As a business owner, it can be difficult to balance the production of your product, hiring and managing employees, keeping the books, and dealership marketing all at the same time. That's why Chambers of Commerce were created. Chambers of Commerce are organizations of business owners from a particular place who have gathered together to act in the common interest of all their businesses, usually in promoting themselves to tourists or other new arrivals. To learn more about the Chamber of Commerce in Jackson, Tennessee, read our guide.

History and Organization

The Chamber of Commerce in Jackson, Tennessee is actually a very old one by North American standards. It dates all the way back to 1905, when the industrialization process that would yield today's Y strainers was still underway in this country. Their mission is to improve the quality of life in Jackson and the rest of Madison County. There are over 1,000 member businesses whose joint affairs are managed by an executive committee. The Chamber's work is done by staff and volunteers.

Business Development

The primary goal of a Chamber of Commerce is to foster business development, so most of the organization's work goes toward that end. Chamber of Commerce staff are the cable ties that bind the community together. To foster existing and future businesses, the West Tennessee Business Resource Center offers advice and counseling to business owners. The Chamber of Commerce also actively and passively recruits new businesses to come to the area by providing all the information an entrepreneur would need about the community to see if he or she would prosper there.

Programs and Initiatives

To promote local companies who specialize in everything from automatic waterers to handmade clothing, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce has created a coupon program and also publishes a magazine on the business scene. The Chamber also hosts information sessions and meetings for Chamber members and other members of the community, which cover topics like Women in Business or Out of Town Business. The group also runs a minority business development program, a leadership program, and the All Aboard Jackson initiative.

What Joining Can Do For You

As a Chamber of Commerce Member, you'll have access to reams and reams of information on important subjects related to your business, whether it's the transport of brick industry packaging machines or painting toenails. You'll also get free advertising and marketing opportunities, a subscription to the magazine, and the option to participate in meetings, discussions, and special events. You'll get a ribbon cutting ceremony, a directory listing, referrals, discounts from other members, networking and sponsorship opportunities, and the chance to participate in the business expo. And the best part: your membership fees are tax deductible.