Answers to a few 'Frequently Asked Questions'
What is the Chamber of Commerce?
A Chamber of Commerce is an organization of businesses seeking to further their collective interests while advancing their community, region, state, or nation. Business owners in towns, cities, and other territories voluntarily form these local societies/networks to advocate on behalf of the community at large, economic prosperity, and business interests.
Chamber missions vary, but they all tend to focus to some degree on five primary goals: Building communities to which residents, visitors, and investors are attracted; Promoting those communities; Striving to ensure future prosperity via a pro-business climate; Representing the unified voice of the employer community; Reducing transactional friction through well-functioning networks. Chambers have other features in common. Most are led by private-sector employers, self-funded, organized around boards and committees of volunteers and they are independent. They share a common ambition for sustained prosperity of their community/region, built on thriving employers. Most are eager proponents of the free market system, resisting attempts to overly burden private sector enterprise and investment.
Local businesses are voluntary paying members of a chamber. The membership, acting collectively, elects a board of directors to set policy for and guide the workings of the chamber.
Chambers do not operate in the same manner as a Better Business Bureau or trade association, which can bind its members under a formal operations doctrine. Businesses and other employers pay dues to belong and expect to receive the benefits of membership as long as they continue to invest in the organization.
What doesn’t the Chamber do?
While many organizations have “contracts for services” or “performance contracts” with municipalities or government agencies, chambers are not run, managed, or controlled by any City, County, or State Government.
Probably one of the most ill-conceived misconceptions of chamber membership is that the act of joining in itself will create an increase in business. The Chamber provides opportunities for businesses to grow and enhance their visibility.
How important is a Chamber of Commerce to your business?
A study has shown that consumers are 80% more likely to purchase goods/services from businesses that belong to a Chamber. And, when a company is involved in a Chamber, it infers you are trustworthy and interested in the community. In addition, the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce has been serving businesses for 75 years with a staff that has extensive experience. When you cannot represent your business, we are advocating on your behalf.
How do I calculate my membership investment (dues)?
Membership investment is based on the number of full-time equivalent employees within your company. There are different investment categories for various industries. Call Travis Valentine, Chief Operations Officer, at 251-943-1036 to find out more!
May I attend Chamber events as a non-member?
Many events are open to the public, including the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Magnolia Run, and the Chicago Street Supper Club. Others, like Business After Hours, Leadership Series, and AM Connections are benefits of membership. Please contact Travis Valentine (251-943-1036) if you would like to attend one of these events as our guest to get a feel for our organization.
Do you have Chamber members that are not South Baldwin County-based businesses?
Yes! There are numerous businesses that are not based in South Baldwin County, but choose to support the community in which they do business.
