| Page 2 of 2 < |
With Many Chambers, Choice Isn't So Simple
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
For P. Wesley Foster Jr., chairman and chief executive of Long & Foster Cos., the answer was the Washington region's movers and shakers. That's why his company joined the Greater Washington Board of Trade, a District-based chamber that represents 1,100 mostly large companies in suburban Maryland, Northern Virginia and the District.
"I want to know all the players in the region, in D.C., in Montgomery County, in Prince George's County, in Northern Virginia," Foster said. "I want to know who they are, how they function, what they do."
The networking paid off personally and professionally, he said. "I was able to find out firsthand when new corporations were moving to the Washington area so we got a shot at them first," Foster said. "We got a shot at selling their people homes, and when we were heavily into the commercial space, we got a chance to rent them space and sell them buildings."
Chambers are nonprofit organizations. But like most businesses, the need revenue to operate and they get it from membership dues and corporate sponsors, which pay to have their names emblazoned on banners at golf outings or black-tie dinners. To stay relevant, chambers must boost their membership bases in an increasingly competitive field.
With that in mind, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce reorganized itself three years ago, creating four councils that cater to specific interests, such as government contracting or international business. "That gives us focus in our programming and advocacy efforts," said president and chief executive William D. Lecos. "Before, we had a one-size-fits-all approach."
Usually, dues are charged based on the size of the company. At the D.C. chamber, dues begin at $350 a year but the chamber spends $950 annually supporting each business with seminars, newsletters and information, Lang said.
She tries to bridge the gap by making marketing deals. At some office-supply stores, chamber members get discounts and the chamber makes a bit of money on each order. Soon, the chamber might even put its name on MasterCard and Visa cards.
"Just because we're a nonprofit, it doesn't mean we want to zero out by the end of the year," Lang said. "We ought to be making money so we can remain financially stable. I'm all about doing that."
