A business association or chamber exists primarily to serve the collective needs of its members. Members are those individuals or businesses that have paid the necessary dues and meet minimum eligibility criteria to join the association. Recruiting and retaining members requires the organization to provide and demonstrate value to the member in the form of impactful programs, benefits, and services that support business success and advance the organization’s mission. Tiered access and pricing strategies can generate substantial revenues for the association, contributing to organizational sustainability. Events, networking, conferences, professional services, information and analysis, publications, education and training are among the more popular services that associations offer. Collaborations with other organizations can expand offerings and maximize the value of membership. An association should consistently evaluate whom it serves, and how, to ensure it is meeting the needs of its members and other customers and delivering value. A grassroots association that is attuned to the needs of its membership is better positioned to represent them as a democratic constituency, which in turn fuels more effective issue advocacy through a virtuous cycle.
