Chamber Membership Cannot be Measured

Every once in a while, someone asks me to justify their Chamber membership on a dollar-to-dollar basis.  They say, “What will I get in return for my dues that will improve my bottom line by that amount or more?”  I say, if you are measuring our value in that regard we better have a talk about how you can plan on getting involved or utilizing the resources available to you as a member, because just joining doesn’t guarantee bottom-line results.

By refusing to be judged on a dollar-to-dollar basis I am not trying to dodge the “tough question.”  Rather, I am trying to reinforce my belief that the value of Chamber membership cannot be adequately measured that way.  Let me explain.

As the only county-wide organization advocating for state and federal transportation dollars, what is the bottom-line savings to a specific business for improvements on Route 30 or enhancements at our Train Station or flight service at our airports (Lancaster & Harrisburg)?

What is the bottom-line value of our recently launched and financially supported Think Local campaign that is designed to encourage local businesses and consumers to do business with local businesses and, in so doing, benefit the entire community?

What is the bottom-line value of our Sustainable Cities initiative where we are mobilizing and advocating for state legislative changes that will enable our local government to govern in a more cost-effective manner and, in so doing, improve the local business climate?

What is the bottom-line value of attending any of our free Mixers where you can avail yourself to 200-plus business people?  We can’t promise you business; but I know we can deliver the opportunity!

What is the value of showcasing local best practices, peer groups and other professional development opportunities right here in your own back yard?  Many people have found time and time again that that “one take-away” they experienced at an event resulted in increased business, reduced expenses or an entirely new market opportunity (and we have testimonial after testimonial to prove it!).

The above represent the real value of The Chamber and your support through membership enables it all to happen.  Make no mistake about it, we need and appreciate our members!  However, we also like to think that our members need us –even in ways they don’t fully realize.  Working together we can grow everyone’s bottom line and continue our collective quest toward “Building Lancaster County into a model of prosperity for 21^st Century America.”

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