FAQs

What does The Chamber do?
The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County serves the interests of member businesses through progressive leadership, advocacy and services. The Chamber influences and impacts economic, governmental, work force and community issues for the benefit of St. Joseph County.

The Chamber provides resources and creates initiatives, programs, products and events to assist businesses to become prosperous and engaged in the community.

How old is The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County?
The Chamber was founded in 1909.

Is The Chamber a government entity?
No. The Chamber is not a governmental agency. It is a non-profit member organization.

Does a business have to be located in St. Joseph County to join The Chamber?
No. It doesn't matter where the business location is. If you want to market to St. Joseph County, you should consider joining The Chamber.

Who is the president of The Chamber?
Mark Eagan, CCE, is the president and CEO of The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County.

Where is The Chamber located?
The Chamber is located in The Commerce Center in South Bend at 401 E. Colfax Avenue in Suite 310. Parking for The Commerce Center is located off of LaSalle Street, between the St. Joseph River and the East Race Waterway.

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1677
South Bend, Indiana 46634-1677

Shipping Address:
401 E. Colfax Avenue
Suite 310
South Bend, Indiana 46617

Phone:	574.234.0051
Fax:	574.289.0358
Web site:	www.sjchamber.org
E-mail:	info@sjchamber.org

If my organization is a member business, can I as an employee of the member business, attend the various Chamber events at the member rate?
Yes. Any time your company/organization is a member of The Chamber, you, as an employee of that member business, can attend any of The Chamber events at the member rate. Many events are even complimentary for our members. We do ask that you pre-register for many of the events. You can register for Chamber events by calling 574.234.0051, ext. 274, e-mail events@sjchamber.org or through the online registration process.

How do I find out about Chamber events?
The Chamber transmits a broadcast communication each month announcing upcoming events for the month. This information is usually provided to you via broadcast fax or broadcast e-mail. We publish our events calendar in The Chamber newsletter The Chamber@Work, as well as online on the homepage of our Web site. At times, we will also mail event information pertinent to our members.

If I register for a fee-based event and don’t show up, will I still be charged the registration fee?
Yes. You will be charged unless you provide advance notification of the cancellation.

Do I need to register for events?
Yes. Most Chamber events such as Business Before Hours, Business After Hours, Power Networking, Buyer/Supplier Connection, Salute to Business and Capitol Connection require registration in advance unless otherwise promoted. If you are unsure, always call The Chamber. Our registration line is 574.234.0051, ext. 274, fax 574.289.0358, e-mail events@sjchamber.org. Pre-registration allows The Chamber the opportunity to provide attendees with professional nametags. That is why it is important to speak and spell your name clearly if registering over the phone or write your name clearly if faxing your registration.

I would like to volunteer to serve on a committee or task force at The Chamber. Who do I contact?
Our public policy committees and task forces help shape public policy. To learn more, go to Public Policy, or contact The Chamber at 574.234.0051.

You may also volunteer as an Ambassador. Ambassadors serve as mentors and liaisons between The Chamber and its membership. For more, go to Volunteer Opportunities, or call Julie Stabrowski at 574.234.0051, ext. 315, or e-mail jstabrowski@sjchamber.org.

I don’t have time to become heavily involved in Chamber events. Does that decrease the value of my membership?
Not at all. We do more than simply host business events. In fact, because our membership is so diverse, we offer a wide range of programs and services that meet the unique needs of our members.

Some members prefer the networking aspect of Chamber membership, while others like the advocacy and leadership we bring to the table through our Public Policy initiatives. All Chamber member businesses are listed in the Business2Business Membership Directory and in the Online Directory on our Web site. The Chamber impacts economic and community growth through its affiliation with Project Future and the Small Business Development Center and their efforts to attract new business and provide small business assistance.

Click here to learn more on Member Benefits.

Why is The Chamber involved in legislative issues?
The Chamber has a policy of not endorsing any political candidates. However, The Chamber, through its Public Policy arm, represents the legislative needs of our members through advocacy and leadership. We are one of only three chambers in the state of Indiana to have a full-time lobbyist at the state capitol to make sure the issues being discussed in the statehouse positively impact our business community. We serve as the voice for business in St. Joseph County. The Chamber represents your best interests and ensures that our region remains business-friendly.

How much does it cost to join The Chamber?
Membership dues are on a graduated scale based on number of employees. For more information, contact our Membership Director, Sheri Miller, at 574.234.0051, ext. 312, or       e-mail smiller@sjchamber.org.

I would like to let my customers and vendors know that I am a member of The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County. Can I use The Chamber’s logo in ads and other promotional items?
We encourage you to show the pride you have in your Chamber investment by using The Chamber logo. For more information, contact Shari Carroll at 574.234.0051, ext. 311, or       e-mail scarroll@sjchamber.org.