Just as businesses must adapt to changing environments, so must the chambers of commerce that represent them.
Chambers historically have maintained a dual community focus that includes luring new businesses and nurturing existing business.
Announcements of major manufacturers locating here, over the years, have become fewer and farther between.
That doesn't mean prospects are non-existent. In the August Chamber Today, a publication of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Bob Gilbert referenced site visits by two new companies interested in locating here.
Although that emphasis remains, the area chamber continues to devote more resources and attention to retaining existing businesses and cultivating local entrepreneurs. And these efforts are designed to assist both the businesses and their employees.
Consider these upcoming initiatives:
• Regular seminars, called Tuesday Topics, are sponsored by the chamber. The most recent subject is strategic planning.
• Lunch and Learn events are held periodically for new members. The next one is 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the chamber.
• Friday is the deadline to register for the Small Business Academy, a series of classes and seminars to be held from Sept. 10-Nov. 26.
• A "Practice Pitch," where participants may practice pitching a business idea and receive feedback, will be held Saturday.
• Young Professionals will host a summit on Monday featuring a range of speakers and topics.
• A Business Showcase, which includes awards for area businesses and exceptional employees, will be Oct. 8 at Capitol Plaza Hotel.
These upcoming events represent only a fraction of chamber initiatives for existing businesses and their employees. In addition: Jeff City START welcomes student interns; Partners in Education pairs area schools and businesses; an IT Roundtable offers networking among information technology professionals; and Chamber Connections provides regular opportunities for members to gather, socialize and, if inclined, talk shop.
A recent expansion announcement by Scholastic, the city's largest private employer, is evidence of why it is important to champion existing businesses.
We must remember, however, that the chamber is not some impersonal entity, it is a collection of business men and women who also serve as active chamber participants and volunteers.
The chamber board, volunteers and members all work for or with the corporate citizens that boost the local economy, create jobs, pay taxes and support local programs and charities.
Consequently, it is hardly surprising that chamber members understand the changing business landscape and the need to adapt. What is commendable, however, is the initiative and energy they devote to creating and sustaining the conditions for local businesses and their employees to thrive and prosper.