The Chamber’s Role and Influence

At its core, the US Chamber of Commerce is a powerhouse of advocacy, education, and networking. It serves as the bridge between government policymakers and the business community, ensuring that the legislative and regulatory landscape supports, rather than hinders, business growth. Through its efforts, the Chamber addresses critical issues ranging from tax policy and healthcare to international trade and infrastructure development.

The organization’s influence is evident in its ability to mobilize businesses across sectors, bringing together diverse voices to champion common causes. It provides valuable resources, including research reports, policy recommendations, and best practices, to help businesses navigate the complexities of the US and global economies.

A New Era of Business: The Rocket Game

Amidst its traditional roles, the US Chamber of Commerce also embraces innovation and the digital transformation of commerce. A testament to this is the growing interest in digital platforms and online games that intersect with financial education and investment strategies. One such example is the Rocket game, more here a compelling online experience that merges entertainment with real-world financial insights.

The Rocket game, offers users the chance to engage in a thrilling game of strategy and luck, with the underlying theme of financial investment. Players are invited to predict the trajectory of a rocket, with the potential to earn rewards based on their predictions. This game exemplifies how digital tools can be used to educate users on the principles of risk and return, making financial concepts more accessible and engaging​​.

Impact on Businesses and the Economy

The inclusion of games like Rocket in the Chamber’s dialogue around economic education highlights the organization’s commitment to fostering financial literacy and savvy among the American populace. By supporting innovative approaches to education, the Chamber plays a crucial role in preparing businesses and individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century economy.

Moreover, the US Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy for a regulatory environment that encourages digital innovation is crucial for the growth of new sectors, including fintech and edutainment. Its efforts to shape policies that enable technological advancement ensure that businesses can thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Advocacy for a Digital Economy

The Chamber’s work extends to the forefront of the digital economy, championing policies that support innovation, protect intellectual property, and ensure fair competition. It recognizes the importance of a robust digital infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and privacy protections in sustaining economic growth and competitiveness.

Through forums, workshops, and policy initiatives, the US Chamber of Commerce facilitates discussions on emerging technologies, from blockchain to artificial intelligence, emphasizing their potential to transform industries and improve societal outcomes.

Networking and Resources

Beyond advocacy, the Chamber offers a platform for networking, allowing businesses to connect, share insights, and forge partnerships. Its events and conferences serve as gathering points for industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, fostering a community of collaboration and innovation.

The resources provided by the Chamber, including market analysis, regulatory updates, and leadership training, equip businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Its commitment to supporting business growth extends to initiatives focused on workforce development, sustainability, and international trade.

Looking Ahead: The Chamber’s Future Focus

As the US Chamber of Commerce looks to the future, its focus remains on adapting to the evolving business landscape. This includes continuing to advocate for policies that promote economic resilience, drive innovation, and support the integration of sustainable practices in business operations.

The Chamber’s role in facilitating the digital transformation of the economy will undoubtedly expand, with a greater emphasis on promoting digital literacy, supporting the growth of e-commerce, and addressing the challenges of a globalized market. Its efforts to bridge the gap between traditional business models and the digital economy will play a crucial role in shaping the future of commerce in the United States and beyond.

In conclusion, the US Chamber of Commerce is more than just a business organization; it is a catalyst for economic growth and innovation. Through its advocacy, networking, and educational initiatives, it plays a vital role in shaping the policies and practices that will define the future of business in America. As the digital economy continues to evolve, the Chamber’s commitment to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to business education, exemplified by its interest in platforms like the Rocket game, underscores its vision for a prosperous and inclusive economic future.

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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.

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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.

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TAB is proud to serve as the state affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCOC).

Mission

• to protect the best business climate in the world by unleashing the power of free enterprise
• to improve the lives of generations.

Key principles

• Provide a light regulatory and taxation environment for businesses of all sizes and industries.
• Increase opportunities for employers to grow jobs, raise wages, and give back to their communities.
• Create a sustainable and inclusive workforce by improving the education system and encouraging second chance hiring.
• Support business development through smart immigration and trade policies and economic development incentives.
• Strengthen infrastructure, including energy, transportation, water, and broadband.

TAB works in a bipartisan way to protect Texas’ business climate. Learn more on our advocacy page.

Business is not just about lifting people out of poverty, it’s about solving problems. The Pfizer vaccine is a private sector innovation that has saved millions of lives. This is a free market system! Texas has the most dynamic economy and friendly policies to change the world through business.

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Chambers of Commerce in the United States can be considered community, city, regional, state, or nationwide (United States Chamber of Commerce). City Chambers work at the local level to bring the business community together to develop strong local networks that can lead to business-to-business exchanges. In most cases, city chambers work with their local government, such as their mayor, their city council, and local representatives to develop pro-business activities.

City Chambers

In 2005, there were 2,800 chambers of commerce in the United States and 102 chambers representing U.S. businesses abroad. According to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), there are approximately 3,000 chambers of commerce that employ at least one person, and “thousands more are founded as purely volunteer organizations.”

State Chambers

State chambers of commerce differ significantly from local and regional chambers of commerce because they work on state and sometimes federal issues that affect the business community. Just as a local chamber is critical to the local business community, state chambers serve a unique function by acting as an outsider voice on important business legislation that impacts the business community and is critical to shaping legislation in their respective state. State Chambers work with their governor, state representatives, state senators, U.S. Congressional leaders, and U.S. senators. Compared to state trade associations, which serve as a voice and resource for a specific industry, state chambers are considered an authoritative voice representing the entire business community to improve and protect a better business environment.

National and international chambers

Meeting national or international information needs is a key service provided by these chambers of commerce. In most cases, these services are free of charge to members; some offer personal and/or business services for very low fees (e.g., membership in other associations such as the NRA).

Mandatory or public law chambers

Under the compulsory or public law model, businesses of a certain size, type, or sector are required to become members of a chamber. This model is common in the European Union (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria), as well as in Japan and Indonesia. The main tasks of the chambers are to promote foreign trade, professional training, regional economic development, and general services to their members. The Chambers have been endowed by the state with public administration powers in various areas, which they exercise to manage order. The Chambers also have an advisory function; this means that the Chambers must be consulted whenever a new law affecting industry or trade is proposed.

Continental/private law chambers

Under the private model, which exists in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom, as well as in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark, companies are not required to become members of a chamber. However, companies often become members to develop their business contacts and, in the case of local chambers (the most common level of organization), to demonstrate a commitment to the local economy. Although governments are not required to consult chambers on proposed legislation, they are often consulted given their local influence and membership.

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During the oil crisis of 1973, the Chamber pushed for the expansion of domestic production. This included oil and gas exploration as well as coal mining and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. In 1981, the Chamber launched the “Rebuild America” campaign to help support President Reagan’s Economic Recovery and Tax Act. With the rise of globalization in the 1990s, the Chamber promoted increased opportunities for exporting American goods and services, hoping to create jobs for Americans.

While the various chambers of commerce may work with all levels of government, they tend to focus their efforts on specific levels: local chambers of commerce tend to focus on local issues, state chambers on state issues, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on national issues. at the federal government level. They also work closely with a number of youth organizations across the country on the importance and role of business in our modern society.

In 1993, the Chamber lost several members because of their support for Clinton’s health care reform. At the time, the Chamber decided to support health care reform because of the dramatic increase in health care costs faced by its members. However, House Republicans responded by calling for a boycott of the organization. By the time health care reform became a serious issue again in 2010-2012, the organization had opposed such efforts.

Although the Chamber claims to represent more than 3 million American companies, according to data, 94% of its revenue comes from about 1,500 large companies.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce building at 1615 H Street NW in Washington, DC
At the end of 2011, it was reported that from November 2009 to May 2010, Chinese hackers had hacked into the Chamber’s computer system. It appears that the purpose of the breach was to obtain information related to the Chamber’s lobbying on Asian trade policy.

Since Lewis Powell’s 1971 internal memo advocating a more active role in cases before the United States Supreme Court, the Chamber has been increasingly successful in litigation. In the Berger and Rehnquist Courts, the Chamber prevailed in 43% and 56% of cases, respectively, but in the Roberts Court, the Chamber’s success rate increased to 68% as of June 21, 2012.

During the 2008 election cycle, aggressive ads paid for by the USCC attacked a number of Democratic congressional candidates (such as Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken) and supported a number of Republican candidates, including John Sununu, Gordon Smith, Roger Wicker, Saxby Chambliss, and Elizabeth Dole.

The Chamber of Commerce has been an opponent of the Obama administration during the eight years of Barack Obama’s presidency.

During the 2010 election cycle, the Chamber spent $32 million, 93 percent of which went to Republican candidates. The Chamber’s spending from its general funds has been criticized as illegal under campaign finance laws. In a front-page article titled “Big Donations Help U.S. Chamber in Election,” The New York Times reported that the Chamber used campaign contributions without separating foreign and domestic contributions, which, if true, would violate prohibitions on lobbying by foreign states and groups. This includes the Chamber’s international chapters, AmChams, whose funds are not accounted for and may be mixed with the general collection. All Chamber branches, corporations, and members pay dues; the question is how they divide the money for spending in national campaigns.

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The US Chamber of Commerce claims to represent 3 million companies, but this claim is often disputed. It is funded mainly by multinational corporations.

The current president and CEO of the Chamber is Suzanne P. Clark. She previously worked at the Chamber from 1997 to 2007 and returned in 2014, holding several leadership positions before being named the organization’s first female CEO in February 2021.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was founded at a meeting of delegates on April 22, 1912. An important catalyst for the creation of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was two previous business agreements between the United States and Japan. In 1908, Eiichi Shibusawa invited the first official modern US business delegation to visit Japan. This delegation was headed by the prominent banker/economist Frank A. Vanderlip and accompanied by sixty business representatives from the West Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The goal was to establish diplomatic ties between their countries and promote business and trade growth.

Night view of the Chamber of Commerce building, c. 1924.
In 1909, in gratitude for the hospitality shown to the 1908 Vanderlip business delegation during their visit to Japan, Japanese businessmen were invited to visit the United States. This invitation came from the Associated Chambers of Commerce of the Pacific Coast, whose membership included eight major cities from the western coastal states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The Japanese accepted their invitation, and in 1909, Shibusawa, accompanied by his delegation of more than fifty of Japan’s most prominent business leaders and prominent personalities, visited 53 cities in America over the course of three months.

Their travels were covered in many newspapers as they traveled in a specially equipped “million dollar train” provided by the American industrial community. The U.S. government recognized the importance of their visit and sent U.S. representatives to accompany and assist them during the trip. Six representatives from the Associated Chambers of Commerce of the Pacific Coast also accompanied them to facilitate events along the way.

Their meetings have included many chambers of commerce, tours of factories, power plants, fire departments, port facilities, mines, farms, schools, universities, libraries, theaters, churches, hospitals, and many other sites. Their main goals are to develop friendship and familiarity between the two nations, while encouraging bilateral trade and commerce. An important impact of their visit was that it united the chambers of commerce in the United States, which likely prompted them to recognize the benefits of forming a national organization. President Taft was one of the U.S. leaders Shibusawa and his delegates met with during their visit.

The Chamber was created by President Taft as a counterweight to the labor movement of the time. John H. Fahey was the first chairman, and Harry A. Wheeler was the first president, with Elliot Hersey Goodwin as the first secretary. It opened its first office in the Evans Building. In 1913, President Taft spoke at the first banquet at the Willard Hotel, where he urged the organization to lobby for comprehensive currency legislation and support the Commission on Economy and Efficiency. During the first year of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s existence, the membership consisted of 297 commercial organizations and 165,000 firms and individuals. The U.S. Chamber’s staff grew dramatically in just ten years after its creation. In 1912, there were only four employees. By 1921, however, the number of employees had grown to three hundred.

During a 1919 U.S. Chamber board meeting, Harry A. Wheeler proposed an idea that surprised many in the Chamber itself. The idea was to create a national headquarters. During this proposal, Wheeler stated that the Board of Directors should take this vote very seriously when deciding whether or not to establish a national headquarters, as it would have to pay for it with its own money. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors did not hesitate to respond and began the process of establishing the headquarters. Wheeler and Edson had already planned the location of the headquarters. The location was across from the White House on the corner of Lafayette Square. The only thing that prevented them from building was two 19th century mansions: the Corcoran House and the Slidell House. Nevertheless, the mansions were purchased for $775 thousand.

The headquarters of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., occupies the land that used to be Daniel Webster’s home.

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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.

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It originated in 1870 as the New York Cotton Exchange (NYCE). In 1998, the New York Chamber of Commerce became the parent company of the New York Cotton Exchange and the Coffee, Sugar and Cocoa Exchange (CSCE). Both now operate as divisions of NYBOT. NYBOT agreed to become a division of ICE in September 2006.

NYBOT was a private company founded by Tom Green and Alfredo Williams. The NYBOT trading floor is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission , an independent agency of the U.S. government.

On February 26, 2003, NYBOT signed a historic lease agreement with the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) to relocate to its World Financial Center headquarters and trading floor after NYBOT’s original headquarters and trading floor were destroyed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. NYBOT currently pays about $5 million a year in rent for the space. The New York Chamber of Commerce was able to operate out of its emergency backup center in Queens , built after the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, to keep the exchange running.

The New York Chamber of Commerce was featured in the 1983 movie Trading Places. The scene in the trading floor at the end of the movie took place in the previous trading floor of the New York Chamber of Commerce at 4 World Trade Center.

During the Civil War, the chamber raised funds and wrote to the president, Congress, the New York State legislature and the New York City Council to protect New York Harbor. Eventually, the state legislature allocated one million dollars for the project, and upon review, the Chamber found the arguments to be valid. The Chamber also recognized significant events and in 1861 issued medals to the defenders of Forts Sumter and Pickens for their bravery in April and May of that year. Throughout 1862 and 1863, the House condemned the actions of the CSS Alabama and CSS Florida, military sloops known for capturing and burning Union merchant and naval vessels.

The Chamber estimated the damage caused by the CSS Alabama at twelve million dollars and wrote to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Wells urging him to take immediate action. A year later, on July 7, 1864, the House recorded that the CSS Alabama was sunk by the sloop of war USS Kearsarge. A committee was appointed to determine how the Chamber should express its gratitude to the crew of the Kearsarge, and twenty-five thousand dollars was raised and distributed to them.

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CalChamber has more than 14,000 members who together employ a quarter of the private sector workforce in California. Three-quarters of CalChamber members have 100 or fewer employees.

CalChamber has its roots in the California State Board of Trade, which was incorporated on February 20., 1890 after three years of public service. The primary purpose of the organization in those early years was to encourage immigration to California, a goal the State Board of Trade pursued by publishing and disseminating statistical and other descriptive information on the growth and products of the state.

In an effort to better promote the state’s businesses, the California State Chamber of Commerce merged with the California Manufacturers and Producers Association and the California Promotion Committee in 1910. The new combined group, known as the California Promotion Council, fulfilled the goals of its parent groups. The Board continued to promote immigration to California, a major focus of the Board of Trade. It promoted pride in products made in California, as did the Manufacturers and Producers Association. It also disseminated information about the state, as did the California Promotion Committee.

To better deal with the complexities of maintaining a healthy business climate in a rapidly growing state, the California Development Board merged with the California Industrial Association in 1921 to form the California Development Dept. Commerce and Industry Association . In September 1929, the organization was incorporated as the California State Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Industry .

In 1972, the Board of Directors adopted an abbreviated name: California Chamber of Commerce .

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