Your goals shape what success looks like.

For one member, that may mean building relationships that lead to new opportunities. For another, it may mean developing stronger leaders, learning new tactics to advance their business or gaining a better understanding of the issues affecting the region and their business.

Those priorities look different from member to member, and the path to reaching them usually does too.

That is where the value of Chamber membership comes in. With programs, events, leadership development, advocacy resources and opportunities to connect, there are plenty of ways to engage. The challenging part can be figuring out which opportunities make the most sense for where you are now and where you want to go next.

That is the goal of this guide.

The pathways below offer a few examples of how different Chamber opportunities can work together around a specific goal. They are not the only routes you can take, and they are not required to strictly be followed step by step.

Whether you are looking for a place to start or are already involved and thinking about what comes next, these pathways can help you be more intentional about how you use your membership and the value you get from it.

Build Relationships

Make New Connections

• Meet Chamber members and discover ways to make more of your membership at Chamber 360
• Strike up a conversation with someone new or reconnect with a familiar face at Chamber Connect

Meet other professionals and get connected across the business community.

Expand Your Network

• Expand your circle among other young professionals at CYP Connect
• Connect with other women in business, expand your circle and become part of the Thrive community at an upcoming Connect.

Broaden your circle by connecting with professionals who share similar interests, experiences and goals.

Create Lasting Connections

• Spend three days along regional leaders and form connections around a shared interest in the Charleston region’s future on the Metro Leadership Visit.
• Step outside your day-to-day work, connect with leaders across industries and build relationships through the shared experiences of Leadership Charleston.

Form deeper relationships with business and community leaders through shared experiences, conversation and learning.

Develop Business Leaders

Broaden Your Perspective

• Take in candid stories, lessons and perspectives from experienced leaders at Thrive Luncheons, Thrive Breakfasts and CYP Talks.
• Delve into the forces shaping the Charleston region with business and community experts at Impact.

Hear from experienced leaders and gain new perspectives on leadership, business and professional growth.

Grow Your Leadership Skills

• Sharpen the skills you use to guide your team, handle challenges and lead day to day through Managers Institute.
• See leadership through the experiences of established executives as they share the decisions, setbacks and lessons that shaped their careers at Leadership Discovery.

Develop the skills to lead people, navigate challenges and contribute more effectively within your organization.

Lead With a Regional Perspective

• Bring your perspective to a member-led discussion of legislation and policy issues affecting the business community through the Regional Policy Committee.
• See how the Chamber’s work comes together and where you or your organization can plug in at the annual Vision Breakfast.

Gain a wider view of the forces shaping our business community and the role leaders can play in the region’s future.

Strengthen Your Business

Access Business Resources

• Download the Talent Demand Study to better understand the occupations, industries and workforce trends driving demand across the region.
• Make the Catalyst Center part of your workday by dropping in to cowork or reserving a conference room for your team.

Use Chamber resources, from regional workforce data to meeting and coworking space, to support everyday business needs and decisions.

Work Through Business Challenges

• Work through common business challenges with subject-matter experts and other business leaders at Bridge to Better Business.
• Share ideas, compare experiences and connect with peers tackling similar challenges at the Nonprofit Exchange.

Learn from experts and peers to address challenges, make informed decisions and improve how your organization operates.

Prepare for What Comes Next

• Position your business for its next stage of growth by applying for the Lowcountry Business Accelerator.
• Look ahead at the trends and conditions that could shape the regional economy at the annual Economic Outlook Conference.

Look ahead, respond to changing conditions and make more informed decisions about the future of your business.

Engage on the Issues Impacting Business

Understand the Issues

• Keep up-to-date on local and state policy issues affecting the business community by subscribing to The Advocates email.
• Get familiar with the issues guiding the Chamber’s advocacy work through the Chamber Policy Priorities.

Stay current on the policies and decisions shaping the business environment and understand where the Chamber is focused.

Make Your Voice Heard

• Connect directly with state, regional and local elected officials and government leaders at the annual Legislative Reception.
• Sign up for VoterVoice alertsand weigh in when policies affecting the business community are being considered.

Engage in advocacy and help bring the business community’s perspective to elected leaders.

Help Shape the Region’s Future

• Carry the Charleston region’s priorities to federal leaders and decision-makers during the D.C. Fly-In.
• Join the PAC Interview Team to hear directly from candidates, compare their positions with Chamber priorities and help inform the Chamber PAC endorsement process.

Take a more active role in advancing the priorities and leadership that influence the region’s long-term business environment.

Connect Your Membership to Your Goals

Chamber membership extends beyond one person. Your entire team can take advantage of the programs, resources and opportunities available through your organization’s membership.

If you would like help identifying the opportunities that best align with your goals or finding ways to get more from your membership, contact Justin Lee, Senior Vice President of Membership and Corporate Partnerships, at jlee@charlestonchamber.org.