How the MH Chamber Works
So, Dan, what do you do? Really!
After more than 20 years as the chief paid executive officer of chambers of commerce, I continue to have that question directed at me.
Now, that is not the fault of the person asking the question. It, indeed, demonstrates the need for clarification of exactly what a chamber of commerce is and does. And too often, chambers of commerce, or more appropriately, their chief paid executive officers, genuinely forget to remind people about what chambers are and why they are so important to not only their members but to their communities.
This communication is the first of several opportunities to share some thoughts with you about partnerships, challenges, accomplishments and reasons why, from our perspective, Morgan Hill is in store for wonderful examples of all of those and more in both the near and distant future.
First, let’s talk about the chamber. The short history lesson is this. The first chamber of commerce was reported to begin in the 15th century in Marsai, France. I have never been to Marsai, France, but from what I understand, it is, and was, a beautiful town. Fishing was the major industry, and I would guess that tourism, retail and service businesses were also prevalent. Well, most likely, a fishing business, or a fish market, perhaps a clothing store or even an organization dedicated to the less fortunate, had “issues” with any one of the following: need or wanted more business; wanted to expand their existing business; realized more promotion was needed to cities and regions outside of Marsai; felt an unfair regulation or tax was being placed on their business; and even possibly thought it would be a great idea for Marsai businesses to meet once a month to socialize and create business and professional and personal relationships. The “bottom line?” Much more could be accomplished collectively than individually. Thus, a business association was formed called a chamber of commerce.
The first chamber in the U.S.A. was in … you guessed it! New York! I like to think that the Boston Tea Party was the result of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce economic development and government review committees and board of directors taking action to demonstrate their collective displeasure with King George’s taxation “ordinance” on one of the GBCofC members and Boston’s industries. Whether from the very beginning, New York or Boston, what the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce is doing, today, is not that different than what our historical chambers of commerce were engaged with in their “hay day.”
Let’s turn to your Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. The chamber’s mission is to provide quality service to our members and promote and develop a strong economic climate in Morgan Hill. Members’ needs and our community’s economic strength and future are at the heart of why the chamber exists. The chamber is a 501(C)6, nonprofit membership business association. It is not a charitable organization. In addition, the chamber’s role as facilitator for creating relationships is key to its existence. And how does a chamber accomplish this? Through its Program of Work.
The Program of Work includes literally what the chamber does! In this case, Morgan Hill’s chamber does a lot! Including, events such as the Taste of Morgan Hill, Salute Morgan Hill, Resources for the Sandwich Generation and the Hiram Morgan Hill Golf Tournament. We are also exploring the opportunity to hold a health and wellness fair in the spring. The chamber’s committee system, or “business opportunities,” includes government review, environmental affairs, economic development, education and an advisory committee for the South Santa Clara Valley Tourism Partnership. And the chamber’s extraordinary Ambassadors serve as the chamber’s membership and hospitality committee. The chamber’s board of directors oversees the chamber’s Program of Work, sets policy for the organization and sets the direction of the chamber’s Program of Work at its annual planning retreat.
Time’s up! I genuinely and most sincerely hope that this information has helped in clarifying not only what Morgan Hill’s
chamber is and does, but it provides you with a foundation of understanding of where future opportunities to communicate with you will be based upon.
Oh, yes! So, Dan, what do you do? Really! I have the privilege and honor to manage the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you for your time and listening! I look forward to communicating with you, again, soon.
Dan Ehrler has been serving as the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce executive director for two years and has been the chief executive officer for various chambers of commerce in California for more than 20 years. Contact him at de*****@********ll.org or at (408) 779-9444.
