IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

Thinking about joining the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, but you have some hesitations in regards to joining? You are not alone here are the  top 10 reasons why you should join!

1.      My business is too small. To expand your business, you must expand the community that does business with you. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce works continuously to better the Oakland business climate. No business is too small to benefit from this activity because as the community grows, Oakland businesses grow with it. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

2.      I’m too busy to attend Chamber meetings. Meetings are important, but so is your financial support. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber offers several committees that convene to discuss and work on important local projects to help strengthen the local economy. If you are too busy to attend meetings right now, join so that your contribution will make it possible for the staff and regular committees to get the jobs done. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

3.     
But I’m a doctor, lawyer, or other professional. Since when has a professional person prospered in the Sahara Desert? A city with a poor business climate is not a good place in which to practice your profession. Participation in the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce assures that the Oakland business climate will remain healthy and your client base will grow. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

4.     
I sometimes disagree with what the Chamber does. We hope so! The only way that a Chamber of Commerce could avoid disagreement here and there would be to do nothing. Chambers are organizations that pursue programs and activities as laid out by an elected Board of Directors. The important thing is the primary focus on creating a better climate for doing business in Oakland. And by being active in the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, you can make your individual voice heard. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

5.     
I’m just a branch office of a national organization. But why is your branch here in the first place? Because the owners thought it was a good place to do business. Therefore, it is your responsibility to help make Oakland an even better place for business, and this means making yourself a part of the Oakland Business community. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

6.     
I do most of my business outside the city. That may be true. But you also depend on your home base for materials, supplies, transportation, facilities, utilities, manpower, cooperative government and good business attitudes. You are not an island. Therefore, you can’t ignore the responsibility of making Oakland a better place in which to live and do business. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

7.     
I belong to too many organizations already. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is unique. No matter how many organizations you belong to, each community has only one local Chamber of Commerce and it, more than any other organization, works to protect and improve the local business climate.  Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most diverse Chambers in the Bay Area. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is the only organization of its kind consistently engaged in activities to advance and promote the general growth, prosperity and integrity of the Oakland Business community. As long as there is a margin between what we are and what we may become, there is a need for a well-manned and financed Chamber of Commerce. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

8.     
I used to be a Chamber member, but I didn’t get anything out of it. Oh yes, you did!   For every dollar you put into membership, you received several in return. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce helps to secure new industries and new businesses and also assists in the development of local enterprises - promoting your business directly or indirectly. You obviously are interested in your community or you wouldn’t be doing business in Oakland. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber promotes the business and civic programs that helps everyone! IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

9.     
The Chamber is run by a clique, and I don’t belong. Chamber members are governed under a set of by-laws under which new directors are elected each year. Each Board of Directors has assumed the responsibility of leadership and represents a wide cross section of interests. Any Chamber member may select a nominee for the Board, at any time, by submitting a nominating petition. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

10. 
I can’t afford to belong. On the contrary, you can’t afford not to join and support your local Chamber, because an investment of your time and money in the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the Oakland Business community service and community progress. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

Membership is a SMART Business Decision!