chamber of commerce

an association of businessmen to protect and promote business interests

Chambers of commerce and Boards of Trade are a business network with local, regional, national, international and bi-lateral Chambers. They are advocacy groups which are usually not associated with government. Their primary goal is to improve the business climate in a locality, typically through business networkbusiness networks and lobbylobbying and also common projects and a selection of business services.They are separate from the Better Business Bureau insofar as there is no national organization that binds them under a formal operations doctrine, though there is an international structure (ICC and Worldchambers) they can belong to. Chambers of commerce can also include economic development groups, as well as tourism and visitors bureaus. Currently, there are about 13,000 Chambers registered in the Worldchambers registry, and the Chamber of Commerce network is the largest business network globally. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the main business partner of the United Nations and its agencies.There are basically two Chamber business membership models worldwide, 'compulsory / public' or 'continental / private', those which companies of a certain area are obliged to belong to. This happens in most countries of EU (France, Germany, Italy, Spain). Their main tasks are ''Foreign Trade Promotion'', ''Training'' and ''General Services'' to companies. They also have a ''consultive'' function. This means that Administration must consult ''chambers'' whenever a new law related industry or commerce is proposed. Non-compulsory models exist in English-speaking countries like USA, Canada or the UK. The first Chambers of Commerce were founded in 1599 in continental Europe (Marseille, France and Brugge, Belgium). The worlds oldest English-speaking Chamber of Commerce is that of Glasgow Scotland set up in 1783.Membership in an individual Chamber in an area can range from a few dozen to well over 300,000 (as is the case with CCIP, the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry). Some Chamber organizations in China report even larger membership numbers. Businesses which belong can range from a single-person shop to billion-dollar corporations.

Cultural Creatives Business Network
A national network, or professional association of earth-friendly and socially responsible business people. Creative networking, creative business development for all and free marketing opportunities for business members.
http://www.cultural-creatives.net/

Eurobiz Trading Ltd. German business experts facilitating global commerce
Business development company, focused on assisting companies setting up business in Germany
http://www.eurobiz-trading.com/

United States Chamber of Commerce
A business federation representing companies, business associations, state and local chambers in the U.S., and American Chambers of Commerce abroad. Site includes daily news updates, the issues, and chamber webcasts.
http://www.uschamber.com/

International Chamber of Commerce
ICC the world business organization, the only representative body that speaks with authority on behalf of enterprises from all sectors in every part of the world.
http://www.iccwbo.org/

Chamber of Commerce Locator
Find any chamber of commerce, US and overseas, for reliable visitor, relocation and business information.
http://chamberofcommerce.com

San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber offers unprecedented benefits, discounts, and opportunities to make San Diego businesses prosperous.
http://www.sdchamber.org/

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Information about member organizations in the seven county Chicago metro area. Also includes news and event information, an overview of programs and services, and contact information.
http://www.chicagolandchamber.org/

The British Chambers of Commerce
Official site. Representing UK business interests around the world.
http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/