Chambers of Commerce – Powerful Forces for Business Communities
As the Chamber of Commerce for the City of Birmingham and the economic development agency for the Greater Birmingham Region, we at the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) play a very important role in our community. A new public opinion poll, "The Impact and Value of Chambers of Commerce," sheds light on the significant role that chambers of commerce play in communities across the United States. The study, conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), showcases the public's positive perception of chambers and their vital contributions to local economies.
Key Findings from the Poll:
Americans view their local chamber as a trustworthy partner for businesses and a key driver of economic growth. 90 percent feel that their local chambers have an impact on growing their local economy.
Here in the Greater Birmingham Region, BBA’s efforts have driven our economic impact by adding 33,000 jobs and $8.5 billion in capital investments since 2009.
Businesses that are members of their local chamber benefit from increased customer trust and loyalty. 64 percent of adults who are familiar with their local chamber are more likely to purchase goods and services from businesses that they know is a member of their local chamber.
Not only does this happen organically with investors of the BBA, but we ensure this happens in a planned, organized effort through BBA's Inclusive Procurement Council (IPC), composed of procurement and supplier diversity professionals at the region’s top companies or procurers. IPC’s purpose is to create community among these professionals, share best practices and connect them with qualified underrepresented businesses.
The IPC also hosts two matchmaker events with suppliers throughout the year. Additionally, we host monthly networking events where investors can have regular opportunities to build relationships with others in BHM's business community.
See our upcoming events here and signature events here.
Chambers play a crucial role in addressing community challenges, creating jobs and fostering local economic development. 76 percent of adults agree that local chambers are stewards of a strong local economy.
As BBA President & CEO Steve Ammons always says, “Regional economies are strong economies.” One tremendously impactful way we do this is through convening fellow economic development partners and organizations throughout our seven-county region with our Regional Economic Development Allies (REDA) group, which meets monthly to discuss upcoming projects, wins, opportunities and more. This promotes and ensures regional cooperation and collaboration so we are working as one to ultimately make our seven-county Greater Birmingham Region a top place to live, work, play and visit.
Business owners recognize the value of chamber membership in advocating for their interests and supporting business growth. 65 percent of business owners see their local chamber as an advocate for initiatives and policies that are in the best interest of their business.
BBA does just that. We create increased economic prosperity in our region in part through our advocacy and governmental affairs work. BBA’s public policy efforts are aimed at addressing issues of regional significance to help move the region forward while providing a unified voice for the business community with our elected officials. The public policy division is the advocacy arm of the BBA and works closely with local, state and federal governments to further our mission. BBA “Advocate” investors are extended an invitation to attend quarterly Governmental Affairs luncheons.
BBA compiles annual legislative agendas, which determine the top advocacy items and priorities for the upcoming year. The agenda covers areas that affect economic development with a focus on economic growth, research and innovation, infrastructure and workforce development. See 2024’s Legislative Agenda here, and our 2025 Legislative Agenda will be released in the coming month.
There is a significant public interest in learning more about the work of local chambers and their impact on communities. 70 percent of adults wished they knew more about the work their local chamber does in the community.
We hope this has helped you learn more about what the BBA does as the regional chamber for economic prosperity, where we represent nearly 500 Birmingham corporations, small businesses, nonprofits and more who are members of the chamber here at BBA.
We invite you to learn more about what we do and the benefits of being an investor here.
The findings of this poll showcase that the work we provide for our region is crucial. We are more than just a networking organization. We are catalysts for economic growth, community development and business success for everyone located throughout the region including Jefferson, Shelby, Bibb, Chilton, St. Clair and Walker County.
To view the entire report, click here.