Local Chambers of Commerce Redefine Roles to Strengthen Communities

Chambers of commerce are stepping into a new era. Traditionally known for networking and business advocacy, chambers are now tackling more complex challenges like workforce readiness, housing shortages, public safety and childcare affordability. These efforts reflect a transformation where chambers are proving themselves vital to both businesses and their communities. 

Leaders Beyond Business 

As community and business issues increasingly overlap, chambers are leading the way to navigate these challenges. Whether it be through partnering with the public sector on downtown revitalization or developing subsidized childcare programs, chambers are rising to the occasion to deliver solutions. Their contributions are evident. 88% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber makes an impact on addressing challenges within the community. 

By actively engaging in these issues, chambers are also shaping their economies. Around three in four U.S. adults (76%) say that their local chamber is a steward of a strong local economy. This sentiment is aligned with the roles the public envisions their local chambers playing in the coming years: growing the local economy (45%), growing businesses locally (43%) and creating jobs (34%). 

Trusted Partners and Business Drivers 

Still, supporting businesses remains integral to chambers’ work. Chambers connect with businesses of every size and industry to understand their issues and advocate for their growth. 81% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber of commerce is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. 

Business owners themselves recognize the value of engaging with their local chamber. Around two-thirds (65%) agree that their local chamber advocates for initiatives and policies that are in the best interest of their business. What’s more, 64% of consumers who are familiar with their local chamber say they are more likely to purchase goods and services from a business that they know is a chamber member. 

Bridging the Gap 

A significant 86% of U.S. adults who are familiar with their local chamber of commerce express satisfaction. Yet there is untapped potential. 70% wish to know more about what local chambers of commerce do in their communities. As chambers strive to make a lasting impact, they must amplify their message to raise awareness and solidify their role as leaders for both businesses and communities. 

METHODOLOGY

This survey was conducted online within the United States between September 5-9, 2024 among 2,075 adults (aged 18 and over) including 141 respondents who are business owners (i.e., employed with a title of CEO, partner or owner) by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) via its Harris On Demand omnibus product.

Data were weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income, [employment], and political party affiliation, to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys.  The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. 

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

Additional insights can be found at acce.org/poll. Questions about the study may be directed to Jen Pruden ([email protected]), communications manager, resources and benchmarking, at ACCE.