We belong to two chambers in our area and think it's very well worth it. Some of these are repeats of the other posts, but here's why:
1. You get on their list and they will recommend you if anyone calls. Usually they have web sites with their members names listed. Sometimes they even will sponsor web hosting for a very small fee so if you don't have a web presence, and want a small one, you can get it cheap, cheap, cheap.
2. Makes you seem very professional to belong to the Chamber.
3. Offers opportunity to network with the business community at monthly socials.
4. Gets your name into newsletters and other publications offered free to the public and the business community.
5. Their publications to members keep you abreast of business and community news that you can USE in your marketing efforts. Businesses moving, new busincess coming to town, residential and community development projects, etc.
6. Gives you the opportunity to volunteer for some community service projects that usually lead to very good publicity. If your primary market is residential, publicity for community service projects is an excellent way to gain a reputation as an honest, caring service business.
7. Chambers often sponsor the local home and garden shows so gives you the opportunity to have a presence at those at a discounted rate.
8. Allows you to get to know other businesses that may be complementary to yours to form "strategic alliances." Painters who need power washing done, awning companies who install and could recommend you to the customer for maintenance, etc.
9. Networking, networking, networking. I know I've said this before above, but it's important enough to include twice. Don't join a chamber and not take advantage of its networking opportunities like breakfast or lunch meetings or early evening chamber socials. That's were most of our commercial business came from.
Oops...didn't mean to be so long winded. I have an assignment to write an article for Cleaner Times later this year on a very similar subject so have been giving it some thought.