I am frequently asked “What does the Chamber of Commerce do?” or “Why should I be a member of the Chamber of Commerce?”
I have to admit, in my early days with the Chamber, it was kind of difficult to answer these questions, since I had never had any association with a Chamber of Commerce.
However, it didn’t take me long to see the benefits that our Chamber contributes to our communities, and I hope I can help you better understand the purpose of the Chamber of Commerce.
As the name “Chamber of Commerce” implies, we are an organization that is involved with and has an interest in business and free enterprise. We are a private not-for-profit business association with a volunteer board.
The Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce is organized, funded, directed, operated by and accountable to our investors (members). We are driven by a mission statement that strives to:
Provide and support opportunities for business owners to increase their ROI (return on investment) and create an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and private-sector risk taking – starting and growing businesses.
The Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce has a structure that focuses on fulfilling our mission to our investors, and centers on three “product lines:”
Economic Development: Recognize initiatives that stimulate or retard commercial activity and create project teams to deal with these issues.
Investor Benefits: Provide value-added benefits that are seen by the investors as a positive return on their annual investments.
Advocacy: Represent the interest of businesses & free enterprise on public policy matters.
The Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce’s contribution is one that no other organization can provide…to foster a vibrant free enterprise environment that stimulates the creation of new jobs, rising wages and a growing tax base for our community.
Make sure to visit us online at: www.galion-crestlinechamber.org for news and information about the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce.
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Kleinknecht is the President CEO of the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce.
