Chambers of commerce seeing renewed interest

Local chambers of commerce membership numbers are gradually regaining peaks that were reached either before or after the recession.

Marilee Wallace, membership development director at the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce, said it takes a combination of long-time members and newbies to make the nonprofit thrive.

"Prospective members, and especially new ones, are looking for mentors in the community," Wallace said.

The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce's membership has once again topped 1,000 members at 1,079 after it peaked at 1,250 in 2008 just before the recession. The number had dipped to 978 in 2009.

"There's a restored faith in consumers to spend," Wallace said, referring to businesses' decisions to become members. "A lot of people are getting back to their roots as it got too fast-paced at one point. The customer service aspect was not where it needed to be because there were such good times and people were moving their businesses along. The recession made people ... return to the old-fashioned getting to know people and trust."

That return to knowing your neighbors, plus consumer confidence, has fed into the mission of chambers of commerce, Wallace said.

"The chamber of commerce is a great place for the community to shop for services and buy local," she said. "Chambers also help businesses connect, grow and learn."

Other local chambers of commerce have also seen recent gradual increases as businesses continue to regain confidence in the economy.

Post Falls' membership is at 419 after reaching 443 in 2012. Rathdrum's number is at 184 after being at 210 in 2004. Rathdrum's 122 is nearing the 126 peak it reached in 2014.

"We have a number of new businesses and the economy has improved," said Shanie Rountree, who was hired as Rathdrum's membership and events director in 2013.

Erna Rhinehart of the Hayden nonprofit said people believe the chamber of commerce is a fun way to do business and get to know people.

"Our breakfast is all about promoting our members, giving them an opportunity to make announcements and learn about other businesses so that they can support their community businesses and nonprofits," she said.

Pam Houser, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO, said nearly 33 percent of its members are actively involved in committee work, events and education programs.

"Our focus is not on quantity but quality," Houser said. "We are providing quality programs with real value and real results. We know our members, we know what they do and what services they provide so that we can be a great resource for citizens and visitors who are looking for credible companies to do business with.

"I believe that is why our members remain loyal, engaged and invested in the work of the chamber."

Three-fourths of Post Falls' members have belonged for more than 20 years.

A study released by the Atlanta-based Schapiro Group in 2012 stated a survey of 2,000 adults nationwide indicated 59 percent believe that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy.

The study also found that when consumers know a small business is a chamber of commerce member, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to buy goods or services from the company in the future.

"The chamber of commerce brand continues to shine," the study states.

Chiropractor Ryan Bones, who plans to open Beyond Bones Chiropractic in Riverstone in Coeur d'Alene on March 29, said he didn't hesitate on becoming a new chamber of commerce member.

"I thought that, as I'm trying to open a new business, especially in a new community, it's crucial go outside my four walls and get plugged into the community," Bones said. "The best way to do that is through the chamber of commerce. My first priority is getting connected and being able to say I'm a chamber member gives me credibility. It will allow me to chase a bigger vision than just have an office here."

On the other side of the chamber longevity spectrum is Frontier Communications, formerly GTE. The company is Coeur d'Alene's longest-running member as it joined in 1913.

"The chamber is one of the strongest partners that helps businesses grow," said Tom Murn, Frontier general manager, on why his company has been a long-time member and actively involved. "The chamber helped set the roadmap for the future with the 2030 visioning project. It's a hand-in-glove relationship between Frontier and the chamber."