Chambers of Commerce
The first chamber of commerce was founded in France in 1599. The first in the United States started in New York in 1768. The United States Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1912 and promotes pro-business issues via lobbying efforts at the national level.
Indiana Chamber:
The Indiana Chamber, officially formed in 1922 with activities dating back to 1897, is the largest, broad-based business advocacy group in the state, representing businesses of all types and sizes throughout Indiana.
The mission is to “cultivate a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity for the people of Indiana and their enterprises.” The Chamber’s legislative action team is the voice for pro-jobs, pro-economy public policies at the Statehouse and in Congress.
Approximately 200 local/regional chambers of commerce throughout the state promote networking and local business activity.
Connect with businesses like yours
The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors in all 92 counties on behalf of more than four million Hoosiers. The membership of the Chamber reflects the industry makeup of the state, with approximately 33% in professional services and 22% in manufacturing. More than 70% of member companies have fewer than 100 employees.
Public policy committees are comprised of volunteer members of Chamber companies. These leaders in their fields come together to guide Chamber advocacy efforts, as well as benefit from each other’s experiences. More than 50 employee training programs (many focused on human resources and safety) each year offer learning opportunities from expert presenters and fellow Chamber members.
“I think this conference provides the opportunity to interact with a lot of highly regarded individuals and to receive top-notch information all at one place.”
Become more visible
Numerous statewide advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available at the above events and through various communications outlets, including BizVoice® (the state’s leading statewide business magazine). Tell your story in the Chamber’s Member Spotlight and share your press releases via a simple online portal.
“A few years ago, we opened an Indianapolis office and our partnership with the Chamber has been critical in our growth of that office. The Chamber helps us to reach the right people – the decision-makers and the influencers who need to know about us so we can help them.”
The Chamber’s signature events include the Annual Awards program, Best Places to Work in Indiana celebration and Chamber Day Dinner. Business, government and community leaders are among the attendees.
Savings to benefit your business
ChamberCare Solutions provides the choices you need in today’s health care world. Achieve Your Degree offers a jumpstart for Hoosier employees to begin or finish their postsecondary education with Ivy Tech Community College. Salary.com is the leading provider of comparative data required to attract and retain top talent.
The Chamber’s Business Research Center and confidential helplines are among the resources provided to help answer your business questions and provide valuable guidance on a number of topics.
“The Chamber’s Business Research Center has been an invaluable resource to Katz, Sapper & Miller for many years. While there are many reasons that KSM supports the Chamber, the value of the Business Research Center alone justifies our continuing commitment.”
Success Stories
“We originally joined the Indiana Chamber in order to participate in the ChamberCare health plan, but we are certainly glad to be part of such a great organization now! … The work the Chamber has done and continues to do to support Indiana businesses and the Hoosier economy is so impressive.”
- Sarah Kubon, Business System Solutions (West Lafayette)
“We are appreciating all the Chamber does – you and the rest of the team have really stepped up to the plate for your members during these crazy times.”
- Pat Teverbaugh, New Avenues Inc. (South Bend)
“Partnering with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce on its HR Conference has been a great asset for our firm. Working with the Chamber staff has always been very easy and rewarding, and we are extremely happy with the creativity the Chamber has provided us in maximizing our involvement within the partnership.”
- Heather Wilson, Frost Brown Todd LLC (Indianapolis)
“Thank you for being the voice of business in the state – we certainly need you now more than ever.”
- Ann Waters, Conference & Travel (Fort Wayne)
Indiana Department of Workforce Development