The Wilson Chamber of Commerce has served our community since 1897.  For many, this implies that our mission has been exclusive to serving the Wilson “business community”, but that only partially explains our purpose.  It is a fact that the Chamber coordinates those official ribbon cutting ceremonies where new businesses are welcomed to our market.  We’re the organization that you might suspect hosts business lunches, networking events, leadership programs, and policy breakfasts.  No other organization exists for these reasons, so the Chamber was created to meet the need.
 
You might also expect the Chamber to develop a legislative agenda, voicing local economic concerns to elected officials.  Representatives from the Chamber are tasked with creating or serving on committees to address issues ranging from healthcare to the environment, agriculture to emerging technologies, housing to industrial recruitment, and education to historic preservation.  Only the Chamber can certify the origin of Wilson exports destined for foreign markets.  No other organization exists with a scope this broad, so the Chamber was created to fill the gaps.
 
The Wilson Chamber of Commerce does all these things while also serving as a force multiplier for numerous other organizations whose mission aligns with our own, all working collaboratively towards one goal:  improving the quality of life for everyone in Wilson County.  This goal stretches beyond the “business community”, and has impacted nearly every resident in our market. 
 
It may be easy to take for granted, but development patterns, growth, investment, employment, infrastructure, and community amenities affect us all, and do not happen by accident.  They occur because organizations like the Chamber were created to meet the need and fill the gaps, and if the Chamber didn’t exist, it would have to be created.  But the Chamber can only exist with your help. 
 
We are not taxpayer funded.  We’re not a unit of government and don’t receive subsidies.  As a 501c6 nonprofit organization, we rarely qualify for grant assistance.  Membership in the Chamber is completely voluntary, and we rely exclusively on the generosity of our neighbors and friends.  If you own or manage a business, consider becoming a member of the Wilson Chamber of Commerce.  For small businesses, membership investments start at as little as $40 per month, and your investment is often considered a tax-deductible business expense.  If your business is already a member, consider sponsoring a program or event coordinated by the Chamber, and invite others to attend.  We host nearly 100 programs and events throughout the year designed to bring our business community together, while strengthening market conditions where all businesses can succeed.
 
There are other ways to help.  Encourage your favorite local business to become a member of the Chamber.  Purchase raffle or admission tickets to one of our fundraisers.  Make a contribution to the Wilson Commerce Foundation or Chamber Executive Academy community service project.  Visit or shop at a local business that has chosen to be a member of the Chamber.
 
With your help, the Chamber can continue to be Wilson’s premier business network, and remain an essential part of ensuring that Wilson is a great place to live and do business.