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The collective impact of chambers

The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce belongs to the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals (MACP). It’s where we receive much of our staff’s professional development resources and training, how we work to strengthen the chamber industry in the state and where we find advice and innovative ideas for programming and value for our members, therefore adding value to our community. We also belong to American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), which is the national version of MACP. MACP met recently for a CEO Summit. One of the event sessions that was designed to start the summit on a positive vibe (although it’s rare for that group to be anything but positive) asked each participant to name the one thing they are most proud of at their chamber. There were several of the largest chambers of commerce in the state represented at the summit.

You are likely aware of the work we do here in Alpena, and maybe you are aware of the work of other chambers, as well. But have you ever thought about the collective impact chambers of commerce are having on Michigan as a whole? At the recent MACP meeting a clear picture of the impact of chambers of commerce on Michigan’s success was presented.

Through the process, I made a lot of valuable observations that identified trends, similarities and differences. The first thing that stood out from our conversation is that chambers are masters at making connections and leveraging resources. I don’t use the word masters lightly. Many of those present shared as part of their proudest activity, their ability to bridge groups either within their community or from around the state to have a positive impact for their community. The topics were all very different – military, economic development, education, communication – but the collaboration driven by the chambers and the positive outcome for their communities was the same in each story.

Another similarity identified at the MACP session was the leadership each of the chambers demonstrated in their proudest and other accomplishments. Summit attendees may not have identified leadership by name as part of their accomplishment, but, while I was listening to the representatives from each chamber, their leadership within their own communities stood out to me. The chambers were taking the lead in their communities on some heavy issues. They were making their communities stronger, better, and economically healthier.

They were standing strong on some very big-impact projects. There was some incredible leadership being demonstrated and if you picture on a map where each of these fine examples of leadership were taking place, you see that it is across our entire state that we have phenomenal leaders in the chamber industry. Communities represented, in addition to Alpena, included: Macomb County, Petoskey, Dearborn, Fenton, Jackson, Rochester, Flint, Shiawassee, Midland, Battle Creek and Birmingham. Across the state, chambers are leading the way for value to impact communities.

The other thing that struck me as intriguing is the diversity of projects the chamber representatives shared. Although there were similarities in the work they do, there is also variety.

The stories shared included working with the military, certificates or origin, workforce development, educational attainment, economic development, internal functions, advocacy, branding, foundation work, community development, and others.

The sheer number of topics that chambers are working on across the state is impressive and the fact that these programs are making significant, meaningful impacts should not be overlooked.

Sitting in that room, listening to the chamber CEOs share their stories, made me proud to be part of the chamber of commerce industry. I thought about what Michigan would look like without these organizations and believe that we would not be as healthy as we are without the work of chambers.

The impact chambers have on the state should not be undervalued. And, although I work for one of the many chambers of commerce in Michigan, I believe our value is intensified by the work of all our counterparts across the state. It’s an amazing and valuable industry, for sure.

Jackie Krawczak is president/CEO of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce. Her column runs bi-weekly on Thursdays. Follow Jackie on Twitter @jkrawczak.

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