Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges, and local enterprises often need additional support to thrive. This is where formal organizations like Chambers of Commerce play a pivotal role.
What is a Chamber of Commerce?
Many people mistakenly believe that a Chamber of Commerce is a public entity run by the local government. They’re actually member-run organizations that allow local businesses to work together to advance their mutual interests.
A Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit founded and run by members of a local business community. It provides a forum where local business owners can network with one another and promote their enterprises to the community at large. The chamber can also be a tool for businesses to bring their concerns to local government and foster a business-friendly environment.
What Does a Chamber of Commerce Do?
A Chamber of Commerce does a lot of things to help local businesses and the community. Some of a chamber’s most important functions and benefits include:
- Serving as a voice for local businesses. Business owners can work together to have their concerns heard by local government.
- Offering networking opportunities. Members can find vendors and partners, and learn from other members at events like speaker series.
- Promoting members and their businesses. A listing in the member directory can get members exposure and new business.
Many chambers use a combination of meet-ups, online groups, speaker events, and lobbying to attain their goals.
What Are the Objectives of a Chamber?
A chamber’s objectives are to promote the collective goals of businesses in the area. The private sector works differently than government sectors, and needs structures like chambers to advance its interests.
Objectives can include education, representation, and promotion and support of local businesses.
Who Are Chamber Members?
Anyone who operates, works for, or is passionate about the interests of local businesses can join. Your members can include:
- Small business owners.
- Representatives from larger corporations who want to maintain a local presence.
- Local individuals.
- Representatives from non-profit entities.
Reach out to anyone who you feel could benefit from a local chamber and anyone who you feel can make a contribution.
Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce Mission, Vision, Goals 2025/26
IDENTITY: An association of business leaders and community builders focused on business vitality in our part of the Alberta Foothills along the Cowboy Trail – Priddis to Chain Lakes, Alberta.
MISSION: Regional business and community prosperity through advocacy, access to leaders, economic development, networking and business education. Connection with Chamber of Commerce influence Provincially and Federally.
VISION: a thriving, cooperative business and community environment that honours our rich local history.
What our Chamber does:
THE ESSENTIALS…
- Maintain working relationships with Municipal, Regional and Provincial leaders who serve in our region – advocating for the business community;
- Cultivate encouraging, supportive relationships among local business owners and not-for-profit community-group leaders;
- Create access to helpful resources for business success and community-building;
- Respect and maintain relationships/responsibilities with other Regional Chamber groups; the Alberta Chamber of Commerce; and the Government of Alberta
OTHER VENTURES AS LEADERSHIP EMERGES…
- Actively participate in Youth Entrepreneurship – scholarships, mentorship, internships, venture capital (through Community Futures);
- Education and coaching regarding Succession Planning, Futurepreneurship – building a business that is sellable;
- Business Success Supports – Best Practices Coaching for Small Business leaders (Community Futures, Web-based resources);
- Regional Tourism Coordination/Cooperation – destination tourism initiatives: cooperation with Alberta Tourism, Foothills Tourism, Municipal leadership.
GOALS for 2025/2026:
- Meet with community officials in the Town of Diamond Valley, the Village of Longview, the Hamlets of Millarville and Priddis at least three times each year.
- Host at least 4 informal gatherings of Chamber members;
- Host 3 Business Builder workshops each year;
- Send at least 2 email per month to Chamber members and/or the General Distribution list regarding relevant issues, and to promote principles from the book, “13 Ways to Kill Your Community,” by Doug Griffiths.
- Establish a website that celebrates the businesses and groups of Chamber members; provides access to helpful/relevant information or resources; and fosters cooperation toward resilient community life in our region.
- Gather relevant information/resources/tools helpful to local business and community group leaders. Post and promote.