The Chamber of Commerce of the Future

Let's envision a Chamber of Commerce sometime in the future – what would this organization look like? It would need to focus on innovative approaches to foster economic growth and community well-being and solve community problems. This future Chamber of Commerce would need to be a dynamic and proactive organization focused on community development, working to support businesses of all sizes.

What issues are chambers of the future going to face as they seek to remain relevant and serve the needs of their communities?

Chambers will focus on demographic population shifts, as increasing diversity and generational changes require innovative engagement strategies. Economic disparities and evolving homeownership landscapes demand equitable growth advocacy. Workforce readiness highlights the need for alignment between education and industry. Immigration policies and younger generations' entrepreneurial inclinations call for supportive measures to foster a startup-friendly environment.

Another factor is the increasing political and social divisiveness that necessitates new approaches. Navigating politicized issues while maintaining mission clarity underscores the importance of impartiality and cohesive strategies in policy engagement. Chamber leaders must adapt by strengthening their facilitation skills, fostering inclusive dialogue, and promoting collaborative solutions to benefit the broader community.

There will be a changing expectation of chambers. The chamber's expanding involvement in social issues and regional development requires a shift from traditional roles to community-focused initiatives. Increased civic engagement and placemaking efforts underscore adaptive strategies to meet evolving member and community expectations. This includes addressing broader societal issues and contributing to regional prosperity while maintaining core business support functions.

Chambers will need to be unifiers in the future. The power of chambers as conveners has never been more crucial. Capitalizing on the collective eagerness for reconnection, leveraging strong volunteer networks, and collaborating across public and private sectors underscore the collective strength and impact chambers can achieve. Engaging in advocacy and fostering dialogue across divides are crucial for building consensus. Chambers must lead efforts to bridge political fragmentation, promoting policies that benefit the broader community and reinforcing trust in business leadership.

This future Chamber of Commerce would not only support businesses in achieving their goals but also play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future for the community. This ideal Chamber of Commerce would be more than just a business network; it will be a cornerstone of the community, driving economic prosperity, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

Chambers will need to upskill at the speed of business. Generational shifts and evolving workforce expectations necessitate adaptive education and training. Emphasizing critical thinking and aligning skills development with industry needs are essential. Chambers must address changing employee landscapes and advocate for policies that enhance workforce readiness, ensuring a resilient and capable labor force in a dynamic job market.

In many ways, Chambers of Commerce nationwide are at a crossroads. Chambers need to be catalysts for economic growth, convenors of leaders and influencers, and a champion of their communities. This only happens by fostering strong partnerships with local government, educational institutions, and nonprofits, which will enhance the role of the chamber as a vital connector and advocate for the business community.

At Vail Valley Partnership, we are working (and we will continue to work) to be this organization now and in the future. We hope you’ll join us and share your thoughts with our team at the Vail Valley Partnership’s 60th Anniversary Party and Chamber of the Year celebration on September 18 at the Riverwalk Backyard.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com