Chambers of commerce are typically a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization that plays an important role in local municipalities in promoting business activity and representing chamber members. At least at the local level, chamber of commerce members often meet to discuss and attempt to shape policy that relates to the business and overall economic environment. Members also receive the distinction of being a preferred local vendor, as well as listing on various chamber website and literature.
By definition, a chamber of commerce is a voluntary association of people whose function is to promote and develop the commercial, service, retail and industrial opportunities in a community or communities. The association's members generally consist of business people. A chamber collectively acts on behalf of its members, much like a spokesperson, communicating their desires for the betterment of the community to parties in power that can see them to fruition.
No, Chambers of Commerce are typically private, non-profit organizations, not part of government.
Our Chamber often discuss the following issues:
Joining our chamber of commerce can be a great way to connect with other local businesses and community leaders, and to promote your own business. Here are a few reasons why you should consider joining:
Overall, joining a chamber of commerce can be a great way to build connections and promote your business in your local community. It can provide a range of benefits that can help your business grow and succeed, from networking and marketing opportunities to business development resources.
Here are a few examples how:
Most of the work our Board of Directors and staff do is behind the scenes the boring stuff. We also have a monthly Lunch and Learn, Business Networking Breakfast and a multi-chamber gatherings. A few times per year we co-host an event with a national keynote speaker. We also host the State of the City addresses in both Warrenville and West Chicago and co-host the State of the County. We have a golf outing and even host an overseas adventure. Since 2017 it was China, Amalfi Coast Italy, Danube River, Vietnam and this year, we are headed to Costa del Sol, Spain. We also hold our Annual Awards gala and have over 150 members together for food, fun, entertainment and an amazing time recognizing our best of the best.
Businesses are as different as people, they come in many sizes and do many different things and are faced with a variety of challenges at different times during their evolution. Small businesses or start-ups may need organizational or legal guidance and they all want help getting their name out to potential customers or clients. Later, they may need funding to grow or to purchase new equipment or even franchise.
We are one of the first chambers to partner with Innovation DuPage and have matched dozens of small businesses with mentors, web developers, finance, accounting and other resources to help guide them through the obstacles and position them for success. Our Shop-Small / Shop-Local initiative promoted 18 businesses and received over 60,000 connections during a 12-week period on just one social media site.
We provide Notary services and issue Certificates or Origin for those members that need this in order to ship products to foreign countries we even provided certification so that a world-class equestrian team could transport their horses to an international competition.
Businesses engage governing institutions very infrequently and when they do, often they find the processes confusing and/or the rules to be unfair. The Chamber advocates for these members and regularly works with planning and zoning boards, administrators and elected officials to find solutions and we work with the member to help create plans that meet both their needs and the expectations of the municipality or township.
We take the fight to our legislators in Springfield on issues of unfunded mandates placed on local schools, fire departments and municipalities. We fight for education funding to help fill the skills gap that has been ignored for too long. We work with the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition and continue to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that will be thoughtful, fair and enforced.
There is no chamber more knowledgeable about workforce and talent pipeline than the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. We hold Hiring Events and have free job listing on our website for our members.
As for protection, whether cyber security, IRS or Department of Labor we have resources to keep you safe. We help keep our members informed about the many changes in Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Mileage reimbursement rates and a plethora of compliance laws that can easily derail a growing business. When an employee wants to start legal action against an employer the first question the lawyer asks, is have you seen your employee handbook and did you sign it? So, does your business have a compliant employee handbook and do all your employees sign it?
How about I-9 and E-Verify? Do you have up to date files on ALL EMPLOYEES? Do you know how to file these forms? EVERY EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO HAVE CURRENT I-9 FORMS ON EVERY EMPLOYEE. Will you be prepared if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) drops in on you? If your answer is no I only have US citizens employed so I do not need them, you may be one visit away from disaster!
Workforce Development Initiatives:
Our Chamber of Commerce provides Certificates of Origin as a service to local businesses involved in international trade. A Certificate of Origin is a document that certifies the origin of goods being shipped from one country to another. This document may be required by foreign governments or by the buyer of the goods as a condition of the sale. The Chamber of Commerce acts as an impartial third party to verify the origin of the goods and to provide a certificate that is widely recognized and accepted in international trade. By providing this service, our Commerce can help facilitate international trade and support local businesses engaged in export activities.
Our Chamber provides Certificates of Origin for the local business community for a fee as well as Certificate of Free Sale. Members get this benefit automatically as part of their standard membership package (no fee). Contact our Chamber of Commerce at 630-231-3003 for more details.
No, our Chamber generally does not handle complaints about local businesses. We refer customers with complaints to relevant authorities, such as local consumer protection agencies (Better Business Bureau) or law enforcement. Our Chamber has a dispute resolution program in place that only notifies the member business of the complaint to try help resolve issues between business and customer. Non-member businesses are referred to local consumer protection agencies or law enforcement.
Yes, employees of a member business in good standing can take advantage of chamber benefits. Such things as training, member events, and other promotional marketing that highlights that business.
In some cases non-member businesses can take part in chamber related events depending on the event. Such gatherings as training and some networking events to name a couple however non-members will pay a higher fee structure.