The Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst...a common vehicle through which the enlightened mutual interests of all segments of the business community work together for the common good of the total community. A better community means better business and we are working for a better community for everyone here. That's why we do what we do. Which brings us back to that original question, what do we do?

There is, in the final analysis, one reason for the Chamber of Commerce to exist and that is to do whatever is necessary to keep this area's economic condition such that people will be willing to risk their resources here in the hope of making a profit. Everything else is either a means to an end, or just the frosting on the cake.

In any community, it is from the profitable operation of business that all other benefits are derived. Only by succeeding in this fundamental goal can we provide the jobs and produce the wealth to finance all of the governmental, civic, cultural and charitable needs that our community is faced with everyday. We do a lot of diverse things to accomplish that primary goal.
 
The offices of the Mt Juliet / West Wilson County Chamber of Commerce are located at 46 West Caldwell Street, in Mt Juliet, TN. There, the Chamber staff executes and administers all Chamber programs and activities in conjunction with various committees comprised of Chamber Board Members and other volunteers. The members of the Board of Directors, each serving staggered terms, are elected from the membership of the organization. The Board is the policy-making or legislative arm of the Chamber. The Board is comprised of local business leaders who volunteer their time and energies to make sure that the many and varied programs of the Chamber are carried out.

You notice it is said that they are volunteers. At this time we should clear up one very common misconception, and that is that the member’s money supports the Chamber office financially. We do work with the region in their efforts and it is all on a volunteer basis. The Chamber office staff is paid by your membership investment.

In order to carry out the major programs of the Chamber, a volunteer system of committees is organized. Major areas in which committees function includes; economic and business development, governmental and community affairs, membership and public relations, education, and other specific areas depending upon the needs at that particular time.

Each year, the Board of Directors of the Chamber approves the organization's program of work, which highlights priority action-areas for the coming year. Here, let's clear up another misconception. Where does the money come from to support an office, pay the staff, buy the supplies, conduct the programs? The money comes from the membership. Most of the members of the Chamber are retailers, manufacturers, service businesses, professional individuals, schools, etc. We have a dues structure and categories based on size, ability to invest and number of employees. Our members support the Chamber's programs every year and believe in what is being accomplished.

The major benefit of membership in the Chamber of Commerce is that the Chamber acts as the unified voice of over 500 area businesses, including industry and professional firms. We maintain our vitality because our members want to get involved in those matters which concern the economic well being of the area. Besides providing a unified approach to common problems, the Chamber can also benefit a member firm with such services as….

We print an e-Newsletter monthly called Networking News, available FREE via email to all members along with weekly electronic reminders about upcoming events.

In this way members are kept informed of activities and receive information on matters affecting them which keeps them abreast of pressing concerns of the business community. Our monthly luncheon program features major speakers of interest to the business community and, along with our Business Before & After Hours, serves as a forum to recognize area businesses which have made a contribution to the growth of the area. We hold periodic seminars and workshops to aid our members and their employees in the operation of their businesses. We assist the Wilson County CVB with issues relating to Tourism. We have maps and demographical information on the surrounding area. We conduct promotions and urge professionalism in marketing to keep more dollars at home where they can work for us. We look at the future as best as we can, and when we see a community problem in the crystal ball we initiate projects to keep it from becoming critical. We make policy statements according to our member's wishes, and we try to do what would be best for the majority of those we represent. 

There is, in the final analysis, one reason for the Chamber of Commerce to exist and that is to do whatever is necessary to keep this area's economic condition such that people will be willing to risk their resources here in the hope of making a profit. Everything else is either a means to an end, or just the frosting on the cake.

But, if you just stop, think, and look around you, you will see all the good things that have happened, and realize that there has been a lot of work done by a lot of dedicated people behind these good things. And that leaves one question: who is the "we" that does all this. "We" are "YOU" the people of the community and all your business neighbors who are members of the Chamber of Commerce. The "WE" and "YOU" provide the ideas, the drive, the goals, the funds and the voluntary service to keep the Chamber going. And then the question comes up: “Who would do it if the Chamber didn't?"