• Refers business to you!
• Gives your business instant credibility!
• Helps you solve your business problems!
• Promotes your business in print and on the web!
• Networks you with thousands of Chamber members and consumers!
• Protects your business interests!
• Keeps you and your employees informed!

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce has been serving the borough since 1895. Your business resource center, the Chamber provides business referrals daily, networking opportunities, legislative involvement, community and media access and a "Help Desk" hotline.

Our committees work hard addressing issues that affect the most current needs of the community. The Chamber's Economic Development, Transportation and Education committees are an ideal source for you to get the information that is pertinent to you and your business today.

We offer a wide variety of special events which include the spring Home Show, the fall Building Awards program, Golf Outings, Chamber Day at Richmond County Bank Ballpark, General Membership Luncheons, and "Business After Hours" monthly mixers.

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is an Associate Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce and is associated through membership with:

• Chamber of Commerce of the United States
• Business Council of New York State
• American Chamber of Commerce Executives
• S.B.A. - Service Corps of Retired Executives
• CANY - Chamber Alliance of New York State

These affiliations expand the Chamber's awareness of local, state, regional, national and international issues affecting life in Staten Island and thus, provide the organization with valuable knowledge to maintain and enhance economic prosperity.

Here in Richmond County, thousands of business people - large and small, black and white, white collar and blue collar - are working together through the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members, their employees and families represent every aspect of business life in Staten Island, and they are committed to making Staten Island a better place in which to live and work.

Involvement ís the key. Every individual member of the Chamber has an opportunity to provide ideas and to become involved in the Chamber's programs. And since the diversity of the membership virtually guarantees that the best interests of the community at large are served, Chamber members are encouraged to be involved.

Working together. The Chamber works because its members invest their money and countless thousands of hours of their time in its programs. The organization studies problems, examines alternatives, presents proposals and supports action.

Sometimes the business community, through the Chamber, can accomplish a project strictly on its own. Putting on an informational seminar... conducting a building awards program or publishing a brochure or report are examples. Often times, the Chamber's role is coordination. It may help an industrial prospect to see the right government official… or secure certain permits or information… maybe it's directing a businessman to a certain supplier. In these examples, the organization has control of the situation but seeks the cooperation of others.

Persuasion. The Chamber monitors the activities of government at all levels. That might involve generating interest among elected officials in Albany for a new, more aggressive, statewide economic development campaign...Or backing an important transportation project… Or maybe encouraging construction of needed public improvements.

Serving as a catalyst. By acting as a force to bring parties together, the Chamber plays a somewhat unique role. Many times a neutral meeting ground is needed, as is someone to take the initiative just to get the people together. This is a role that is not easily publicized and goes unnoticed most of the time by the membership and general public. But it is as important as any.

A Sounding Board. The Chamber studies all kinds of community issues and problems and makes recommendations. Sometimes it reacts to studies made by others.

Because it has been effective in its role studying problems, examining alternatives, presenting proposals and supporting action, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is a recognized leader in community development. Chamber members believe that opportunities for a better life have to be built -- they will not simply happen.