Results from a nationwide public opinion poll indicate chambers of commerce are vital to the prosperity of their communities. The Harris Poll survey, conducted on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), finds 81% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber of commerce is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. Around nine in 10 feel that their local chamber has an impact on growing the local economy (90%) and addressing challenges within their community (88%).

“The poll’s findings assert the crucial role chambers of commerce play for businesses, economies and communities,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president & CEO. “Chambers are trusted and innovative organizations. As a result, we are seeing tremendous momentum to bring even more bold leadership and lasting impact on the communities we serve.”

Key findings of the poll include:

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

Chamber Membership Strengthens a Business’s Reputation: 64% of adults who are familiar with their local chamber are more likely to purchase goods and services from a business that 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 U.S. adults agree that local chambers are stewards of a strong local economy. 74% believe local chambers create jobs and promote local community development. 72% believe local chambers play a key role in addressing community challenges.

Business Owners See the 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 U.S. adults wished 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 the tune of over $70,000 annually. Our online business directory creates over 5,000 average daily referrals to local businesses. And since the beginning of 2024 of this year, we have assisted 57 start-up businesses with grand openings, and there are more to come before the year’s end.

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

This survey was conducted online within the United States between September 5-9, 2024 among 2,075 adults (aged 18 and over) including 141 respondents who are business owners (i.e., employed with a 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 THE CHQ CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING

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

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

Our dynamic keynote speaker, Leslie Zemsky, knows a bit about historic re-use. The Zemsky family has been transforming the historic Larkin District in Buffalo for two decades. The east Buffalo site was once part of the Larkin Soap Company and now includes more than a million square feet of office space, more than a half mile of streetscape renovations, and a public gathering space for events called Larkin Square. New projects include multiple mixed-use residential and retail space.

As the “Director of Fun” for Larkin Square, she has overseen events attracting 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 with the Zemsky Family Foundation. She is a past trustee and President of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, past trustee of the Buffalo Arts and Technology Center, the Erie County Cultural Resource Advisory Board, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Visit Buffalo Niagara, and more. She was the founding chair 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.