A Chamber is a business organization made up of business owners and entrepreneurs who promote the interests of the local business community.

The Chamber provides access to valuable resources to help business save money and market their product. A Chamber is an organization of businesses operating as a 501(c)6 organization. Although its rumored that the Chamber works with the government, it is not a government entity.

Joining the Chamber can boost sales, improves visibility and credibility. The opportunity to network amongst local business owners, operators and industry movers is appealing aspects of joining the Chamber. Some popular networking opportunities are:

• Collaboration, meet and greets for example, Coffee Cuppers, and Business Afterhours.
• Partnerships, the Chamber offers a variety of partnership opportunities, for example, Chamber employees who work to help new members use the organizations services.

The Chamber provides opportunities for additional exposure through:

• Social Media
• Weekly E-news
• Sponsorships
• Business Referrals
• Business Credibility
• Community Involvement
• Visitor's to the area

Being a member of the Chamber gives business owners and entrepreneurs access to resources they might not otherwise have. 

• Listing in the Business Directory 
• Email Lists
• Chamber facilities

​Business After-Hours allows the host to showcase their business to Chamber Members and the business community, offers and opportunity to network and grow your customer base in a casual and relaxed environment. This is a good alternative for Chamber Members who are unable to attend events throughout the day.
 
The host should be prepared by 5:15pm. This event usually offers appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks.
 
Business After-Hours events are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30pm – 7pm

​Hosting a Coffee Cuppers allows the host to showcase their business to Chamber Members and the business community. It’s a networking opportunity to grow your business in a casual and relaxed environment. We do ask the host to provide three giveaways for the Business Card drawings.
 
The host should be prepared by 7:45 with coffee and light breakfast snacks (cinnamon rolls, quiche, turnovers, donuts, etc.)
 
Coffee Cupper events are held every Friday from 8am – 9am. 

​New this year, the Chamber is launching a program to support small business. Beginning on Nov. 1, 2022 the Chamber kicked off its marketing efforts with The Holiday Window Decorating Contest. To learn more about this contest visit www.madraschamber.com. Throughout the holiday shopping season, the Chamber is encouraging consumers to “Think Small” and earmark at least part of their holiday spending in support of local small business.
 
Madras-JC Chamber’s Executive Director, Joe Krenowicz shared, “Small business is the backbone of our economy. 64% of our new jobs in the US come from small business. When people spend their dollars locally, money stays local. On average, for every $100 spent locally, $68 of that stays here.”
 
“By implementing Small Business Season, we hope to encourage people to patronize all sorts of small businesses this holiday. In addition to our wonderful retail options, there are dining establishments, personal service providers, even local artisans that need our support. Small Business Season is a way to help our residents develop a better appreciation for how their spending affects our area and quality of life.”
 
The Madras-JC Chamber encourages all businesses to participate in its efforts to raise awareness of how supporting small business improves the quality of life for the entire community. “All businesses need one another. There’s a symbiotic relationship. But small business is the most endangered because many small businesses don’t operate with large cash reserves. When costs skyrocket, they feel it.” Says Davida Plaisted, Admin Assistant of the Madras-JC Chamber.