One of the best ways to grow your business is by getting involved in the community. While local involvement can take a variety of forms, joining a chamber of commerce can provide your business with many resources. From important business meetings to committees for golf tournaments and galas, becoming a chamber member not only offers countless opportunities for community involvement, it can create lifelong friendships. Here are three reasons you should join!

1. Visibility and Top of Mind Awareness: Networking is important for any business and being a chamber member offers more than just a few opportunities in this department; helping you make connections and become more visible in your community. Top-of-mind awareness is also important for any company, from large brands to small, family-owned businesses. Being involved in the community and active in a chamber of commerce allows your business to become the one people think of when they or their friends are in need. Being an active chamber member allows you to meet new people and increases your visibility. People love to recommend businesses and people they know!

2. Government Relations: In addition to establishing a strong community presence and making new connections, most chambers have a direct line to local and state government officials. This gives businesses a direct line for reaching out to their representatives and gives them a better chance of having their voices be heard.

3. Credibility: Being a chamber member brings credibility to your business. In this technological world, people can be distrustful of a business that they aren’t familiar with. Belonging to a chamber of commerce is a great way to show that you are a credible business and care about your community.

As a bonus reason to join your local chamber of commerce, the staff is resourceful in helping you market your business in areas such as publications and direct mailings. Ultimately, active participation in chamber events and networking opportunities will build your identity in the community and help take your business to new heights!