What the ACCE report tells us about chambers and community impact

Chambers of commerce play a bigger role in your community than you might think. A recent report by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and The Harris Poll highlights how chambers like the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber are making a significant impact. Here’s what you should know. 

Chambers Move the Economy Forward 

In the West South-Central region, which includes Oklahoma, 51% of people say their local chamber significantly helps attract visitors. Tourism is a major economic driver, benefiting hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Nearly half (47%) believe their chamber addresses social issues like workforce development—helping people connect with jobs and businesses with talent. 

Nationally, 74% of adults agree that chambers play a role in creating jobs and driving development. In Oklahoma City, this means advocating for policies that make the city a better place to work and live. 

Membership Builds Trust 

Think about the businesses you support. Would knowing they’re part of the chamber change how you see them? For 64% of people, the answer is yes. They’re more likely to shop at a business they know is a chamber member, and 63% are more likely to recommend that business to others. 

In the West South-Central region, 17% of people say chamber membership dramatically improves how they view a business—higher than anywhere else in the U.S. For local businesses, chamber membership isn’t just a badge; it’s a vote of confidence that customers notice. 

Business Owners See Results 

For entrepreneurs, the chamber isn’t just a networking group—it’s an ally. Nationally, 65% of business owners say their chamber advocates for policies that benefit them. Another 62% credit their chamber with helping their business grow. Nearly one in three (31%) business owners are current members, and 41% of non-members are open to joining. 

People Want to Know More 

Here’s the catch: In the West South-Central region, 70% of people want to learn more about their local chamber of commerce. However, not everyone fully understands its role. In this region, 51% say chambers significantly help attract visitors, and 47% feel they address social issues like workforce development. Additionally, 28% view workforce development as one of the most important roles their local chamber can play in the coming years. 

What This Means for OKC 

While the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber leads efforts to grow the local economy, tackle challenges and represent the business community at large, it is part of a broader network of chambers that collectively support the region. 

The Oklahoma City Black Chamber of Commerce empowers black- and minority-owned businesses across central Oklahoma. It shares resources, builds relationships and advocates equal opportunity and equitable outcomes, ensuring these businesses have the support needed to thrive. 

The Greater OKC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce serves the local community through its nonprofit membership of over 400 businesses. Established in 2000 by a group of Hispanic entrepreneurs, the chamber advances the commercial and economic interests of Hispanic-owned, Hispanic-managed and Hispanic-oriented businesses in central Oklahoma.  

The Greater OKC Asian Chamber of Commerce promotes economic growth for Asian-owned businesses and strengthens ties between the Asian community and the broader business landscape. 

Beyond the city center, suburban chambers like the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and the South OKC Chamber of Commerce address the specific needs of their local business communities, complementing the Greater OKC Chamber’s metro-wide efforts. 

Together, these chambers form a dynamic network of resources, advocacy and support that strengthens Oklahoma City's economic and social fabric. They ensure that businesses of all sizes and backgrounds have the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive to drive our city forward. 

About the Research 

This survey was conducted online in the United States between September 5-9, 2024, among 2,075 adults (aged 18 and older), including 141 business owners. The Harris Poll carried out the study on behalf of the ACCE using its Harris On Demand omnibus product. 

To ensure accuracy, data were weighted by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income, employment and political party affiliation to match their actual proportions in the population. The results have a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. 

This methodology ensures the findings are representative of the broader population while recognizing the limitations inherent in all survey research, such as nonresponse bias and question wording effects.