I often hear the statement, “I have no idea what a Chamber of Commerce actually is.” I don’t think many people have a full understanding of what their local Chamber of Commerce does within their community. Do you?
Chambers have existed in the U.S. for more than two centuries, with many having been established before the jurisdictions they represented. Chamber of Commerce organizations are not a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter structure; every Chamber is unique, with different benefits, resources and opportunities. However, all our end goals are the same: to serve as an influential and powerful voice that stands for the well-being of the local business environment. This includes helping to promote local businesses and improve their growth.
Our goal is to create opportunities for our members to succeed. We believe in offering businesses unique and effective ways to grow their business through creative marketing, networking, education and leadership development programs. We believe in understanding the needs of our business community and working to advocate on behalf of our businesses. And we believe in working within the local community to promote our area and create a strong link between businesses, residents and visitors! As a resource for business owners, professionals and our local community, our vision is to create a thriving business community through meaningful connections, igniting growth opportunities and advocating for a healthy economic environment.
We offer year-round networking events which include After Hours Mixers on the third Thursday of each month, Monthly Membership Meetings on the second Friday of each month, Speed Networking, Ribbon Cuttings, Education Workshops and more throughout the year. We also host large community events like Elevation Celebration in July and Christmas in Conifer in December, to name a few. All these opportunities are accessible to our members and non-members. And we are constantly working to add new opportunities to bring together our businesses and the local community.
In addition to the networking and educational opportunities we offer, the Chamber works to inform, educate and advocate on behalf of our businesses and community with local, county and state leaders. The Chamber also advocates with the community at-large on behalf of the local businesses. For example, ribbon cutting ceremonies call attention to new businesses and provide opportunities for community outreach. We highlight business successes in Chamber communications by celebrating anniversaries, accolades and new members. Business owners and leaders have the chance to advocate for themselves at our events by making meaningful connections with members of the community. The more you use your benefits, the more value you get from your membership!
Want to get involved? Visit goconifer.org to learn more about our vision and how you can be a part of it!