As chambers, advocacy is the business we should be focused on for our members.
Based on a recent study titled Winning Strategies for Chamber Core Competencies Tool Kit 3.0 by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.), the following five areas were identified as core competencies for chambers of commerce:
Before you say it, I know, "if you've met one chamber, you've met one chamber." I believe that statement to be true to a point!
But as the title suggests, you should at least be in the advocacy business:
Based on a recent study titled Winning Strategies for Chamber Core Competencies Tool Kit 3.0 by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.), the following five areas were identified as core competencies for chambers of commerce:
- Creating a strong local economy
- Promoting the community
- Providing networking opportunities to build business relationships
- Representing the interests of business with government
- Political action
Before you say it, I know, "if you've met one chamber, you've met one chamber." I believe that statement to be true to a point!
But as the title suggests, you should at least be in the advocacy business:
- Lobbying
- Endorsements
- PAC's
Or, at least in the informational business on key legislative issues that will affect your small business members.
- White Papers
- Scorecards of legislators votes
- Hold open forums
I hope you choose the proactive model and start advocating for your members and help them grow their business by looking after their interests before your legislative bodies (local, state, federal).
At the very least, if you choose informational you're at least informing your members of the issues and they can take appropriate action to act or protect their interests.
Depending on your chamber, pick one and embrace it!
For previous blog posts on advocacy go HERE and HERE.
