Blog: So, What is a Chamber of Commerce?
You may have seen our ribbon cuttings and giant scissors, or heard about our networking events, but there is so much more to what a Chamber does!
A Chamber of Commerce is a membership based non-profit organization that serves the business community. For over 130 years, as the region’s leading business advocate and partner in economic development, the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce aims to promote a thriving business community in Cabell and Wayne County by connecting people, places, and resources.
To support this mission, the Chamber seeks to utilize our 3C Mission:
Connect Community
The Chamber seeks to foster a well-connected and collaborative community of businesses and professionals. One of the ways that we do this is through our affiliate groups and sub-committees, such as the Huntington Young Professionals, Women’s Impact Network, and Nonprofit Roundtable. We also host regular networking events like our Business After Hours and bring together more than 350 business leaders every year at our Annual Dinner.
Cultivate Growth
We serve businesses of all sizes and stages to support their growth through programming, services, and advocacy. One of the main ways that we do this is by referring people to your business, whether it be through our Membership Directory or via phone, email, social media, or in-person referrals. We also help to grow businesses through our ribbon cutting and business birthday services that help you celebrate the launch of or a milestone in your business while giving you valuable media exposure. We help promote your business updates and events through our weekly e-newsletter, the Monday Morning Memo, and offer various advertising opportunities. Additionally, we represent your interests and concerns to government authorities, policymakers, and other stakeholders through our Government Affairs Committee and connect you with them through our “State Of” series.
Catalyze Development
By promoting learning and innovation across sectors and supporting workforce development the Chamber catalyzes development. We host a monthly Lunch & Learn series on topics that are chosen by our members, ranging from how to use AI in the workplace to digital marketing fundamentals. We also have a weekly podcast called In Your Business that offers invaluable insights and advice for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs from your fellow Chamber members, as well as a blog. In 2023, we launched the region’s premier leadership development program, Leadership Huntington, a 10-month program designed to connect, develop, empower, and mobilize current and emerging leaders who are committed to making a difference in the Huntington region.