What is a Chamber of Commerce

1

• What is a Chamber of Commerce?
• Business Support
• Run by business for business
• Independent
• Spread across the UK
• Accredited network
• Not for profit
• Makes connections

2

• Services Provided
• Networking
• Information Advice
• Training Development
• Lobbying Representation
• International Trade
• Exclusive Commercial Benefits
• Promoting business

3
Working Together CCIs are not cash rich - seek
in kind support rather than money Unaccredited
CCIs may not have the staff or resource to
help Offer something in return Utilise ex
members who are now involved in the CCI
4
Information Links Make sure your CCI has
sufficient info on your Chamber and a contact
point Ask if your literature can be displayed at
CCI premises Offer reciprocal membership to gain
a database or website entry Utilise CCI
membership list for marketing your events and
membership
5
Networking links Most members have employers
that are members of the CCI - they can therefore
attend CCI events to network Offer to help
organise an event e.g. Dinner Dance under joint
badging Utilise Business Clubs to hand out BJC
info Ask for your President to be a nominated
member of CCI Board
6
Training Links Accredited CCIs must provide
access to training - could they offer BJC
Programme Are any members prime or excel
qualified - if so they could become a trainer for
the CCI Your CCI may have a training brochure -
could your Chamber have an entry?
7
Lobbying Links Most CCIs have committees to
debate policy issues - offer to join Are there
issues your Chamber could provide the young
managers view on? Offer to respond to
consultations on local issues Offer to be a
spokesperson for the local press
8
International Links JCI has extensive contacts
worldwide Twinning could involve BJC CCI as a
joint initiative If prominent BJC guest visits
arrange a meeting with the CCI as good publicity
available
9

• Promotion Links
• Reciprocal columns in magazines
• Info sheet in CCI membership pack
• Mailings to CCI members
• Reciprocal Website links
• Presence at CCI Open Evenings
• Invite to your key events

10

• Why should your CCI help?
• Could be an extra benefit to offer their
• members (consider offering discount)
• Source of future Presidents and
• committee members
• Project management
• International contacts
• Input to policy work

11

• BJC Versus BCC
• The most commonly asked question is
• How does Junior Chamber differ from Chamber of
  Commerce?
• The answer - Chambers of Commerce develop the
  businesses, Junior Chamber develops the people
  that run them