{"id":18129,"date":"2017-07-12T16:45:42","date_gmt":"2017-07-12T16:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vailvalleypartnership.com\/?p=18129"},"modified":"2017-06-28T16:47:55","modified_gmt":"2017-06-28T16:47:55","slug":"what-does-a-chamber-of-commerce-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vailvalleypartnership.com\/2017\/07\/what-does-a-chamber-of-commerce-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What does a chamber of commerce do?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chamber of Commerce groups generally fall into two categories: 3C chambers and 3P chambers. Three C chambers are catalysts, conveners, and champions; meanwhile, three P chambers focus their efforts on parades, pageants, & parties.<\/p>\n

While all chambers are different in focus, one common thread of successful chambers is that they continue to step up to the greatest challenges in our communities. We have no shortage of challenges \u2013 even with 1.7% unemployment (or perhaps in part due to 1.7% unemployment). Vail Valley Partnership\u2019s (VVP) board recognizes the need to tackle issues that prevent business growth, including issues related to workforce housing, transportation and transit, workforce development, and broadband access. We\u2019re working hard to be a 3C chamber.<\/p>\n

Some background on chambers: in most countries, the use of the term “chamber of commerce” is regulated by statute, though this is not the case in the Unites States.\u00a0Only trademark, copyright and domain name rules protect a chamber\u2019s identity \u2013 only state corporation law defines their existence and reason for being. While most chambers work closely with government, they are\u00a0not part of<\/em>\u00a0government although many consider the process of appropriately\u00a0influencing public policy to recognize the needs of business to be one of their most important functions.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re fortunate in Eagle County to have numerous chamber of commerce groups actively working to benefit our business community. Vail Valley Partnership serves a regional role and actively advocates for good public policy on a regional & state level, while the Gypsum, Eagle, and Vail Chambers each provide benefits at a more localized level.<\/p>\n

Like the old saying \u2013 if you\u2019ve seen one local chamber, you\u2019ve seen one chamber. Each group works hard to provide value to their members in different ways. It is safe to say that our valley\u2019s chamber groups share a common belief that a strong business community is necessary to our continued success, and that our quality of life in Eagle County is driven by our businesses. Our missions, programs, events, and focus areas might vary to best serve our constituents, but our support for our businesses is consistent and steadfast.<\/p>\n

The Partnership\u2019s efforts in the community include three distinct yet connected roles:<\/p>\n