What is a Chamber of Commerce? A Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that advocates on behalf of local businesses. The Chamber is a resource, advocate, and connector of business. No other organization represents the business community like a Chamber of Commerce. And no other group balances the needs of the business community with the needs of the general community like a local Chamber of Commerce. In New Hampshire, there are approximately 50 Chambers of Commerce located throughout the state representing the business community.

In times of normalcy, Chambers of Commerce are built on face-to-face interactions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended our lives and the way we do business. Navigating COVID-19 and the unprecedented shut-down of all but “essential” businesses, has been unknown territory for each of us. When our state and local leaders took quick and bold action to secure the lives of NH’s citizens in March, NH Chambers of Commerce immediately pivoted to become the community resource for up-to-date information that was most needed to navigate the impacts of the stay-at-home order required to slow the spread of the virus.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chambers have emerged as a vital conduit of communication between state and federal officials and our businesses. Chamber leaders are talking to our governor, state legislators, our congressional delegation and senators, commissioners, council persons and many others with .GOV email addresses. We are advocating for the needs of the business community both at the state and federal level on an almost daily basis. Through our weekly calls with the Governor and the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, NH Chamber of Commerce leaders have brought your real-time issues, questions and concerns to the state’s top officials.

During this time, Chambers have worked tirelessly to provide the business community with the most current information available and to assist them in navigating: Coronavirus funding options, NH Employment Services, COVID-19 guidelines and more. Further, we have connected them to many other valuable resources available in NH, such as assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and mentors from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).

Chambers have also had to be fairly innovative in presenting our business education programming, and are now using applied technology to host webinars, virtual workshops and podcasts. Chambers throughout the state have offered a range of topics pertinent to COVID-19 issues featuring legal and other professionals designed to help businesses emerge from this crisis. Gratifying to note, has been the sharing of programming amongst Chambers statewide, demonstrating our absolute commitment to ensure the best possible outcomes for all businesses in our state.

With COVID-19 and social distancing,  Chambers have had to re-invent how we provide opportunities for our members to attend networking events virtually, such as Coffee Hours, Lunch ‘n Leads, Business After Hours, Ribbon cuttings and more. These well-received networking events have boosted morale during times of isolation and have allowed our members to maintain important connections with their fellow Chamber members.

Chambers are also working closely with our business and government partners to secure the safety supplies and personal protection equipment they will need to reopen.

As we flatten the curve in NH and business sectors start to re-open, Chambers continue to work harder than ever for each business and for the future of our communities. As the “voice” of business on both state and federal levels, Chambers will be crucial during the recovery and over the months and years to come. No one ever predicted our lives would be so quickly impacted by a contagious virus, and Chambers have proven themselves to be a lifeline for our businesses during COVID-19. Chambers of Commerce are the one constant that businesses can rely upon in times of need: We were there for businesses during the great recession, we have been there for our businesses during COVID-10, and will be there again the next time a crisis rolls around.  

Are you thinking it’s time to join the local chamber of commerce?

Are you wondering if it’s worth the investment?

Where are you in the life-cycle of your business (i.e., just starting out, looking to take that next growth leap, or considering a sale of your business). Chambers have programs and solutions for all stages of business.

And did you know, that the benefits to chamber membership listed below are available to your employees as well? This perk alone can make chamber membership worth it.

If you are not already a member, we’d like to invite you to join your local Chamber of Commerce to help your business grow and thrive during the recovery. Why now is the time to join:

Now is the time to get connected build meaningful relationships. We encourage you to engage with our members. The chamber offers a variety of options to do this, including networking events, volunteer opportunities, ribbon cuttings to celebrate our member milestones. Even in times of social distancing and working from home the Chamber offers virtual events to continue the engagement of our members.

Now is the time to be seen. The chamber is a trusted source and by being listed in our membership directory you can increase your SEO, which stands for Search Engine Optimization, and can help customers better find your business.

Now is the time to promote your business. As a member you can submit your events, job opportunities and business updates to share with the community. The chamber offers different levels of membership, as well as sponsorship opportunities to maximize your visibility.

Now is the time to advocate. Now is the time to have a strong voice in your community. The chamber advocates for your business every day at the local, state and federal levels. We help you navigate issues that you couldn’t do on your own. When you are a member of the chamber you are not alone.

Now is the time to grow professionally. Now is the time more than ever to learn and grow professionally. Chambers offer a variety of business education seminars on topics that are relevant to your business.  These programs give participants an advantage in business best practices, marketing, and technology. 

Now is the time to educate. Now is the time to help our next generation grow. Many Chambers are helping to develop tomorrow’s work force by focusing on the development of students through interactive programs, career exploration, and a strong partnership with local school districts. Through us, find future employees by offering internships.

Now is the time to invest in the future. Now is the time invest in our young professionals. Whether you know a young professional or are one yourself, we encourage you to check out Chamber Young Professional Groups, that allow adults ages 21-40 or adults young at heart to connect with one another at relevant and fun programming events and ultimately allowing them to thrive in our community.

Now is the time to join. Now is the time to be a member of one of our 50 outstanding Chambers of Commerce located throughout the state. We invite you or your business to join as we strive for better business and a better business communities.

For a list of New Hampshire Chambers of Commerce visits NHACCE.org.

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