What is the Chamber?

Someone asked me last week to tell them about chambers of commerce. I began by telling them what a chamber is not: it is not a unit of government and it is not a privately-owned business. A chamber not a for-profit business, although it's not-for-profit status does not prohibit a chamber earning more income. Not-for-profit is simply a tax status not a preferred way of doing business.

Some chambers are highly political - endorsing candidates and making recommendations to voters. Others, like the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce are not political, giving equal presence to all candidates. These chambers provide information, ballot samples and access to the candidates to their members.

Chamber revenues are made up of a combination of sources including membership income, program revenue, fundraising activities and contributions. Twenty years ago, membership income might have been made up to 75% of the annual budget. Today, revenue from annual member investments range from 35 - 50%. Therefore the need for creating additional revenue streams to support the organization.

Chambers differ in their mission depending on the nature and needs of their community and constitutents. While many are focused on government advocacy and legislative affairs, others have business and community development, tourism, marketing and education as their priorities. Each chamber is as unique as the community they serve. For more information specific to the Adrian Area Chamber, log ono to www.adrianareachamber.com.

Ann Hughes, President & CEO
Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce
www.adrianareachamber.com
annhughes@adrianareachamber.com