What is a Chamber of Commerce?

By: Chantaye McLaughlin

A Chamber of Commerce is defined as an organization of businesses that seeks to promote and protect the interests of its members and communities. (Dictionary.com)

The Chamber of Commerce, sometimes referred to as the Chamber, is typically a conglomerate of businesses who pay dues each year for this membership. They work collectively to support and advance community initiatives, agendas as it relates to the impact of these businesses. There are various Chambers to include local, national, and they are sometimes specialized to include The Afican American Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, etc. The Chamber of Commerce is designed to promote and increase finances, equity and commerce within the community by assisting with the development of its members. The Commerce typically has job fairs, promotes grand opening of businesses, educates and empowers its members around the legislation and legalities of doing business.

The first Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1599 in Marseilles, France. They have been around since the History of Mesopotamia. The earliest forms of "Chambers" were coalitions. The Chamber of Commerce was established by the local Council as a show pf government power.

The New York State Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1768. This was the first statewide Chamber of Commerce. In 1773, Charleston, South Carolina launched the first local Chamber of Commerce. Whenever the business community wanted to stand together, joining a Chamber of Commerce was always beneficial because it was a way to have their needs met by the government by them being able to stand together. It is important that individuals either join or have a well-established relationship and rapport with a Chamber of Commerce.