WHAT IS A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
The A non-profit action organization designed to meet community or area needs. It is a voluntary organization of progressive individuals and businesses that work together to advance the commercial, financial, industrial, and civic interests of a community.
WHAT DOES THE CHAMBER DO?
The Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business.
The Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst - a common vehicle mobilizing enlightened members from all segments of the business community to work together for the common good of the total community. With the aim of achieving economic success, staff, volunteers and business people strive to keep their area's economic conditions at a level where businesses and residents willingly and enthusiastically risk their capital in their community in the hope of making a profit. Everything else the Chamber does is a means to an end (events, mixers, fundraisers and meetings).
WHO FUNDS THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
The Chamber of Commerce is funded by the membership with the assistance of fundraising activities.
WHO RUNS THE CHAMBER?
A Board of Directors, elected by the Chamber of Commerce's members, runs the organization. The Board, serving as volunteers, sets the policies and goals of the organization. If the Chamber of Commerce is large enough, the Board employs an administrative head.
WHAT DO THE VOLUNTEERS DO?
Volunteers provide the ideas, the drive, the goals, the funds and the voluntary services to keep the Chamber of Commerce motivated and operating.
Chamber of Commerce membership is an investment in the present and future of the individual's and the community's welfare.
WHY BE A MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
The Canadian Chamber is the most influential business association in Canada - the national leader of public policy advocacy on national and international business issues and is focused on fostering a strong, competitive economic environment that benefits Canada and improves the standard of living of all Canadians.
The Canadian Chamber network represents more than 192,000 businesses of all sizes from coast-to-coast-to coast. The Canadian Chambers meet annually for their AGM and debate resolutions that address issues as diverse as taxation, the environment, international trade, skills, intellectual property, and transportation. Those resolutions adopted will become part of the policy platform the Canadian Chamber will work to
advance with the federal government.
It is the grass-roots participation in policy development and advocacy that makes the Canadian Chamber so different from any other business organization.
The Canadian Chamber is committed to working with all members to advance a business agenda that encourages growth and promotes prosperity for all Canadians.
PLEASE NOTE:
Resources for the above information were gathered from the Alberta Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
