If you’re a Summit County business owner, you’ve probably looked at that Chamber membership invoice and thought, “Is this really worth it?”
Every expense matters when it comes to keeping your business open and thriving, and the idea of joining yet another professional organization can seem unnecessary. But in reality, joining your local Chamber of Commerce could be one of the best decisions you make in 2025.
Recent national research has revealed something our most successful local businesses have known all along.
Not only does becoming a Chamber member open the doors to a variety of unique benefits for your business and you as an owner, but it can also help drive consumers to you faster than you expect.
Let’s take a look at the data and see if a place in the Summit County Chamber of Commerce is waiting for you!
Want to learn more about Chamber membership in Summit County? Click here to see the benefits and process to get started!
What’s The Research Backing the Value of A Chamber Membership?
Benefits are great, but let’s start with what moves the needle: actual consumer behavior.
A comprehensive study by The Schapiro Group surveyed 2,000 adults nationwide about how Chamber membership influences their buying decisions. The results are impressive.
Consumer Trust Skyrockets
59% of consumers believe that being active in a local Chamber is an effective business strategy overall. But when you dig into the stats, you’ll find that consumer trust is directly tied to a company’s involvement in local chambers of commerce:
- Chamber membership is 29% more effective than other strategies at showing customers you use good business practices
- It’s 26% more effective at communicating that your business is reputable
- When customers know you’re highly involved (like serving on the Chamber board), they’re 12% more likely to think your products stack up better against their competition
Membership Has a Real Impact on Your Sales
But what does a Chamber membership do for your actual sales? More than you might expect.
Not only can a membership help drive interest and awareness of your business, but you’ll see a nice reputation boost when you’re seen as an active community participant:
- Small businesses see a 63% increase in the likelihood of future consumer buying when customers know about their Chamber membership
- 44% boost in how favorably consumers view your business
- 51% increase in consumer awareness of your business
Consider this: if just 100 tourists walk past your shop each day during peak season, Chamber membership could be the difference between 37 customers and 60 customers walking through your door.
For a restaurant averaging $50 per ticket, that’s an extra $1,150 in revenue per day. For a retail shop with a $75 average sale, it’s $1,725 more daily. Over a three-month peak season? The numbers add up!
Why Chamber Membership Works
When consumers learn a business is a Chamber member, they don’t just see a membership sticker. There’s a powerful psychological impact that comes when your business joins others in the county to help spur business growth and economic success.
The research of consumers shows that when your business is an active member of a local Chamber of Commerce, you’ll be perceived as:
- Trustworthy – You’re steady and established enough to invest in the community
- Community-involved – Your business’s mission and values are about more than just profits
- An industry leader – You’re connected and current with business best practices
- Customer-focused – You’re accountable to a larger organization that is working to help drive growth and local consumer protections
The “Local” Advantage of a Chamber Membership
The overall numbers are impressive, but there’s a local element to being part of our county’s Chamber. Every year, tourists flock here for authentic mountain experiences.
They can shop at Target anywhere – they come to our Summit County communities to find something special.
Chamber membership signals you’re part of the fabric that makes Summit County what it’s know for today. You’re both a business owner and a local expert who can recommend the best backcountry trail or hidden breakfast spot. You can point them to the perfect gear or post-ski aperitif.
When visitors see that Chamber plaque, they see a business that’s genuinely local, genuinely invested, and genuinely worth their dollars. In an era of online reviews and social media skepticism, Chamber membership provides third-party validation that money can’t buy through advertising.
Different Benefits for Different Business Types
Not all businesses are created equal, and neither are the benefits of Chamber membership. The research reveals powerful impacts across different industries and types of Summit County businesses.
Restaurants & Hospitality
- Consumers are 40% more likely to eat at your restaurant when they know you’re a Chamber member
- For franchises, the boost jumps to 50% more likely to visit more often
Retail & Services
- 44% increase in favorable opinions
- 57% boost in local reputation
- 63% more likely to make future purchases
Professional Services
- 43% increase in purchase consideration for insurance
- 39% more likely consumers will seek to know more about your company
Making Your Membership Work for You
Here’s the catch – these benefits only work when customers are aware of your membership. That’s why you’ll need to go beyond joining to actively being engaged in what the Chamber is up to in and around Summit County.
Here are some of our top tips to help you stay in the know and make the most of your Chamber membership:
Wear Your Chamber Membership Badge with Honor
If you want consumers and community members to know you’re investing in the area, make your membership impossible to miss.
Display your Chamber plaque at eye level near your entrance where every customer will see it. Add the Chamber logo prominently to your website header!
Don’t forget social media – post about Chamber events you attend and add membership to your Google Business Profile. Any small way you can showcase your membership will pay dividends as consumers take notice.
Get Involved in Chamber Activities
The Chamber isn’t something to just join – it’s a group of active business owners and leaders that are always on the move.
Staying active in the Chamber of Commerce multiplies your benefits beyond what a name on the roster can offer. For instance, join a Chamber committee to increase visibility among fellow business owners who become your best referral sources. Even if networking isn’t your thing, aim to attend at least one After Hours event per quarter.
Volunteer at Chamber events with your team – it’s great for morale and community visibility. If you’re ready for deeper involvement, consider board service!
Leverage Invaluable Chamber Resources
Your membership offers you far more than a plaque on your wall or a badge for your website.
Take advantage of the Summit County Chamber of Commerce member directory when you need local vendors instead of searching Google. Attend the many year-round educational workshops.
You can also participate in group marketing initiatives that would cost thousands if done solo. And the many member-to-member discounts on vital business operations and supplies can save you tons each year!
The ROI on Chamber of Commerce Membership is Clear
Chamber membership for most Summit County businesses costs less than what you’ll make from just 5-10 additional customers per year. Based on the research, you’re likely to see dozens if not hundreds more once you get active and start engaging with the community.
But the value extends beyond pure numbers. The reality is that a challenging season isn’t an if in business – it’s a when. And when those moments hit, you’ll want to know that you’re not facing it alone. You’ve got a network of fellow business owners who understand exactly what you’re going through.
Ready to Join? Register Today!
There’s never been a better time to join the Summit County Chamber of Commerce. Our growing list of mountain businesses and professionals has a spot saved for you.
When you’re ready to join or get more involved, contact the Summit County Chamber at (970) 668-2051 or visit us at summitchamber.org. Our team is here to help you learn more about the potential benefits of becoming a member!
Want to read the Shapiro Group report yourself? Click here to download!
