As Chamber of Commerce employees, we’re dedicated to promoting business growth, community development, and economic prosperity. To help us stay focused on our mission and goals, here are 10 facts about the Chambers of Commerce that everyone should know:

1. Oldest Chamber of Commerce: The oldest Chamber of Commerce in the United States is the New York State Chamber, established in 1768 and chartered by King George III in 1770 [1]. However, the first local chamber was founded in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1773 [1].
2. A Rich History: With roots dating back to 1599 in Marseille, France, and the United States Chamber of Commerce founded in 1912, we’re part of a long tradition of business advocacy and community support. (Source: “A Brief History of the Chamber of Commerce” by the United States Chamber of Commerce)
3. Diverse Membership: Our membership structure is intentionally diverse, encompassing small businesses, large corporations, non-profits, and individuals. (Source: “Chamber of Commerce Membership” by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives)
4. Representation: The United States Chamber of Commerce represents over three million American businesses. However, according to data, 94% of its income comes from about 1,500 big businesses [1].
5. Largest Chamber of Commerce: The largest Chamber of Commerce in the United States is the United States Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
6. Networking Opportunities: We provide numerous networking opportunities for businesses, including events, conferences, and committees focused on specific industries or topics. (Source: “Chamber of Commerce Events” by the United States Chamber of Commerce)
7. Economic Development Efforts: We work to attract new businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in our respective communities. This often involves collaborating with local government officials, including mayors, to develop and implement economic development strategies. For example, the Chamber may work with the mayor’s office to:

• Develop business-friendly policies and regulations
• Create job training programs and workforce development initiatives
• Attract new businesses and investments to the area
• Enhance the local business climate through infrastructure development and improvement

(Source: “Economic Development” by the International Economic Development Council)

8. Accreditation: Our accreditation program recognizes Chambers of Commerce for their excellence in areas such as governance, finance, and program development. To become accredited, Chambers must meet rigorous standards and undergo a thorough evaluation process. The accreditation process is administered by the United States Chamber of Commerce and is based on the following criteria:

• Governance: The Chamber’s governance structure, including its board of directors, committees, and staff.
• Finance: The Chamber’s financial management, including its budgeting, accounting, and reporting practices.
• Program Development: The Chamber’s programs and services, including its economic development initiatives, business advocacy efforts, and community engagement activities.

(Source: “Accreditation” by the United States Chamber of Commerce)

9. Supporting Small Businesses: According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a significant portion of its represented businesses are small businesses, with over 96% of its member companies having fewer than 100 employees [2].

10. Measurable Impact: Our efforts have a significant impact on local economies, with studies showing that every dollar invested in a Chamber of Commerce generates an average return of $3.50 in economic benefits. (Source: “The Economic Impact of Chambers of Commerce” by the National Chamber Foundation)

Sources:

• United States Chamber of Commerce. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.uschamber.com/
• American Chamber of Commerce Executives. (n.d.). Chamber of Commerce Membership. Retrieved from https://secure.acce.org/
• National Chamber Foundation. (2019). The Economic Impact of Chambers of Commerce. Retrieved from https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/

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