Chamber of Commerce

Business owners seeking to increase their marketing reach in the new year may want to consider joining their local chamber of commerce. Membership can cost several hundred dollars for even the smallest of businesses, which might make people wonder if it is worth the investment.

“I think the main reason to join is for the networking,” said Dr. Craig Larson, head of the West County Chamber of Commerce. Larson, who recently retired as superintendent for Rockwood School District, has been a member of his local chamber for years.

The West County Chamber of Commerce serves eight cities: Manchester, Ballwin, Clarkson Valley, Ellisville, Twin Oaks, Valley Park, Wildwood and Winchester. Larson said the advantage of a chamber that encompasses so many communities is that it unites many businesses along the Manchester Road corridor.

Larson said the chamber’s monthly luncheons offer a chance for members to mingle and get to know each other. Although many members are small business owners, Ameren UE, banks and local governments are also represented. “You’ll see a hundred people exchanging business cards, making new friends and getting leads,” he explained. “All the main players are in the Chamber.” 

You don’t have to own a business within the coverage area of a chamber according to Tammy Wildman, Executive Director for the Town & Country-Frontenac Chamber of Commerce. Her chamber covers a smaller area, but has members from Chesterfield, Olivette and other neighboring cities. “If you’re just trying to target a community, you can join that chamber,” she said.

What a member gets out of chamber membership relies mostly on how much a person puts into participation, according to Wildman. She said people will join and then just expect their phone to starting ringing.

Both chambers hold a variety of social events where members can get to know each other in a relaxed setting. There are trivia nights, golf outings and banquets in addition to monthly luncheons. Each chamber also participates in community events and festivals.

Besides offering social events, the chambers also seek to educate their members. Both groups invite guest speakers to their monthly luncheons, such as local mayors or business experts.

“Speakers lecture on how to grow your business,” said Wildman. She said in election years the Town & Country-Frontenac Chamber hosts non-partisan candidate forums. “We try to remain neutral,” she said.

Larson said upcoming West County Chamber of Commerce events will cover networking skills and a presentation on the regional economy.

Another aspect of chamber membership is low cost advertising. Each chamber has a monthly newsletter and website where members can buy ads. Members can also sponsor chamber events to have their company logo placed on a banner or have a table for promotional material. Members can sponsor luncheons for the chance to make a quick business presentation, distribute marketing materials and have a feature ad in the newsletter.

Membership for the Town & Country-Frontenac Chamber of Commerce starts at $100 for a business with under three employees and goes up to $545 for businesses with more than 100 employees. As of 2010, membership for the West County Chamber of Commerce starts at $235 for a business with under five employees and runs to $895 for a business with over 200 employees. 

On the Horizon:

• Senator Claire McCaskill’s St. Louis Office is hosting a small business seminar on Monday, January 24. The free seminar will help small businesses find resources and information about doing business with local, state, and federal governments and help companies learn how to win government contracts.

• St. Louis, Missouri Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) will host a seminar on "How to Start and Manage Your Own Business" at the St. Louis Community College, Meramec Campus on Feb. 12. The seminar, which costs $50,  will cover all the basics from making a business plan to getting a loan.