On May 27, 1919, twenty-four business leaders from all around Illinois came together for the first time to establish the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Nearly a century later, their objectives from 1919—addressing the “danger of too much government in business” and “promoting and protecting the business climate of Illinois”—remain relevant.
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce focuses on state-wide initiatives that have an impact on all companies, regardless of size. Throughout the state, we have 3,000 Chamber Members. To ensure we stay in touch with the interests and values of our members, the Chamber's eight issue councils serve as "Chambers within the Chamber." These councils set the agenda for the Chamber and provide the knowledge and focus that help it effectively engage the public, media, and politicians. The Chamber’s Executive Directors create weekly newsletters with the most recent information on pertinent and urgent issues within each committee to serve our members. Apart from their weekly newsletters, each council director is in charge of organizing and conducting quarterly member meetings. Having direct access to lawmakers, influencers, and politicians is just one of the many benefits of becoming a Chamber Member.
Belonging to a Chamber gives your business an advantage over non-members. This includes an opportunity to have your company highlighted in our Illinois Business Leader Magazine that gets distributed to all chamber members and our social media platforms.
In addition to public policy advocacy, the Chamber also helps employers comply with laws, understand emerging issues, access discounts on business services and get connected with new business partners.
At the Illinois Chamber, we pride ourselves on our networking events and continuing education courses to ensure your company is in compliance. The Chamber's Business Services Division offers a wide range of educational events as well as partner programs. Employees who engage in Chamber programs not only return to work knowing how to comply with rules and predict upcoming trends, but they also acquire insight into the thinking and attitudes of regulators and politicians.
The Illinois Chamber is the largest general business advocacy organization in the state, and we want to be your voice. Whatever the size of your business and issues may concern, we welcome you to join us.
Our member benefits can be found online at: ilchamber.org.
