Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day – October 19, 2022, history, significance
Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day is observed on the third Wednesday of October every year, falling on October 19 this year. The aim is to spread awareness about local businesses and convey our gratitude to our local chambers of commerce for supporting the growth of entrepreneurs and local businesses.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was established in 1912, following the proposal made by President William Howard Taft and his secretary of commerce and labor, Charles Nagel, to Congress. Taft believed that there needed to be a representative group of professionals that could speak with authority to the government on behalf of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
HISTORY OF SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAY
The idea of joining several businesses together in a shared initiative to boost commerce started in Europe many years ago. Traders would band together and establish trade policies that would protect them against the foreign bourgeoisie. The term ‘chamber of commerce’ was first recorded in 1599 in Marseilles, France, when various businesses came together to form an organization. This idea was adopted by Germany and eventually spread throughout Europe.
In America, the oldest Chamber of Commerce is the New York State Chamber. The Chamber was established in 1768 and chartered by King George III in 1770, predating even the Declaration of Independence.
In 1773, the first local chamber was established in Charleston, South Carolina. This structure was then adopted by several other states and, soon, there were local chambers all across the country.
Upon the written request of President William Howard Taft, the National Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1912. The Chamber of Commerce concept also functions as an international body called the International Chamber of Commerce (I.C.C.). Established in 1919, the I.C.C. is the largest business organization in the world, with thousands of companies from more than 130 countries under it. The I.C.C. has its headquarters in Paris and supports overseas international trade, open markets, and free flow of capital.
While there were 40 local chambers of commerce in the United States by 1870, today, that number has surpassed 5,000 — each of them working toward promoting and supporting local business initiatives and addressing the needs of the changing market.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAY TIMELINE
1599
The Term ‘Chamber of Commerce’ is Coined
The term is first documented in Marseilles, France, as the first organization of businesses is formed.
1768
The First Chamber is Established in America
The New York State Chamber, a precursor of the modern-day chambers of commerce, is formed, preceding America’s Independence.
1773
The First Local Chamber
The first local chamber is instituted in Charleston, South Carolina, to help grassroots businesses grow.
1912
U.S. Chamber of Commerce is Founded
On April 22, 1912, four months after President Taft’s message to Congress, a group of delegates coming together, creates a body with a unified business interest that becomes the U.S. National Chamber of Commerce.
1919
The International Chamber of Commerce is Established
With its headquarters in Paris, the I.C.C. is the largest business organization in the world, with thousands of companies from over 130 countries under it.
HOW TO OBSERVE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAY
Volunteer for events at your local chamber
One of the best ways to observe this day is to research online about any events happening at your local chamber of commerce, and go volunteer. There is always something you can do to assist.
Appreciate and encourage the efforts of local chambers through your social media accounts
You can hop on any of your social media platforms to spread awareness about this day and all the good works our local chambers do. Make a post with the hashtag #SupportYourLocalChamber and share it with your followers.
Shop with local businesses
You, too, can play your part in supporting the community by patronizing local businesses. This is one simple way by which you can help local entrepreneurs and businesses thrive.
5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT LOCAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
Over 3 million registered businesses
Currently, there are over 3 million local businesses registered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Membership leads to an increase in revenue
The probability of a customer patronizing you increases by 63% if they know you are a member of the local chamber of commerce.
Insufficient network causes some businesses to fail
Studies have shown that almost 8% of businesses fail because of a lack of network.
Chamber membership gives you many benefits
A chamber-of-commerce membership offers many benefits, including access to mailing lists, freebies, networking and publicity opportunities, and discounts on products and services.
The annual membership fee is approximately $400
To become a member of the local chamber of commerce, you would need to pay a fee of approximately $400.
WHY WE OBSERVE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
It helps improve the economy
The result of supporting local chambers of commerce is economic growth and development. Local businesses are the lifeblood of any economy.
It gives exposure to and creates awareness about local businesses
Local chambers provide a networking platform for local entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs, interacting with one another, discover growth opportunities.
Foster grassroots community development
Local chambers promote the interests of local businesses and advocate for their prosperity. The development of these businesses ultimately leads to the development of grassroots communities.
