(WNY News Now) According to a recent national poll, chambers of commerce play a critical role in addressing neighborhood issues, promoting corporate expansion, and strengthening local economies.
Chambers of commerce are essential to the prosperity of their communities, according to the findings of a national public opinion survey. 81% of American people concur that their local chamber of commerce is a reliable source and business partner, according to a Harris Poll poll done on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Approximately 90% of people believe that their local chamber has an effect on boosting the local economy and resolving issues in their community (88%).
According to Sheree Anne Kelly, president and CEO of ACCE, the poll’s results demonstrate the vital role chambers of commerce play for companies, economies, and communities. Chambers are reputable and creative institutions. Consequently, there is a lot of impetus to implement even more daring leadership and make a long-lasting difference in the communities we serve.
The poll’s main conclusions include:
- Chambers are Trusted: 81% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. 90% feel that their local chamber has an impact on growing the local economy.
- Chamber Membership Strengthens a Business s Reputation: 64% of adults who are familiar with their local chamber are more likely to purchase goods and services from a business that they know is a member of their local chamber. 63% of these adults are more likely to recommend that business to someone else.
- Chambers Serve Businesses and Communities: 76% of U.S. adults agree that local chambers are stewards of a strong local economy. 74% believe local chambers create jobs and promote local community development. 72% believe local chambers play a key role in addressing community challenges.
- Business Owners See the Value: 65% of business owners see their local chamber as an advocate for initiatives and policies that are in the best interest of their business. 62% believe the chamber supports the growth and prosperity of their business.
- People Want to Learn More About Their Local Chamber: 70% of U.S. adults wished they knew more about the work their local chamber does in the community. Specifically, they are most commonly interested in learning more about the type of impact local chambers have in their community (49%), more general information about chambers of commerce (43%), and which local businesses are members (42%).
The mission of the CHQ Chamber in Chautauqua County is to link local businesses with the community and provide various forms of support to our local businesses. Our goal is to support our local Chautauqua County businesses, establish important relationships, and offer expert resources. We are aware that a thriving local economy benefits the community as a whole. Every year, our ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card generates over $70,000 in purchases for nearby companies. On average, our online business directory generates more than 5,000 recommendations for nearby companies every day. We have also helped 57 start-up companies with their big openings since the beginning of 2024, and there will be more before the year is up.
Membership in a chamber has an impact. Every day, our staff strives to offer activities and resources that benefit our neighborhood and nearby companies.
Between September 5 and 9, 2024, 2,075 adults (aged 18 and over) participated in an online survey administered by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) through its Harris On Demand omnibus product. Of these, 141 respondents are business owners, meaning they hold a position such as CEO, partner, or owner.