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56-543: The mission of the Greater Memphis Chamber is "to help Memphis grow". The organization works with the local, state, and federal government to benefit members of the Greater Memphis Chamber. They provide educational programs and they act as a conduit for business to business relationships. The chamber was founded in March 1838 by two businessmen, Col. Nathaniel Anderson and Louis Trezevant. The city of Memphis

112-431: A business-to-business exchange. In most cases, city Chambers work with their local government, such as their mayor, their city council, and local representatives to develop pro-business initiatives. There are also bilateral chambers of commerce that link the business environments of two countries (e.g. Romanian-American Chamber of Commerce , Moldovan–American Chamber of Commerce). Community chambers of commerce started in

168-556: A counterbalance to the labor movement of the time. John H. Fahey was the first chairman , and Harry A. Wheeler was the first president and Elliot Hersey Goodwin was the first secretary . It opened its first office in the Evans Building . In 1913, President Taft spoke at its first banquet at the Willard Hotel , where he called for the organization to lobby for comprehensive currency legislation and to support

224-572: A few dozen to well over 800,000, as is the case with the Paris Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry . Some chamber organizations in China report even larger membership numbers. Chambers of commerce can range in scope from individual neighborhoods within a city or town up to an international chamber of commerce. In the United States , chambers do not operate in the same manner as

280-516: A non-governmental institution, a chamber of commerce has no direct role in the writing and passage of laws and regulations that affect businesses. It can, however, lobby in an attempt to get laws passed that are favorable to businesses. The United States Chamber of Commerce has a long history of anti-union lobbying and union busting in the United States at the local and federal level. Membership in an individual chamber can range from

336-481: A president, CEO , or executive director, plus staffing appropriate to size, to run the organization. A chamber of commerce may be a voluntary or a mandatory association of business firms belonging to different trades and industries. They serve as spokespeople and representatives of a business community. They differ from country to country. The first chamber of commerce was founded in 1599 in Marseille , France, as

392-608: A seminal tax protest: The Boston Tea Party . In 2005 there were 2,800 chambers of commerce in the United States and 102 chambers representing U.S. businesses overseas. According to the Association for Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), there are approximately 3,000 chambers of commerce with at least one staff person and "thousands more established as strictly volunteer entities". State chambers of commerce are much different from local and regional chambers of commerce, as they work on state and sometimes federal issues impacting

448-607: A small fraction of our more than $ 200 million annual revenues. Under our accounting system, these revenues are never used to support any political activities. We are in full compliance with all laws and regulations." Organizations Moveon.org , Think Progress , and People for the American Way rallied against the Chamber at the Justice Department to start an injunction for a criminal investigation. The Chamber

504-695: A very low fee (like memberships to other associations such as the NRA). Under the compulsory or public law model, enterprises of certain sizes, types, or sectors are obliged to become members of the chamber. This model is common in European Union countries (e.g. France, Germany, Italy , Spain, Austria), as well as Japan and Indonesia. The main tasks of the chambers are foreign trade promotion, vocational training, regional economic development, and general services to their members. The chambers were given responsibilities of public administration in various fields by

560-448: A voice and resource to a particular industry, state chambers are looked to as a respected voice, representing the entire business community to enhance and advocate for a better business environment. Addressing the national or international need for information is the key service that these chambers of commerce provide. These services are in most cases at no fee or cost to their members; some of them offer personal and/or business services at

616-402: Is a form of business network . For example, a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community . Local businesses are members, and they elect a board of directors or executive council to set policy for the chamber. The board or council then hires

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672-549: Is known to take positions that many Republicans (particularly populists ) do not support such as immigration reform and free trade . The US Chamber is often associated with the establishment wing of the Republican Party. In recent years the US Chamber has endorsed some congressional Democrats for re-election. Until 2019, the U.S. Chamber rejected the scientific consensus on climate change . Historically,

728-450: Is not required to produce fundraising records. President Barack Obama asked the IRS and Federal Elections Commission to ensure that the foreign funds that the Chamber receives are not used for political activities. Obama criticized the Chamber for not disclosing its contributors. The Chamber has responded that "No foreign money is used to fund political activities." After the election,

784-474: Is often contested. It is funded primarily by multinational corporations. The current president and CEO of the Chamber is Suzanne P. Clark . She worked for USCC from 1997 to 2007 and returned in 2014, holding multiple executive roles before being named its first female CEO in February 2021. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was founded at a meeting of delegates on April 22, 1912. An important catalyst for

840-399: Is usually gathered by surveying Chamber members. The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey is an example of a Chambers of Commerce survey that is used by official governmental departments as a guide to the performance of the economy. United States Chamber of Commerce The United States Chamber of Commerce ( USCC ) is a business association advocacy group. It is

896-563: The Better Business Bureau in that, while the BBB has the authority to bind its members under a formal operation doctrine (and, thus, can remove them if complaints arise regarding their services), the local chamber membership is either voluntary or required by law. Some chambers are partially funded by local government, others are non-profit, and some are a combination of the two. Some chambers have joined state, national (such as

952-476: The Commission on Economy and Efficiency . During its first year in existence, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's membership consisted of 297 commercial organizations and 165,000 firms and individuals. The U.S. Chamber's staff grew drastically in just ten years of being created. In 1912, there were only four employees. However, by the time 1921 came along, the number of employees had risen to three hundred. During

1008-550: The Roberts Court , the Chamber's success rate rose to 68% as of June 21, 2012. In the 2008 election cycle, aggressive ads paid for by the USCC attacked a number of Democratic congressional candidates (such as Minnesota's DFL Senate candidate Al Franken ) and supported a number of Republican candidates including John Sununu , Gordon Smith , Roger Wicker , Saxby Chambliss and Elizabeth Dole . The Chamber of Commerce

1064-660: The Tea Party movement for the purpose of creating a "more governable Republican party." In early 2014 Tom Donohue clarified that the push would be to elect "pro-business" members of Congress "who favor trade, energy development and immigration reform". During Donohue's tenure as head of the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber formed an alliance with the Republican Party. Donohue retired in February 2021. In recent years, as Republicans have backed more trade restrictions and anti-immigration policies and more Democrats have embraced immigration, free trade, and other pro-business policies,

1120-694: The United States Chamber of Commerce and the British Chambers of Commerce ) and even international bodies (such as Eurochambres , the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and Worldchambers). Chambers of commerce in the United States can be considered community, city, regional, state, or nationwide ( United States Chamber of Commerce ). City Chambers work on the local level to bring the business community together to develop strong local networks, which can result in

1176-662: The "Chambre de Commerce". The Royal Barcelona Board of Trade was established in 1758. The world's oldest English-speaking chamber of commerce and oldest chamber of commerce in North America is the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1750. The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1783. However, Hull Chamber of Commerce is the United Kingdom's oldest, followed by those of Leeds and of Belfast in present-day Northern Ireland . As

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1232-509: The 1919 U.S. Chamber board meeting, Harry A. Wheeler proposed an idea that surprised many in the Chamber itself. The idea was to create a national headquarters. Wheeler stated during this proposal that the Board of Directors should take this vote very seriously in deciding whether or not to make a national headquarters due to having to pay for it with their own money. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors didn't hesitate with their answer and they began

1288-435: The 1990s, the Chamber promoted expanding opportunities for the export of American goods and services in hopes of creating jobs for Americans. Although various chambers of commerce can work with all levels of government, they tend to concentrate their efforts on specific levels: Local chambers of commerce tend to focus on local issues, state chambers on state issues, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce focuses on national issues at

1344-649: The 21st century" on climate science before any federal climate regulation was passed in October 2009. Chamber CEO Tom Donohue disavowed the comment, but the Chamber strongly opposed the American Clean Energy and Security Act . In response to this position, several companies quit the Chamber, including Exelon Corp , PG&E Corp , PNM Resources , and Apple Inc . Nike, Inc resigned from their board of directors position, but continued their membership. Nike stated that they believe they can better influence

1400-473: The Chamber called a "litany of almost every failed idea from the past 30 years of labor policy." Defunct Newspapers Journals TV channels Websites Other Economics Gun rights Identity politics Nativist Religion Watchdog groups Youth/student groups Miscellaneous Other Politically, the US Chamber of Commerce is considered to be on the political right and promotes fiscally conservative policies. However, it

1456-457: The Chamber reiterated the nature of Obama's policy dictated action from the Chamber, however the conflict would not be made "personal". Despite more than $ 33 million spent supporting candidates in the 2012 Congressional races, Chamber-backed candidates lost 36 out of the 50 elections in which the Chamber participated. In late 2013 the Chamber announced it would distribute campaign contributions in "tens" of Republican primary elections to oppose

1512-613: The Chamber thought of the business community in a different way. They didn't have a World War to fight, however, a war against crime and poverty. During the oil crisis of 1973, the Chamber pushed for expanding domestic production. This entailed oil and gas exploration, as well as coal mining, and the Trans Alaska Pipeline. In 1981, the Chamber launched the Let's Rebuild America campaign to help support President Reagan's Economic Recovery and Tax Act. With increased globalization in

1568-405: The Chamber used contributions in campaigns without separating foreign and domestic contributions, which if true would appear to contravene prohibitions on lobbying by foreign nations and groups. In question was the Chamber's international branches, "AmChams", whose funds are unaccounted for and perhaps mix into the general collection. All branches, corporations, and members of the Chamber pay dues;

1624-523: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce occupies land that was formerly the home of Daniel Webster . The Chamber's first referendum in January 1913 called for the planning of a National Budget. This calling for a National Budget created The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. From there, the Chamber worked to aid the U.S. Government during both World Wars and through the Great Depression. During the 1960s,

1680-504: The UK and later spread to in the US, becoming city chambers of commerce as communities developed and became larger. Community chambers of commerce are smaller and most have a limit on numbers of members. City chambers of commerce have a long history in the US. The Charleston Chamber of Commerce is one of the oldest, dating back to colonial 1773. That same year, Boston's Chamber of Commerce organized

1736-555: The breach appeared to be gain information related to the Chamber's lobbying regarding Asian trade policy. Since a 1971 internal memo by Lewis Powell advocating a more active role in cases before the United States Supreme Court , the Chamber has found increasing success in litigation. Under the Burger and Rehnquist Courts the Chamber was on the prevailing side 43% and 56% of the time, respectively, but under

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1792-484: The business community. Just as the local chamber is critical to the local business community, state chambers serve a unique function, serving as a third-party voice on important business legislation that impacts the business community and is critical in shaping legislation in their respective state. State Chambers work with their Governor, state representatives, state senators, US congressional leaders, and US Senators. In comparison with state trade associations, which serve as

1848-655: The challenges of climate change is one thing; disingenuous attempts to diminish or distort the reality of these challenges are quite another." In response to an online campaign of Prius owners organized by Moveon.org , Toyota stated that it would not leave the Chamber. The Aspen Chamber Resort Association of Aspen, Colorado left the U.S. Chamber because of its views on climate change, in light of how climate change could hurt Aspen's winter tourism industry. In 2010, U.S. Chamber president Tom Donohue agreed to work with Senators John Kerry , Lindsey Graham , and Joe Lieberman as they crafted legislation to address climate change;

1904-414: The chambers are often contacted given their local influence and membership numbers. A multilateral chamber is formed of companies and sometimes individuals from different countries with a common business interest towards or in a specific country. It can further be active in representing the interests of local and foreign investors in that specific country, achieved through promotion and proactivity regarding

1960-500: The composition of the Chamber's political support has shifted. In 2019, the Chamber updated the formula for its scorecard used to determine endorsements, to "more fully reward members of Congress for helping to advance pro-business policies, while simultaneously encouraging members to reach the compromises necessary for effective governing." After Donald Trump refused to concede following the 2020 presidential election, and most Republican members of Congress supported attempts to overturn

2016-467: The creation of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce were two prior business engagements between the U.S. and Japan. In 1908, Eiichi Shibusawa invited the first official, modern day U.S. business delegation to visit Japan. This delegation was led by the prominent banker/economist Frank A. Vanderlip accompanied by sixty business representatives from the West coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The goal

2072-485: The effort fell apart and failed to produce a bill. The climate campaign organization 350.org estimated that 94% of US Chamber of Commerce political contributions during the 2010 midterm elections went to candidates denying the scientific consensus on climate change . In March 2017, before President Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement , the Chamber funded a report that said the US commitments under

2128-459: The election results based on false claims of fraud, the Chamber of Commerce released a memo to its members, stating it would "review the totality of actions of its members" and "take into consideration... future conduct that erodes our democratic institutions". In 2021, Chamber lobbyist Neil Bradley said there would be a "political price" to pay for any lawmakers who supported the PRO Act , which

2184-415: The federal government level. In 1993, the Chamber lost several members over its support for Clinton's healthcare reform efforts . The Chamber had chosen to support healthcare reform at that time due to the spiraling healthcare costs experienced by its members. However, House Republicans retaliated by urging boycotts of the organization. By the time health care reform became a major issue again in 2010–2012,

2240-399: The general business environment. Multilateral chambers of commerce are independent entities strengthening business relations and interactions between all economic players, and their members may benefit from a broad range of activities that enhance the visibility and reputation of their business. In many countries, Chambers of Commerce are a source of private-sector information. The information

2296-454: The inspectorate of the state ministry of economy. Enterprises are members by law according to the chamber act ( IHK-Gesetz ) of 1956. Because of this, such chambers are much bigger than chambers under private law. IHK Munich, the biggest German chamber of commerce, has 350,000 member companies. Germany also has compulsory chambers for "free occupations" such as architects, dentists, engineers, lawyers, notaries, physicians, and pharmacists. Under

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2352-507: The largest lobbying group in the United States. The group was founded in April 1912 out of local chambers of commerce at the urging of President William Howard Taft and his Secretary of Commerce and Labor Charles Nagel . It was Taft's belief that the "government needed to deal with a group that could speak with authority for the interests of business." The U.S. Chamber of Commerce claims to represent three million businesses, but this claim

2408-569: The organization has promoted the work of climate change deniers and sought to stymie efforts to combat climate change. In 2019, the organization acknowledged that humans contribute to climate change. The Chamber's senior vice president for environment, technology, and regulatory affairs William L. Kovacs threatened to sue the Environmental Protection Agency in order to have what he termed "the Scopes monkey trial of

2464-399: The organization opposed such efforts. Thomas J. Donohue led the U.S. Chamber from 1997 to 2021. Though the Chamber claims to represent over 3 million American businesses, according to data, 94% of its income comes from about 1,500 big businesses. In late 2011 it was revealed that the Chamber's computer system was breached from November 2009 to May 2010 by Chinese hackers. The purpose of

2520-468: The policy by being part of the conversation. Peter Darbee, CEO of former chamber member PG&E (a natural gas and electric utility company in California), said, "We find it dismaying that the Chamber neglects the indisputable fact that a decisive majority of experts have said the data on global warming are compelling... In our view, an intellectually honest argument over the best policy response to

2576-505: The private model, which exists in English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, companies are not obligated to become chamber members. However, companies often become members to develop their business contacts and, regarding the local chambers (the most common level of organization), to demonstrate a commitment to the local economy. Though governments are not required to consult chambers on proposed laws,

2632-617: The process to create the headquarters. Wheeler and Edson already had a planned location for where they believed the headquarters should be. The location was facing the White House on the corner of Lafayette Square. The only thing that was stopping them from building were two 19th-century mansions: the Corcoran House and the Slidell house. Nevertheless, the mansions were purchased for $ 775,000. The Washington, D.C., headquarters of

2688-611: The question is how they divide the money for expenses in national campaigns. The truth of these allegations is unknown. The Chamber has refused to provide any concrete evidence to refute the allegations. In reference to the matter, Tom Donohue wrote his council and members on October 12, 2010. He stated, "Let me be clear. The Chamber does not use any foreign money to fund voter education activities—period. We have strict financial controls in place to ensure this. The funds we receive from American Chambers of Commerce abroad, bilateral business councils, and non-U.S.-based global companies represent

2744-684: The significance of their visit and sent U.S. representatives to accompany and assist them during their trip. Six representatives of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of the Pacific Coast also accompanied them, to help facilitate the events along the way. Their meetings included many chambers of commerce, tours of factories, power plants, fire departments, port facilities, mines, farms, schools, universities, libraries, theaters, churches, hospitals, and many other facilities. Their main goals to develop friendship and familiarity between

2800-418: The state which they exercise in order management. The chambers also have a consultative function; this means the chambers must be consulted whenever a new law related to industry or commerce is proposed. In Germany , the chambers of commerce and industry ( IHK - Industrie- und Handelskammer ) and the chambers of skilled crafts ( HwK - Handwerkskammer ) are public statutory bodies with self-administration under

2856-405: The two nations while encouraging bilateral trade and commerce. An important influence of their visit was that it connected chambers of commerce across U.S., which likely motivated them to recognize the benefits of becoming a national organization. President Taft was one of the U.S. leaders that Shibusawa and his delegates met with during their visit. The Chamber was created by President Taft as

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2912-517: Was accepted by the Japanese, and in 1909, Shibusawa, accompanied by his delegation of over fifty of Japan's most prominent business leaders and notables spent three months visiting 53 cities across America. Their travels were highlighted in many newspapers as they journeyed in a specially outfitted 'Million Dollar Train,' provided by the American industrial community. The U.S. government recognized

2968-553: Was an opponent of the Obama administration during Barack Obama's eight years in power. During the 2010 campaign cycle, the Chamber spent $ 32 million, 93 percent of which was to help Republican candidates. The Chamber's spending out of its general funds was criticized as illegal under campaign finance laws. In a front-page article titled "Large Donations Aid U.S. Chamber in Election Drive", The New York Times reported that

3024-417: Was new at the time and they formed the organization to function as a chamber of commerce . In late 2022 the chamber was led by President & CEO Ted Townsend. He was promoted from his position at the chamber: director of economic development. Townsend succeeded Beverly Robertson who was in the position for four years and stepped down in 2022. Robertson succeeded Pinnacle Airlines CEO Philip Trenary who

3080-649: Was shot dead in Memphis, Tennessee on September 27, 2018. Trenary served as the CEO of the Chamber until his death. One of the chamber's biggest accomplishments was the Blue Oval City deal that they made with the Ford Motor Company . The US$ 5.6 billion Blue Oval City, was expected to employ 5,800 people from the Memphis area. Chamber of commerce A chamber of commerce , or board of trade ,

3136-506: Was to bridge their nations diplomatically and to promote increased business and commerce. In 1909, in appreciation for the hospitality shown to the 1908 Vanderlip business delegation during their visit to Japan, an invitation was now sent to Japanese business leaders to tour the U.S. This invitation came from the Associated Chambers of Commerce of the Pacific Coast , whose membership included eight principal cities from western coastal states of California, Oregon and Washington. Their invitation

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