Your How-to Guide: Joining a Chamber of Commerce

Part One: What You Need to Know Before Joining a Chamber of Commerce

In This Guide: What is a Chamber of Commerce? | How does a Chamber of Commerce work? | What differences exist between Chambers of Commerce? | Why joining a Chamber of Commerce is an Awesome Career Move | What makes a good Chamber experience | What can make joining a Chamber of Commerce less appealing

Remember clubs, in High School? Clubs and activities made it easier to make friends, get involved, feel a sense of pride in your school, and maybe learn a thing or two!

Making friends in business, however, is a whole different ballgame. They say it’s who you know, but what if you can’t find the person who knows who you want to know??

Enter a Chamber of Commerce:

Think of it as a club for people in business. It is an association made of business owners, traders and professionals aiming to further the economic interests and quality of life of their community.

In short, the chamber creates a unified body and voice, to support their members and the community.

The chamber should have different functions as:

An economic mentor.
A business representative.
A relations specialist (with both government and community).

Chambers of commerce are also the #1 lobbying force.

How does a Chamber of Commerce work?

A chamber is considered as a non-profit tax-exempt organization known as 501(c)(6) section of corporations.
The chamber is led by an elected board of directors; a CEO is named at the head of the board.
A professional manager handles the daily issues of the chamber.
The chamber should have identified goals and defined policies.
Most of the work is handled through committees. Members of a committee tackle economic issues and even those related to public affairs, education and tourism.
Each chamber has its own representative(s).
The average cost of membership depends on the size and number of employees you have in your company. It is between $30-40 per month but most chambers have a yearly fee of $300 – $400.
Almost all chambers have a directory indexing contact information of their members/companies.

What Differences exist between Chambers of Commerce?

Some chambers are bilateral (e.g. Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce), they serve common goals and defend interests of companies of the first country in the second one.
There are also special interest chambers where business owners of similar backgrounds join to tackle their unique problems and successes (e.g. Latino Chamber of Commerce Minnesota).
Lastly, you’ll also find transnational confederations of chambers (e.g. World Chambers Federation and Association of Latin American Chambers of Commerce and Industry).

So, Why Join??

Gain Credibility for your business: A chamber of commerce is symbol of status and always works in the best interest of the community. By association, your business will be viewed as an advocate for the area.
Contact with government: The chamber is commonly involved in local government affairs, so being a member of a chamber of commerce is an opportunity to influence laws and policies.
Spreading the word about your business: Especially if you are start-up, as this will increase your visibility and spread the word about your new business.
Networking platform: Relationships are important for you to grow, have new prospects and stay informed. It’s a door for B2B opportunities.
Free resources: get access to services you need to run your business issues or organize events.
Discounts: Chambers can offer discounts between members, such as IT services, consulting, insurance, transportation…etc.
Further benefits: If members are committed to their chamber goals and savings, you will be exposed to a dynamic of added and improved benefits.

What makes a good chamber experience?

Chambers of commerce should function as an area of positive growth for all its members, and will work to strengthen members’ image, performance and credibility. Keeping these in mind will help you get the most from joining a chamber of commerce.

Choose your membership: Each chamber has its investment schedule depending on the number of employees in your company. The highest level of membership gets the most of benefits. Choose the benefits you want to have in the scope of your budget.
Check available resources: They can be of a great value! From guides to useful software (e.g. surviving a disaster toolkit, surveys, brochures …etc). Each chamber has its own resources for members and non-members.
Take advantage of free advertising: In the digital age, a chamber’s website, social media, newsletters, and events, are all free advertising opportunities a chamber of Commerce can offer.
Attend events: the more you invest time and effort at events, the more you build strong relationships and connect effectively with your community. In a research led by Informational Innovation, titled ‘Entrepreneurship and Informal Communities,’ networking is vital to the success of 78% of start-ups.

At events, you will get in touch with many types of people; the chamber of commerce staff members, sales representatives, consultants, attorneys, as well as many like-minded business owners. This is a great opportunity to find the people you want to know.

Here are some tips about dealing with different people you’ll run into in a chamber of commerce.

Listen, observe and learn how people are connecting with others, their body language, and their discussions.
Try to be selective and target people you want to introduce yourself to. Aim to introduce yourself to other with similar businesses, people you think could benefit from your company, or someone who could potentially be your mentor.
Prepare yourself to market your business to other members! Refine your message, smile, and be able to deliver your message in a rapid manner.
Pay attention to the social butterfly. Access to the person who knows anyone will allow you to use their resources and repertoire with little effort.

What can make joining a Chamber of Commerce less appealing?

Membership costs: This opportunity, as with anything worthwhile, comes with a cost. Consider making the membership part of your marketing budget.
Event attendance: As previously stated, attending events build your network and give you a presence in the chamber. Find time for events otherwise the team will notice your absence and doubt your involvement!
Unmeasurable results: Be patient and results will come. Although there’s no “chamber-o-meter” the results from a relationship-based investment are guaranteed.
Cliques: Some chambers work like the cheerleading squad in high school. Avoid these exclusive groups and focus on healthy, inclusive communities.
False Advertising: Don’t join a group with dormant members just to put it on your resume. Make sure the group is engaging and has large participation, so you get the most out of your experience.
Dealing with competitors: It’s likely that competitors will be present at events or committees you attend. Be ready to work with with them and prepare to keep up with them. If you are a CEO and you want to avoid that, CEO peer group (link to CEO peer groups article) can be a good alternative since they avoid having competitors around the same table.

Keep in mind that the benefits of a Chamber of Commerce typically outweigh the setbacks. As long as you choose a chamber that is right for you, it will provide immeasurable opportunities.

Have we convinced you to join a chamber of commerce? Here are the top 25 chambers of commerce in the Twin Cities. (link 2nd article)

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The Business Owner’s Guide to Joining a Chamber of Commerce in Twin Cities

Part Two: 25 Chambers of Commerce in Minneapolis- St. Paul Most Business Owners Don’t Know About

If you’re not already aware, joining a chamber of commerce will do awesome things for your business (and events have plenty of wine flowing). To read in depth about what a chamber of commerce is and what exactly a chamber does, read about it here (link 1st article).

We’ve compiled a list of 25 chambers of commerce located in Minneapolis- St Paul Area:

National Chamber of Commerce

1–The National Chamber of Commerce (The U.S. Chamber of Commerce): the world’s largest business organization (and the oldest). It’s listed first in order to honor its value with more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, from local mom and pop’ to Fortune 500 companies!

Statewide Chambers of Commerce

2- Minnesota Chamber of Commerce:

It has an online marketplace and offers the service of connecting employers with veterans (hiring service). They also strongly encourage getting involved with the local government.

Address: 400 Robert St N # 1500, St Paul, MN 55101, United States

Phone: +1 651-292-4650

3- Mid-America Chamber Executives:

This chamber is made up of chamber professionals belonging to their state chamber executive organization or state chamber of commerce in the six-state area of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. MACE is the go-to organization for chamber news, resources and networking in the Upper Midwest.

Address: 380 Jackson St #287, St Paul, MN 55101, United States

Phone: +1 612-564-9551

City Chambers of Commerce

4- MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce:

It tends to be the bold, innovative voice for business success in Metro North area. There are many events organized each month, including events outside of typical 9-5 work hours.

Address: 21st Century Bank Building9380 Central Avenue NE Suite 320 Blaine, MN 55434, United States

Phone: +1 763-783-3553

5- Richfield Chamber of Commerce:

It aims to build community and economic prosperity in Richfield by promoting and representing businesses in the area.

Address: 1321 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423, United States

Phone: +1 612-869-0449

6- Northeast Minneapolis Chamber:

Its main services are advocacy, certificate of origin stamping and sealing and relocation service.

Address: 2329 Central Ave NE Suite 151, Minneapolis, MN 55418, United States

Phone: +1 612-370-9131

7- TwinWest Chamber of Commerce:

Twin Cities West focuses on dynamic leadership and giving back through four initiatives, including one that focuses on K-12 education.

Address: 1600 Utica Ave S 9th Floor, St Louis Park, MN 55416, United States

Phone: +1 763-450-2220

8- River Heights Chamber of Commerce:

The chamber serves businesses located in South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights, and those who want to do business in these communities.

Address: 5782 Blackshire Path, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076, United States

Phone: +1 651-451-2266

9- Minneapolis Regional Chamber:

It has partnership with Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce and and Latino Chamber of Commerce, and has 96 members. The Minneapolis regional chamber focuses on advocacy, affordability, and transportation in the workplace.

Address: 81 S 9th St Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55402, United States

Phone: +1 612-370-9100

10- Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce

It has many award-winning opportunities, a newsletter and a vibrant partnership with public entities. Business education classes and networking events they offer give businesses a competitive edge.

Address: 401 Robert St N #150, St Paul, MN 55101, United States

Phone: +1 651-223-5000

11- Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce:

It has approximately 300 members and a blog with valuable articles. Its vision is to promote business, develop leaders, and connect communities. You can check its business directory to look for members.

Address: 1915 HWY 36 West – Roseville, MN 55113

Phone: +1 763-571-9781

12- Midway Chamber of Commerce:

A dedicated group of businesspeople and residents came together in 1919 to form the Midway Club, a predecessor of the Midway Chamber of Commerce. It has a directory of 22 businesses.

Address: 1600 University Ave W #301, St Paul, MN 55104, United States

Phone: +1 651-646-2636

13- Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce:

They encourage member-to-member deals. You can check their business directory online.

Address: 1453 Helmo Ave. N.Oakdale, MN 55128 United States

Phone: +1 651-738-4805

14- Edina Chamber of Commerce:

It has networking groups, available maps and some helpful resources

Address: 3300 Edinborough Way, Suite 650, Edina, MN 55435 United States

Phone: +1 952-806-9060

Culture-Focused Chambers

15- Latino Chamber of Commerce Minnesota:

It mission is to empower Latinx-owned businesses in Minnesota. Their services are about advocacy, business growth and job posting.

Address: 81 S 9th St #200, Minneapolis, MN 55402, United States

Phone: +1 612-370-9137

16- Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce:

It promotes the capabilities, capacity and value of Black-owned businesses to Minnesota communities and its economy.

Address: 401 Robert St N #150, St Paul, MN 55101, United States

Phone: +1 651-224-4320

17- HmongChamber Of Minnesota:

It has 5 membership levels and features a Hmong business directory on their site. They envision being the leading entity for a thriving Hmong business community.

Address: 965 Payne Ave #200, St Paul, MN 55130, United States

Phone: +1 952-334-1143

18- Minnesota Somali Chamber of Commerce:

It serves the Somali Minnesotan Business Community.

Address: 2940 Pillsbury Ave S #206, Minneapolis, MN 55408, United States

Phone: +1 612-242-3873

Chambers Promoting International Business Connections

19- Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce – Minnesota:

It is one of 20 regional Chambers through out the United States. It gives access to the powerful Sweden- US network.

Address: 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, United States

Situated at: American Swedish Institute

Phone: +1 612-870-3378

20- German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest:

It has the mission is to promote German-American business relations and to support trade and investment between Germany and the United States, especially the Midwest.

Address: 7455 France Avenue South #510 Edina, MN 55435, United States

Phone: +1 612-865-4170

21– Brazil-Minnesota Chamber of Commerce:

It is located in St Paul. It has been established to promote cultural, social, educational and commercial relations between Brazilians and Minnesotans.

Phone: +1 651-775-3668

22- French-American Chamber of Commerce in Minnesota:

It supports strong economic relations between France and the United States. A varying array of events including webinars, Christmas markets, and dinner parties aim to connect American and French culture.

Address: 900 6th Ave SE suite 105, Minneapolis, MN 55414, United States

Phone: +1 612-208-7612

23– American-Israel Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota:

Its role is to assist in the formation of Joint Ventures, License Agreements, Sourcing and Supply Agreements (Both Exports and Imports), and Collaborative R & D Agreements between Companies and Organizations based in Israel and Minnesota.

Address: P.O. Box 5644 Hopkins, MN 55343, MN 55106, United States

Fax: +1 612.455.2215

24- The Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Minnesota:

Founded in 2010 to promote trade relations between Finland and Minnesota.

Phone: +1 952-353-4804

Finally…

25– Your Chamber of Commerce! Shocking! Right? But you too can create your own Chamber of Commerce. The US Chamber of Commerce offers a downloadable full guide about starting and growing a Chamber of Commerce.

26-Foley Area Chamber of Commerce

Active, with several events, this chamber was put into action to meet the needs of our surrounding communities. It has 84 business members in its directory.

Address: P.O. Box 499 Foley, MN 56329, United States

Fax: +1 320.968.2017

27-Minnesota Waste Wise:

It has consulting service and employee training service.

Address: 400 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55101, United States

Phone: +1 651-292-4662

28-Morris Area Chamber of Commerce:

Working to provide support and resources to promote, connect and advocate Morris Area businesses. It has interests in tourism.

Address: 215 Atlantic Ave, Morris, MN 56267 United States

Phone: +1 320-589-1242

29-Rice Area Chamber of Commerce:

It has 78 business members.