Join a Local Chamber to Increase Sales: A Comparison of 15 Local Chambers in Chicago’s Southland
There are thousands of chambers of commerce in the U.S. So what is a chamber of commerce and how can it benefit your business if you join? Today we are going to talk about what is a local chamber of commerce and how it will help your business to expand. Also, we will provide you with information on over 15 local chambers of commerce in the Chicago southland. Check it out.
What is a Local Chamber?
A chamber of commerce (or board of trade) is a form of business network, for example, a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. Local businesses are members, and they elect a board of directors or executive council to set policy for the chamber. The board or council then hires a President, CEO or Executive Director, plus staffing appropriate to size, to run the organization. – Wiki
Every chamber of commerce has a different purpose based on the businesses that it serves.
Every individual chamber of commerce is completely different. There’s the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a nationwide group that provides resources and advocacy for businesses in a wide array of industries across the country. Then there are statewide organizations, very small groups in local communities, and groups that are specific to industries in a particular area. – Small Business Trends
Should Your Business Join a Local Chamber?
All of the local chambers of commerce organizations are so different from each other. But they all provide great value and opportunities to their members and communities. Most all of them will help to increase your online exposure by providing member directories, so that members or people from communities and organizations can go to their website directory to search for the niche industry for help.
They will also provide online resources aimed at educating members about different aspects of improving their business and finding new customers. Depending on how well a local chamber is run, the online resources can be very helpful.
For example, our local chamber of commerce offers webinars on how to build your brand, how to set up your Google local business profile, etc.
Another benefit of joining a chamber of commerce is its networking events. These local networking events or promotions events will spur your business growth in that local area and get your brand name out there. You may also get information from each member, obtain member-to-member deals or discounts, and get exclusive opportunities from local businesses.
The local chamber of commerce is also a trustworthy resource. According to a study by the Schapiro Group, when consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
A national survey of 2,000 adults reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy because two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community. – Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
Comparison of Local Chambers in Chicago’s Southland (in alphabetical order)
Chamber of commerce organizations can help nearly any business grow and thrive in some way. If you decide to join a local chamber of commerce, you should know that the chamber of commerce organizations do charge a membership fee. You also want to research to see if a special chamber’s direction lines up with your marketing goals. This blog gathers basic information of over 15 local chambers in Chicago’s southland. Hope it will help you make your decision. All the data was collected in Nov. 2020. For more detailed information, please visit their websites or contact the chamber directly. Sign up here to get a white page of a more in-depth comparison on this topic.
List of Local Chambers in Chicago’s Southland (in alphabetical order)
Alsip Chamber
Their website gives us an out-of-date feel. However, from the website information, we know that this chamber has over 40 years of history and serves over 300 members. They offer educational workshops to businesses on a regular basis, help support a scholarship program for Alsip students, and work to attract and retain business in Alsip.
They also have a Facebook channel which currently has over 1000 followers. It could be a chamber to try if you are considering opening or expanding your business in the Alsip area or if their members are your target audience.
The Alsip Chamber of Commerce is a business organization with over 40 years of service in creating and protecting a healthy business environment in Alsip. With over 300 members, the Chamber speaks with a strong and credible voice for business, industry, and professionals. – From Alsip Chamber
Location: 12159 South Pulaski Road Alsip, IL 60803
Phone: 708-597-2668
Fax: 708-597-5962
Email: info@alsipchamber.org
Website: https://alsipchamber.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlsipChamber/
Membership Application: https://alsipchamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/35053_Alsip_Chamber_MEMBERSHIP_BROCH_green.pdf
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
| Alsip | |
| 1-5 Employees | $175.00 |
| 6-15 Employees | $230.00 |
| 16-25 Employees | $265.00 |
| 26-50 Employees | $295.00 |
| 51-75 Employees | $320.00 |
| 76-100 Employees | $360.00 |
| Over 100 Employees | $385.00 |
| Note |
Member not located in Alsip incur a one-time processing fee of $25 |
Bridgeview Chamber
Their website does not do a good job of explaining how this chamber will benefit its members. There is less information on their website, and they share the site with Bridgeview city hall. It also says that the Bridgeview Chamber of Commerce has been helping businesses grow for many years with no images, testimonials, or anything else. However, the membership fee is in the lower end of all the chambers we compare here, and the membership fee is free for religious businesses. Also, since it shares a domain with city hall, the authority of this domain is good for helping your business increase site ranking from the backlinks
Board Meetings
The Bridgeview Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at 6:00 PM and the location may vary. (Please call or email Chamber office for location of the meeting) – From Bridgeview Chamber
Location: 7940 S Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455 (Inside the First Midwest Bank Building)
Phone: 708-598-1700
Email: info@bridgeviewchamber.net
Website: https://www.bridgeview-il.gov/chamber/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgeviewchamberofcommerceindustry
Membership Application: https://www.bridgeview-il.gov/assets/1/7/Chamber_Application_2019.pdf
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
| Bridgeview | |
| 1-5 Employees | $100.00 |
| 6-11 Employees | $130.00 |
| 12-19 Employees | $185.00 |
| 20-30 Employees | $240.00 |
| 31-50 Employees | $300.00 |
| Over 50 Employees | $330.00 |
| IRC-501 | $100.00 |
| Religious | $0.00 |
Burbank Chamber
Here is a great opportunity to enlarge your online exposure. $25 for residents and $100 for businesses is a great deal for membership costs. The website is pretty user friendly. Their monthly estimated online traffic is lower than others, and their followers for social media channels are less than 500.
Our mission as the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, is to connect the residents of Burbank with their local businesses and organizations. We promote and increase exposure of our members through social media outlets as well as communication with the local business community as a whole via email blasts, business after hour events, Village events, and educational information/opportunities. This annual membership contribution is an investment in your business AND the community. This ensures that you can feel good about your membership and us working together to make Burbank Strong! From Burbank Chamber
Location: P.O. Box 972 Bedford Park, IL 60499
Phone: 708-425-4668
Email: burbankchamber@att.net
Website: https://www.burbankilchamber.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurbankILChamber/
Membership Application: https://www.burbankilchamber.com/assets/2020-membership-application.pdf
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
| Burbank | |
| Business | $100.00 |
| Resident | $25.00 |
Chicago Southland Chamber
This chamber of commerce is a chamber focused on the Chicago Southland area. It has more than 35 years of history. It has very organized information on its website, with great member sources and annual networking events.
Mission: The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce provides regional leadership, advocacy, strategic alliances and programs that unite and grow its members and the business community.
Vision: To be the primary regional organization that unites businesses and communities to create an environment where:
Business of all sizes & diversity will be attracted and thrive.
Partnerships and alliances are created with local organizations to work together for regional development and community improvement.
Public policy promotes strong and healthy businesses.
Location: 14 Hickory Street, Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: 708-957-6950
Email: info@chicagosouthlandchamber.com
Website: https://www.chicagosouthlandchamber.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagosouthlandchamber/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-southland-chamber-of-commerce/
Membership Application:
https://chicagosouthlandilcoc.wliinc32.com/external/wcpages/join-us/application.aspx
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
| Chicago Southland Chamber | |
| Core Member Basic Level (1+ Employees) | $350.00 |
| Business Builders (25+ Employees) | $700.00 |
| Patron (51+ Employees) | $1,500.00 |
| Vision Builder (101+ Employees) | $3,500.00 |
| Premiere Corporate (101+ Employees) | $7,500.00 |
| Note: |
Number of free categories: 4 Additional categories are $75 |
Chicagoland Chamber
This chamber of commerce is a well-running chamber, with over a 100-year history. It has all sorts of member discounts, resources, and high-quality networking events. It also has all major social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Youtube. Their Twitter channel has over 10,000 followers. The membership costs may be what separates it from the others, with the lowest $1000/ year to the highest $10,000/year. If you have the budget, it is worth a try.
Mission Statement
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce combines the power of people, with our legacy of leadership and business advocacy, to drive a dynamic economy. We focus on delivering value for our members, making Chicagoland a world-class place to live and work. – From Chicagoland Chamber
Location: 410 North Michigan Avenue, Ste 900, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-494-6700
Email: info@chicagolandchamber.org
Website: https://www.chicagolandchamber.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicagolandChamber/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicagoland-chamber-of-commerce/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdBFeZNrlmqnKxAlaEksleg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chicagolandcmbr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagolandchamber/
Membership Application: https://www.chicagolandchamber.org/join-the-chamber/
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
| Chicagoland Chamber | |
| Executive Membership | $1,000.00 |
| Premier Membership | $2,500.00 |
| Leadership Circle | $5,000.00 |
| President’s Circle | $10,000.00 |
Frankfort Chamber
The Frankfort Chamber of Commerce website gives us a very friendly feeling. It also provides a decent amount of in-person networking events. The amount of its Facebook channel followers is over 4,000. It will be a good chamber to join if you want to expand your business in the Frankfort area.
Located in Frankfort, Illinois, just 35 miles southwest of Chicago, we are here to help you in any way with information about our community. Frankfort is located at the intersections of Illinois State Routes 45 and 30. Interstate 80 is just two miles north and Interstate 57 is three miles to the east. Interstate 80 and the I-355 extension gives Frankfort direct access to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The Metra commuter train is close by providing access to the Chicago loop and all stops in between. Both O’Hare International and Midway Airports are less than an hour away. – From Frankfort Chamber
Location: 123 Kansas Street, Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: 815-469-3356
Email: Office@FrankfortChamber.com
Website: https://www.frankfortchamber.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankfort.chamberofcommerce/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frankfort-chamber-of-commerce/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankfortcc60423/?hl=en
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Er75Ht0N7k_k52Vb9detA/
Membership Application:
https://tools.frankfortchamber.com/member/newmemberapp
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
| Frankfort Chamber | |
| 1-3 Employees | $125.00 |
| 4-10 Employees | $150.00 |
| 11-20 Employees | $250.00 |
| 21+ Employees | $350.00 |
| Application Fee (One-time Fee) | $25.00 |
The Hills Chamber
The Hills Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of Hickory Hills and Palos Hills. Their membership cost is the lowest ($90/year), however, their web domain is new, and they don’t have any social media channel yet. It could be a chamber that is in its rapid growth phase, and worth a try for the cost.
The Hills Chamber of Commerce services the communities of Hickory Hills and Palos Hills, and is composed of many small businesses and encourages its members to make their voices heard and facilitate intelligent discussion in matters pertinent to the interests of the business community. The Hills Chamber serves as the voice for member businesses, representing, advocating, and working to enhance the business environment.
We are a voluntary organization of business and professional people working together in a community development program to make the Hickory/Palos area a great place to shop, live and play. The Chamber is a nonprofit, independent organization – not affiliated with city, state or federal government. From The hills Chamber
Location: 8632 W 103rd St, Suite A, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Phone: 708-233-6860
Fax: 708-233-6852
Email: info@thehillschamber.org
Website: https://thehillschamber.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehillschamberofcommerce/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hills-chamber-of-commerce/
Membership Application: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/e394b9cf-c02d-45d5-a22f-428b92c9ce1d/downloads/2020-21%20Chamber%20Membership%20Application.pdf?ver=1601326536875
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
|
Hills Chamber |
|
|
Annual Membership |
$90.00 |
Homewood Area Chamber
The Homewood area chamber is a pretty new chamber located in Homewood. There is not much information about resources and events on their website, but the images of their events give a pretty positive impression. It also has a great price for a home-based business ($75), less than half the price for the lowest standard level.
The Homewood Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-for-profit, non-governmental organization of business professionals devoted to serving Homewood Area businesses and organizations through connection, empowerment and advocacy. The Chamber is organized for the purposes of advancing the commercial, industrial, civic and general interest of the Villages, but not excluding, Homewood, Flossmoor, Glenwood and their trade areas. The HACC is therefore a volunteer organization representing the interest of the community. – From Homewood Area Chamber
Location: PO Box 1333, Homewood, IL 60430
Email: director@homewoodareachamber.com
Website: https://www.homewoodareachamber.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomewoodAreaChamberCommerce/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/homewood-area-chamber-of-commerce/
Membership Application: https://www.homewoodareachamber.com/join
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
|
Homewood Area Chamber |
|
|
1-5 Employees |
$175.00 |
|
6-10 Employees |
$195.00 |
|
11-25 Employees |
$245.00 |
|
26-50 Employees |
$295.00 |
|
50+ Employees |
$370.00 |
|
Home Based Business |
$75.00 |
Mokena Chamber
Mokena chamber is located in Mokena, IL. Unlike the other chambers which have a price level based on how many employees you have, it has one standard price for all the businesses. It may be a good price for mid-size businesses. Also, it has 4 social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube, and Facebook has the most followers (over 2700). It also has some networking events such as golf outings, Lincoln-Way Walk, Halloween Scavenger Hunt, etc.
The Mokena Chamber of Commerce advances the welfare and the prosperity of the business community so that its members and the community shall prosper. – From Mokena Chamber
Location: 11104 Front St., Suite 1B, Mokena, IL 60448
Phone: 708-479-2468
Fax: 708-479-7144
Email: chamber@mokena.com
Website: https://mokena.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MokenaCC/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mokenachamber
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mokenachamber/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mokenachamber
Membership Application:
https://mokena.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/New-Member-Application-2020.pdf
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
|
Mokena Chamber |
|
|
Regular Membership |
$195.00 |
|
Home-Based Business |
$90.00 |
|
Civic / Non-Profit |
$90.00 |
New Lenox Chamber
Founded in 1960, the New Lenox Chamber provides good opportunities/values for local small businesses. It also provides a decent amount of in-person networking events. The amount of its Facebook channel followers is over 2,500. It will be a good chamber to join if you want to expand your business in the New Lenox area.
The Mission of the New Lenox Chamber
The New Lenox Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing opportunities that bring value to every member business and organization. – From New Lenox Chamber
Location: 1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: 815-485-4241
Email: emily@newlenoxchamber.com
Website: https://www.newlenoxchamber.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newlenoxchamber/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewLenoxChamber
Membership Application:
https://nlcc.chambermaster.com/member/newmemberapp
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
| New Lenox | |
| 1-2 Employees | $160.00 |
| 3-10 Employees | $185.00 |
| 11-25 Employees | $295.00 |
| 26-50 Employees | $350.00 |
| 51+ Employees | $400.00 |
Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber
The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber was merged in 2010 from Oak Forest Chamber of Commerce and Crestwood Chamber of Commerce. It has one standard membership price for all the businesses ($195/year). The website looks pretty user-friendly. There are not a lot of events and information on the site, maybe because this is a brand new merged chamber. If you want to improve your exposure in this area, it may be a good choice to join this chamber.
Our Mission
To create outstanding networking opportunities, provide affordable B2B advertisement, educate our members, recognize outstanding business achievements and members, and provide up-to-date information about business and the community.
The Chamber shall be nonpartisan and nonsectarian and shall take no part in or lend its name to the nomination, election, or appointment of any candidate for office in village, county, state, or nation. The Chamber shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or handicap. From Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber
Location: 15440 South Central Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452
Phone: 708-687-4600
Email: info@oc-chamber.org
Website: https://oc-chamber.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/occhamber
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheOCChamber
Membership Application:
https://oc-chamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/MEMBERSHIP-APP.pdf
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
|
Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber |
|
|
Annual Membership |
$195.00 |
Oak Lawn Chamber
The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1946 by a group of local business owners just after the end of World War II and has over 350 members. We joined it in 2019 and had a very welcoming feeling. Its estimated monthly website visits are over 1000, which is in the top 5 in this compared group. However, the website is a bit out-of-date, and they only have one social channel for marketing exposure.
Our Mission
The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce works to represent and advance its business community, striving with constant integrity, fairness and cooperation to promote, and improve the economic atmosphere, business climate and image of Oak Lawn. – From Oak Lawn Chamber
Location: 5120 Museum Dr, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone: 708-424-8300
Fax: 708-229-2236
Email: office@OakLawnChamber.com
Website: https://www.oaklawnchamber.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oaklawnchamberofcommerce/
Membership Application:
https://business.orlandparkchamber.org/member/newmemberapp
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
| Oak Lawn Chamber | |
| 1-5 Employees | $120.00 |
| 6-10 Employees | $150.00 |
| 11-25 Employees | $195.00 |
| 26-50 Employees | $245.00 |
| 51-75 Employees | $295.00 |
| 75+ Employees | $365.00 |
Orland Park Area Chamber
The Orland Park Area chamber is located in Orland Park and has over 62 years of history. It is a well-organized chamber with more than 500 members. It has a great reputation and is a great starting place to expand your business in Orland Park. Their Facebook followers are over 2500, and they have some annual networking events, such as Women’s Networking Luncheon, Community Expo, Arts & Drafts, etc. They also have a good amount of resources for members.
The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce is the primary resource to help business and the community grow and prosper.
Why invest in a Chamber Membership? Since its inception in 1958, the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to growing your business and ensure the economy of our area is strong. By joining this esteemed organization, you not only invest in your business, but also towards a successful future of the community you depend on. A Chamber Membership Investment is company-wide. From Orland Park Area Chamber
Location: 8799 W 151st St, Orland Park, IL
Phone: 708-349-2972
Email: info@orlandparkchamber.org
Website: https://orlandparkchamber.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrlandParkChamber/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/orlandchamber1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlandparkareachamber/
Membership Application:
https://business.orlandparkchamber.org/member/newmemberapp
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
|
Orland Park Area Chamber |
|
|
Classic |
$275.00 |
|
Pro |
$375.00 |
|
Executive |
$700.00 |
|
Premier |
$2,000.00 |
|
New Member Processing Fee |
$25.00 |
Palos Area Chamber
The Palos Area Chamber was established in 1949 and supports the communities of Palos Heights and Palos Park. It has one standard membership price for all the businesses ($180/year). The website looks pretty user-friendly. If you want to improve your exposure in this Palos Heights and Palos Park area, it may be a good choice to join this chamber.
In 1949, a small group of merchants joined together “for the purpose of advancing economic, industrial, professional, cultural, and civic welfare of the Palos Heights area.” For 68 years the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce has remained actively involved in the everyday life of our city, residents and business community. Supporting the communities of Palos Heights and Palos Park and our ever-growing member base is our top priority. – From The Palos Area Chamber
Location: P.O. Box 138 Palos Heights, IL 60463
Phone: 708-480-3025
Email: info@palosareachamber.org
Website: https://www.palosareachamber.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalosAreaChamber/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/palosareachambr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palosareachamber/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/palos-area-chamber-of-commerce/
Membership Application:
https://business.palosareachamber.org/member/newmemberapp/
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
|
Palos Area Chamber |
|
|
Annual Membership |
$180.00 |
Tinley Park Chamber
The Tinley Park Chamber is another chamber that has a long history in the Chicago southland. It has a good reputation and there are many small businesses in Tinley Park. It has four social media channels and its Facebook has the highest number of followers. There are a good amount of resources for members and they also have some networking opportunities, such as Brew & Vine Fest, Trim-a-Tree, Parade of Lights, etc.
The Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate over 65 years of serving the Tinley Park community! Over the years, the Chamber has remained steadfast in encouraging the growth and prosperity of our business community. Founded in 1955, the Chamber has remained true to fulfilling our first mission statement “Vision to see, faith to believe, and courage to do.” For 65 years, courageous individuals have been “doing,” helping turn this business and residential community into the star of the southwest suburbs.
As the “pulse of the business community” the Chamber office fulfills many needs and offers numerous benefits and services to our members. From customer referrals, conference room rental to exclusive member discounts the Tinley Chamber is constantly seeking ways fulfill our current Mission: The Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce is committed to bringing innovative information and opportunities to businesses and the community to create a strong economy. –From Tinley Park Chamber
Location: 17316 S. Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-532-5700
Fax: 708-532-1475
Email: info@tinleychamber.org
Website: https://tinleychamber.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinleyparkchamber
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinley-park-chamber-of-commerce-90314332/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinleyPkChamber
Membership Application: https://tools.tinleychamber.org/member/newmemberapp
Membership Plan Cost (as of Nov 2020)
|
Tinley Park Chamber |
|
|
1-5 Employees |
$175.00 |
|
6-10 Employees |
$200.00 |
|
11-25 Employees |
$250.00 |
|
26-50 Employees |
$275.00 |
|
51+ Employees |
$325.00 |
|
Application Fee (One-time Fee) |
$25.00 |
Conclusion
After comparing all of the information we gathered from the internet, we think all of the chambers listed in this post are worth a try, and they will more or less help your business in these areas:
- Help your business gain online exposure in a certain local area
- Provide special resources for your business on these chambers’ focus locations
- Assist with many networking events, social media channels, and a newsletter which will get your name to your potential customers in a direct or indirect way
We calculated that if you want to join all of the 15 chambers it will cost you $3,340 per year. Something to think about if your marketing budget allows. We also created a white page of a more in-depth comparison on this topic. It includes an apple to apple comparison for each chamber and some facts we found out in our comparison. Sign up here to get your Free White Page. Hope it will help you make decisions on which chambers in Chicago southland to join.