Professional and industry chambers of commerce represent the interests of specific industries or professional groups. They bring together companies and professionals working in a particular field to solve problems together and achieve common goals. An important part of their work is lobbying the interests of their members before the authorities at various levels.

American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA represents the interests of medical professionals, including physicians and medical organizations. They work to improve the quality of medical practice, regulate health care services, and make health care affordable.

American Automobile Association (AAA): AAA represents the interests of the auto industry, including automakers, dealers, and suppliers. They work on safety standards, environmental issues, and support for the auto industry.

American Bar Association (ABA): The ABA represents attorneys and legal professionals. They work to advance the legal profession, enforce rules and standards, and promote legal reform.

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): NAM represents the interests of manufacturers and industrial companies. They deal with issues related to manufacturing, trade, innovation, and ensuring the competitiveness of American industry.

Benefits of participating in professional and industry chambers of commerce

Participation in professional and industry chambers of commerce can bring a number of benefits to companies and professionals:

• Lobbying: Chambers represent the interests of their members before legislative and executive bodies, helping to influence the creation of legislation and regulation favorable to the industry.
• Sharing expertise and resources: Chamber members can share knowledge, expertise and resources to help improve services and products.
• Networking opportunities: Participation in chamber events and activities allows for new business contacts and partnerships.
• Education and Training: Chambers provide access to educational resources and trainings to help professionals develop their skills and knowledge.
• Leadership opportunities: Chamber membership can provide opportunities to hold senior positions and influence the industry.

The post Professional and industry chambers of commerce in the US appeared first on Y-Chamber Reka.

The name chamber of commerce is applied to slightly different types of organizations in different countries. In the UK and Belgium, for example, they are voluntary associations whose members provide financial resources through subscriptions. In other countries of the European Union and in some Latin American countries, these are bodies whose functions, membership, financial resources, and organization are determined by law. In such circumstances, chambers of commerce and industry often take on responsibilities that are normally performed by local or central government elsewhere.

The name chambre de commerce was first used for a temporary commission established in Paris in 1601 to study industrial and commercial problems. The Marseille Chamber was founded in 1599 by that city and received a patent for letters in 1650; it was the first chamber in the sense in which the term is used today. A decree of Louis XIV ordered the creation of chambers to appoint deputies to the royal council of commerce in Paris. Thus, some of these organizations were founded during the 18th century, mainly in ports. The chambers were abolished during the French Revolution in 1791 and reestablished by Napoleon in 1804. Subsequent legislation redefined their functions, tasks, and constitution; the 1858 law still provides the basic framework, placing France’s chambers of commerce under close government supervision. The functions of these chambers are many; they typically include representing members’ interests before local and national authorities, issuing certificates of origin, appointing members to advisory committees, providing advice on import duties and commercial legislation, establishing training schools, and organizing exhibitions, public works, and managing ports or airports.

The first British chamber of commerce was founded in Jersey in 1768; as the territory closest to France, it naturally adopted the French title. This was followed by Glasgow and Belfast (1783); Edinburgh and Leeds (1785); Manchester (1794); Birmingham (1813); and Liverpool (1850). The Great Exhibition (1851) spurred the formation of 13 in that decade. Junior chambers of commerce (for entrepreneurs aged 21 to 40) were introduced in 1925; by the end of the 20th century, there were more than a hundred.

The oldest chamber of commerce in the United States is the New York State Chamber, formed in 1768, when New York was still a British colony. The first city chamber was established in 1773 in Charleston, South Carolina. The United States Chamber of Commerce, “a national federation working for good citizenship, good government, and good business,” was founded in 1912. At the end of the 20th century, its membership included more than 40,000 business members and more than 4,000 member organizations, including trade and professional associations and local, state, and regional chambers of commerce. More than 5,000,000 individuals and firms are core members of the National Chamber of Commerce. Its various departments have provided information and advice on all contentious issues between business and government, including regulations, costs, tariffs, taxes, and labor-management relations. Its monthly magazine, Nation’s Business, had a large circulation, as did its research publications, committee reports, special bulletins, and an annual booklet on the policies it advocated.

The post National Chambers of Commerce and Industry appeared first on Y-Chamber Reka.

Who are the Chamber Members?

Chamber members are businesses, organizations, and individuals who are interested in the socioeconomic climate of the community. These groups have come together because they have a better chance of achieving results when they speak with a collective voice. Chamber members can include a small hardware store on the corner, a mom-and-pop cafe, a well-known downtown bank, franchises and large retailers, and the local baseball team. There are no restrictions on the number and type of members who want to become members of a chamber of commerce.

Who leads the chamber?

A chamber of commerce is run by its members. They elect a board of directors that sets policies and goals. The chief elected officer presides over all board meetings. The day-to-day operations of the chamber are handled by a professional manager. This person is usually a paid employee. Some small chambers have a manager who is a volunteer or part-time employee. You can increase participation by encouraging members to serve on committees. Committees may include economic development, education, government relations, human resources, public affairs, and tourism.

What are the goals of the chamber?

As the chamber works to improve the economy and quality of life in the community, it keeps these broad goals in mind:

• Help businesses thrive and grow;
• Increase job opportunities;
• Encourage the orderly expansion and development of all segments of the community;
• Promote the overall economic stability of the community;
• Promote a national private competitive marketing system.

Chief Paid Executive Officer
The chief paid executive officer of a chamber of commerce serves as the chief executive officer, implementing the policies and directives of the membership.

Typical job titles in this classification:

• Executive Director;
• Executive Vice President;
• President;
• President and CEO or President/CEO.

Chief Operating Officer
The Chief Operating Officer is the chief operating officer of the Chamber. This position helps to manage and supervise staff to ensure that the day-to-day business operations of the organization are carried out.

Typical job titles in this classification:

• Deputy Director;
• Director of internal service;
• Executive assistant/office manager;
• Office manager;
• Senior Vice President of Operations.

The post Establishment and development of the Chamber of Commerce appeared first on Y-Chamber Reka.