What is a Chamber of Commerce?

There are roughly 4,000 Chambers of Commerce in the United States and about 13 in Pinellas County alone. Many people can say they have at least heard of or seen a chamber, but most aren't able to decipher exactly what is a Chamber of Commerce or what they do. If you are one of those people, don’t worry! We’re here to help clear it up for you. 

“A chamber of commerce is an organization of businesses seeking to further their collective interests, while advancing their community, region, state or nation”.  In other words, Chamber’s are a group of professionals that work as one group promote and protect the interests of local business and the interest of the communities in which they do business.

Chamber’s missions vary, but they all tend to focus to some degree on five primary goals as defined by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives:

• Building communities to which residents, visitors and investors are attracted
• Promoting those communities and their local businesses
• Striving to ensure future prosperity via a pro-business climate
• Representing the unified voice of the business community
• Creating well-functioning networks

Chamber’s work to advocate for the good of businesses at the local, state and federal level and offer special services and support for businesses. Most chambers work on a voluntary, dues based system where businesses pay dues to “join” the chamber and become members. This means that all members are businesses, but not all businesses are members. Chamber’s are a helpful resource for businesses to utilize if they are looking to grow, market and promote, meet new contacts, work with municipalities and give back to the community.

What makes the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce different?

The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce serves businesses for 13 communities in Pinellas County. We represent the largest number of municipalities in our area from Tierra Verde to Clearwater/ Sand Key. Our Mission is to support businesses, promote tourism, and provide a platform for collaboration to enhance the business environment and quality of life in our communities.

Our Chamber of Commerce stands out from others by being on the pulse with new and up-to-date information, by working to support our business community, by creating strong networks, by being a leader in tourism and by being the protector of the beaches and local business interests.

Sources: The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives https://secure.acce.org/pages/chambers