When you think of the Chamber of Commerce, what comes to mind? For many, it might be networking events, ribbon cuttings, or a place to find information about local businesses. But the reality is that the Chamber is so much more–it’s a trusted resource not just for our members, but for the broader community as well. In fact, a recent study conducted by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and The Harris Poll highlights just how critical Chambers are to communities like Marshalltown.

According to the study, 81 percent of adults believe their local Chamber of Commerce is a trusted resource and partner. Even more striking, 90 percent recognize that Chambers play a vital role in growing the local economy. These numbers underscore a deep-seated trust in the Chamber’s ability to drive meaningful impact. For instance, 64 percent of adults familiar with Chambers are more likely to purchase goods and services from member businesses, and 63 percent are more likely to recommend those businesses to others. Clearly, Chambers have a ripple effect that strengthens the entire local economy.

But being a resource goes beyond statistics. While 76 percent of adults believe Chambers are stewards of a strong local economy and 72 percent say we play a key role in addressing community challenges, less than half of U.S. adults are even familiar with their local Chamber. This gap between perception and awareness highlights an opportunity to better showcase the work we do every day.

At the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, we’ve made it our mission to put these principles into practice. Our Strategic Plan is built on the foundation of being a resource–for businesses, for visitors, and for the entire Marshalltown community. With 58 percent of businesses in Marshalltown as members, our reach is significant, outpacing peer communities in Iowa like Fort Dodge, which has 50 percent membership. This level of engagement reflects the trust that local businesses place in us, but we’re not stopping there.

Take our tourism efforts, for example. By leveraging cutting-edge tools like Placer.ai, we’re collecting robust data on visitor trends, shopping habits, and traffic patterns. This information not only helps us promote tourism but also provides critical insights for local businesses to grow and adapt. In addition, we’re developing a Small Resource Guide–a comprehensive document that walks entrepreneurs through every stage of business planning, from startup to expansion.

Housing availability has emerged as another pressing issue for our community. Business leaders have repeatedly shared how the housing shortage impacts workforce recruitment, which is why we launched the Make Marshalltown Home Program. This initiative focuses on attracting both new residents and housing developers to ensure we have the infrastructure needed to support a thriving workforce. Similarly, we’ve doubled down on efforts to improve and grow our downtown, even as Main Street undergoes major reconstruction. A vibrant downtown isn’t just good for business — it’s good for community pride.

The value of the Chamber isn’t just about what we do; it’s about how we do it. We aim to be a trusted resource by listening to the needs of our community, addressing challenges, and providing solutions. Whether it’s helping a new business get off the ground, attracting visitors to Marshalltown, or advocating for local development, our goal is to make a tangible difference.

As the ACCE and Harris Poll study shows, Chambers of Commerce are uniquely positioned to support growth and prosperity. Of business owners surveyed, 62 percent said their local Chamber supports their success. For those who aren’t members, the primary motivators to join include opportunities to grow their business (51 percent), network with other leaders (40 percent), and attract new customers (40 percent). Here in the central U.S., growing local businesses was identified as the most important role a Chamber can play — and we’re proud to be meeting that expectation.

At the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, we know there’s always more to do. We’re constantly evaluating how we can better serve our members and the community at large. From strategic initiatives to day-to-day support, we’re committed to being the resource that Marshalltown businesses and residents can rely on.

So the next time you think of the Chamber, consider the bigger picture. We’re not just an organization for businesses — we’re a partner for the entire community. Together, we can continue to grow, improve, and make Marshalltown an even better place to live and work.

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John Hall is the President/CEO of the

Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce.