Results from a nationwide opinion poll show that chambers of commerce are vital to the prosperity of their communities. The Harris Poll, conducted on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), shows that 81% of US adults agree that their local chamber of commerce is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. Around nine in ten believe their local chamber has an impact on growing the local economy (90%) and addressing challenges within their community (88%).

“The survey results affirm the critical role chambers of commerce play in businesses, economies and communities,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president and CEO. “Chambers are trusted and innovative organizations. As a result, we see tremendous momentum to create even more bold leadership and lasting impact in the communities we serve.”

The main findings of the survey include:

Chambers are trusted: 81% of US adults agree that their local chamber is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. 90% believe their local chamber has an impact on growing the local economy.

Chamber membership strengthens a company’s reputation: 64% of adults who are familiar with their local chamber are more likely to purchase goods and services from a company they know is a member of their local chamber. 63% of these adults are more likely to recommend that business to someone else.

Chambers serve businesses and communities: 76% of US adults agree that local chambers are stewards of a strong local economy. 74% believe that local chambers create jobs and promote local community development. 72% believe that local chambers play a key role in addressing community challenges.

Business owners see value: 65% of business owners see their local chamber as an advocate for initiatives and policies that are in the best interest of their business. 62% believe the Chamber supports the growth and prosperity of their business.

People want to learn more about their local chamber: 70% of US adults wish they knew more about the work their local chamber does in the community. Specifically, they are most commonly interested in learning more about the type of impact local chambers have in their community (49%), more general information about chambers of commerce (43%), and which local businesses are members (42%).

Here in Chautauqua County, the CHQ Chamber is focused on supporting our local businesses in a variety of ways and connecting businesses with the community. Our mission is to build vital connections, provide professional resources and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. We know that when our local businesses thrive, the community thrives. Our ShopLocalCHQ gift card drives sales for local businesses to over $70,000 annually. Our online business directory generates over 5,000 average daily referrals to local businesses. And since the beginning of 2024 this year, we have assisted 57 start-ups with inaugurations, and there will be more before the end of the year.

Chamber membership makes a difference. Our team works every day to provide resources and programs that have a positive impact on local businesses and our community.

This survey was conducted online in the United States between September 5-9, 2024 among 2,075 adults (18 and older) including 141 respondents who are business owners (i.e. employees with the title of CEO, partner or owner) by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) via its Harris On Demand omnibus product.

JOIN US AT THE WHITE INN FOR CHQ CHAMBERS ANNUAL MEETING

The CHQ Chamber is pleased to announce that our 2024 Annual Meeting will be held at noon, Friday, December 13th at the newly renovated White Inn, 52 East Main Street, Fredonia, where we will hear from Leslie Zemsky, Vice President and Partner with the Larkin Development Group in Buffalo.

The historic White Inn has just reopened after undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and the CHQ Chamber is delighted to be among the first to host a major event at this iconic venue.

Our dynamic keynote speaker, Leslie Zemsky, knows a thing or two about historic reuse. The Zemsky family has been transforming Buffalo’s historic Larkin District for two decades. The East Buffalo location was once part of the Larkin Soap Company and now includes more than one million square feet of office space, more than half a mile of streetscape renovation and a public gathering place for events known as Larkin Square. New projects include several mixed housing and shops.

As “Director of Fun” for Larkin Square, she has overseen events that attract more than 130,000 people each season. Popular events include Food Truck Tuesdays, Live at Larkin Wednesdays, and the Larkin Square Author Series. A lifelong philanthropist, she has worked to create a vibrant atmosphere and bring positive energy to the community. She is a board member of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and a trustee of the Zemsky Family Foundation. She is a past trustee and chair of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, past trustee of the Buffalo Arts and Technology Center, Erie County Cultural Resource Advisory Board, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Visit Buffalo Niagara and more. She was the founding president of Advancing Arts and Culture Buffalo and chaired many community fundraisers including the Junior League Show House.

Registration for the CHQ Chamber Annual Meeting Luncheon is open now on our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org. This event is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Association, LaBella Associates, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, Observer and The Post-Journal. Program sponsors are DFT Communications, M&T Bank, Shults Auto Group and UPMC Chautauqua.