"Without chambers of commerce, thousands of small businesses would be relegated to oblivion before anyone knows of their existence." Dr. Vincent Muli Kituku

Your business and the local Chamber of Commerce can be compared to a rhino and a certain species of birds—they live symbiotically. Each depends on the other for survival. The rhino has ticks that the bird needs for food. The bird helps the rhino in two ways. It remove ticks from the rhino’s body and when it (bird) sees an animal that might attack the rhino, it jumps up and down making the rhino know it is time to run for cover. They need each other.

The same applies to the chamber and your business. The chamber does its best to help your business thrive because without businesses there is no Chamber of Commerce. And without a Chambers of Commerce, thousands of small businesses would be relegated to oblivion before anyone knows of their existence.

I started being a part of the Boise Metro Chamber of commerce in 1997 as an invited guest speaker. The association has provided my business with opportunities that go beyond Idaho. The mere mentioning of the name of a staff member, say Ray Stark of Boise chamber, to his colleagues in other cities, help build instant trust, rapport and create unexpected money making events.

Being a member provides opportunities to turn your business into a profitable venture on a zero/shoestring budget. Your local chamber of commerce is a horse that gives your business a competitive edge beyond the membership investment you make.

Your marketing power, dollar wise, as a small or medium business owner or manager of non-profit organization is comparable to the speed of a donkey in a world where horses must run to not only survive but also to thrive. You can’t compete with well-known corporations that also have the muscle to keep their names in the media and in your home.

However, your association with a chamber of commerce allows your business to appear and be known in places your budget alone can’t take it. Your business’s presence is established with a much advertised grand opening. You network with real people at chamber events. You get current business information. You are exposed to top business training opportunities at discounted rates.

Further, you can meet and mingle with shakers and movers in your community. Your membership is a testimony of your commitment to the community and you open channels for business referrals that can catapult your venture to new heights.

One key truth—being an active member is different from just being a member. You take full advantage of your membership by participating in events that promote the chamber’s objectives and capitalizing on events put together by the chamber for businesses and the community.

Here are my top 10 benefits I guarantee your business can derive from the local Chamber of commerce.

1.	Meeting potential clients regularly during new member orientations
2.	Partnering in training programs—This is fun, training other members
3.	Shoestring marketing—your own meals at chamber events where you meet VIPs
4.	Using the chamber as a reference for business opportunities in other cities
5.	Getting updated directory of local service clubs contacts every year
6.	Having your business featured in the chamber programs
7.	Helping, for free, with chamber programs that need your skills—most rewarding
8.	Visiting with friends that you have come to know and love through the chamber
9.	Listening to people talk of businesses you have never heard of.
10.	Doing business with other members at discounted rates. You will love this!
Bonus
11.	Available mailing resources that are cost prohibitive elsewhere.
12.	Knowing that your business success is a priority for the chamber

Caution: The above benefits are only available to active members who are committed to chamber mission and events, local economic success, and quality of life in their community.

Remember, "Even if you are a donkey, run with horses." The chamber is the horse your business needs to run with.