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Nonprofit Organizations are the Foundation

of Every Community.

A chamber of commerce is a business network and advocacy group that promotes the interests of its member businesses, often focusing on local economic growth and community development. It is set-up as a 501c6 Nonprofit Membership Organization.


How did Chambers really get started? There are several "suggestions" on this topic, but this one is clear and precise:


As long as commerce has existed, traders have banded together. The first purpose of their association was to seek common protection against enemies. Later, they established codes to govern trade, and still later, they attempted to influence legislation. The early associations of traders have commonalities with the modern Chamber of Commerce – a relatively new product.


The first known use of the term "Chamber of Commerce" occurred in Marseilles, France, where such an organization was established by the City Council late in the 17th Century. European Chambers of Commerce differ considerably from the American organizations. Although they were associations of businesses, they operated frequently as quasi-public agencies, vested with administrative and judicial powers with respect to trade.


The oldest Chamber of Commerce on the American continent was a statewide Chamber in New York, organized in 1768 by a group of twenty New York merchants who met at Bolton and Sigel's Tavern, in the building leased from Samuel Fraunces, now known as Fraunces Tavern. That Chamber would be chartered by King George III two years later in 1770. The second oldest is the Charleston, SC Chamber, formed in 1773. By 1790, the number of local Chambers had increased to 40. Early American Chambers, like their European prototypes, were organized for the protection and promotion of commerce.


Not all chambers are the same. Chambers respond and react to their communities needs with respect to businesses. They must provide their members with benefits. Those differ from chamber to chamber. Remember this: a Chamber cannot VOTE you in or VOTE you out for any reason other than non-payment of dues. It is a direct violation of the Anti-Trust Law. Rather, they merely accept your application and payment with a huge WELCOME!



Key Functions and Goals:

Advocacy

Chambers advocate for pro-business policies and regulations with local, state, and national policymakers. 

Networking

They provide opportunities for businesses to connect, collaborate, and build relationships. 

Economic Development

Chambers often work to attract new businesses, promote tourism, and support existing industries. 

Community Engagement

They may organize events, volunteer opportunities, and other initiatives to enhance the quality of life in their region. 

Resource and Information

Chambers provide members with access to valuable resources, including market research, business advice, and training programs. 


How Chambers Operate:

Membership:

Chambers are typically made up of businesses that pay dues to become members. 

Leadership

Members elect a board of directors and/or executive council to set policy and guide the organization's activities. 

Staff

The board or executive committee hires a chief executive and staff to manage the chamber's operations. 


Benefits of Joining a Chamber of Commerce

Increased Visibility and Credibility:

Membership can boost a business's reputation and make it more visible to potential customers. 

Access to Resources and Discounts:

Chambers often offer members access to valuable resources, discounts, and networking opportunities. 

Advocacy and Representation:

Chambers advocate for the interests of their members, helping to shape policies that affect businesses. 

Networking and Business Opportunities:

Chambers provide opportunities to meet other business owners, potential partners, and customers. 

Community Involvement:

Chambers often organize events and initiatives that benefit the local community. 


Businesses that work together with their local or regional chamber of commerce will learn and grow from each other. Do not ask what the chamber can do for you. Ask what you can do with your chamber membership!



Thanks for reading,

Sally

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Donor Relations

What Does a Community Foundation Do?

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Starting A NEW 501c3 Nonprofit

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Financial Obligations

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NONPROFIT INTRODUCTION

APRIL IS VOLUNTEER MONTH!

The Volunteer.

 

Volunteers are the fiber of every nonprofit organization. Right now, the volunteer base has shrunk considerably since COVID. Nonprofits and the people they serve are still there. In fact, their needs are more.

 

It takes a servant's heart to be a good volunteer. Not everyone has that. That's okay - write a check. They need that, too.

 

Maybe you don't want to be on a Board of Directors. That's okay, too. If you don't want to, please don't! The last thing any nonprofit needs is a person taking up a chair with no interest in being there.

 

If you do want to be on a Board of Directors, first take the time to fully investigate them. Check out their social and internet presence. Check them out at GuideStar, the IRS and the State in which they reside. Make darn sure they provide Director's & Officers insurance on you - aka D&O. This keeps your private items, private. Such as your net worth. In case of lawsuit, D&O stops it at the Board level. Don't ever sit on a Board and make decisions without D&O Insurance. You can thank me later. Make sure you read their Bylaws and follow their legal and financial policies. Very important that you follow the lead of the organization.

 



Perhaps you would rather volunteer your time to serve at a soup kitchen, clean a pet shelter, work at a local event, clean your church, fold letters or newsletters for them -- anyone of these simple gestures goes a long way to every organization.

 

Look around your community or your region for nonprofit organizations that have meaning to you. Give them a call or send them an email. Let them know how much time you can give either weekly or monthly.

 

I guarantee you that your life will gain purpose or more purpose by volunteering. Take your kids, too, if applicable. It is our jobs to teach our children empathy, compassion and volunteerism.


The United States has more than 1.8 million nonprofit organizations. Certainly you can find one by you to give them some time!

 

Thank you to all the people who volunteer to help make your communities stronger.


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Ottsie, LLC

Sally Rutledge Ott, ACE, NFPC

(815) 378-7841

ottsiesupply@gmail.com

www.ottsiesupply.com


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