What is the value of joining the Nashville Chamber?

Joining a chamber of commerce is an investment in the community where you live and work. But research shows that joining the Chamber can also boost the way consumers see your business.

In a survey of 2,000 adults nationwide, researchers found that when businesses are active in their chamber of commerce, consumers are more likely to believe that:

  • The business uses good business practices;
  • The business is reputable;
  • The business cares about its customers; and
  • The business is involved in the community.

In fact, being active in the local chamber of commerce is the most effective way to convey to consumers that you use good business practices and are a reputable organization according to this survey.

These positive beliefs about businesses that are involved in the Chamber can also lead to better business outcomes. When surveyed consumers found out that a company was highly involved in the Chamber, they were 12% more likely to think that their products were better than the competition. Furthermore, they were 19% more likely to think favorably of the company overall.

So what does this mean for your business?

If you are a part of a large business that is thinking of joining the Nashville Chamber, or is already a member, letting your customers know that you are involved in the Chamber’s activities could really help boost their opinion of your business. For example, these were the outcomes when survey respondents were reminded that a large business was a member of the Chamber:

  • Consumers were 50% more likely to eat at a franchise restaurant;
  • Consumers were 43% more likely to consider buying insurance from a large company; and
  • Consumers think 20% more favorably about an auto manufacturer they’ve considered purchasing from before.

Clearly, large businesses see benefits from joining the Chamber, but small businesses have the most to gain from joining a local Chamber. Overall, the impacts of Chamber membership on small businesses are:

  • A 44% increase in consumer favorability;
  • A 51% increase in consumer awareness;
  • A 57% increase in local reputation; and
  • A 63% increase in likelihood of future patronage.

How can you show your customers that you are a Chamber member?

First, make sure you ARE a member. Every employee of a Chamber member business has access to membership benefits, so check on our business directory to be sure you’re business is listed. If not, our membership team is happy to help you get started!

If your membership is up to date and active, make sure you post your membership decal in a prominent place on your website or in any physical locations. You can download these decals from your member portal. Learn more about using the member portal here.

Next, get involved with one of our initiatives or events! A great place to start is the Area Advisory Councils. These are networking events specific to the neighborhood where you do business in Nashville that discuss important business topics. Find upcoming events on our events calendar here.

Also, sign up for email updates to keep you in the know. You can subscribe to emails using the form below.


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