September 2007

This issue home | Past issues | Chamber home

Study Finds that Residents Will Buy More from Chamber Members

A national study has revealed that membership in a local chamber of commerce can significantly boost a business’s image amongst the community.  This study, conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), showed that respondents, when told that a particular small business was a member of its local chamber, were 44 percent more likely to rate it favorably than study respondents who were not told of the chamber affiliation.  Respondents were also 63 percent more likely to want to purchase goods or services from a small business that is a chamber member.

In a highly competitive world where businesses are striving for customer satisfaction, diversification, and quality, this study proves that being a member of the Chamber of Commerce is synonymous with quality and desirability.  Small or new businesses can tap into the chamber resources by getting involved in events, becoming a sponsor, or volunteering on a committee.  This goodwill feeling that consumers feel towards Chamber’s members will be reinforced through these activities.

Small businesses are not the only ones to reap these benefits.  Here are some other statistics that may surprise you:

  • Most consumers, 59%, think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall.  It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable.
  • If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g. sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12% more likely to think its products stack up better against its competition.
  • When a consumer thinks that a company’s products stack up better against the competition because the company is highly involved in its local chamber of commerce, it is because he or she infers that the company is trustworthy, involved in the community, and is an industry leader.
  • When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40% more likely to eat at the franchise for the next few months.
  • When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 43% more likely to consider buying insurance from it.
  • When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

Chambers of Commerce advocates have long believed that when a company is active in its local chamber, that it is doing the right thing for the community and for its own success.  It’s refreshing to hear that community and chamber involvement are good investments, which is what we’ve been saying all along!

Action News is a monthly publication of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Communications Department.

To unsubscribe, e-mail administrator@telecomcorridor.com. Please provide your name, company, phone number and e-mail address.

Telecomcorridor.com | Richardson Chamber of Commerce | Metroplex Technology Business Council
Richardson Economic Development Partnership | Leadership Richardson

© 2004-2006 Richardson Chamber of Commerce
411 Belle Grove Drive
Richardson, Texas 75080-5297
(972) 792-2800


NeoSpire Managed Hosting

Top Stories

More Top Stories