As many businesses are facing financial difficulties in light of COVID-19, many must decide on expenses to cut. Chambers of commerce and trade associations have a multitude of benefits available for members, and are even more vital to a business’s success in times like this. 

Maintaining chamber membership can provide businesses with a community of people facing similar difficulties whom they can turn to. Chambers provide members a voice through advocacy efforts, provide networking opportunities, refer people to member business, offer opportunities to connect with people in the community, and much more.

Having access to these opportunities in uncertain times can make a great difference in how a business will look on the other side of this event. 

Likewise, trade associations provide your business with resources and opportunities all the time.  They provide networking opportunities, continued education and training, certifications, advocacy, and relationships with others in the same industry. The benefits of joining a trade association can vary depending on your industry, but these are some of the common ones that generally apply in all.

According to the article entitled “Top 8 Benefits of Membership in a Trade Association,” found on SANEO blog, “Over 85% of businesses that fail are not members of a trade association.”

If you already are a member of these, be sure to maintain that membership and take advantage of all they have to offer. If your business happens to be in the restaurant or lodging industry, check out the article below about some of the current opportunities available through the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. 

Resources:

www.acuitasllc.com/why-you-need-your-chamber-now-more-than-ever
www.saneo.com/blog/top-8-benefits-membership-trade-association

FREE Trainings & Resources from PA Restaurant & Lodging Association

Take advantage of FREE trainings and resources from the PA Restaurant and Lodging Association and find notes from the June 4th Shift. Sustain. Succeed. session with the organization at venangochamber.org/shift-sustain-succeed.

To see PA Restaurant and Lodging Association resources, visit: www.prla.org/resources.html

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s May 2020 VenangoWorks! Newsletter