Ask yourself this question: Why did I decide to live and work in the Grand Traverse region? We all know the answer, because it is one of the best places to live, work, play, and raise a family.

The challenge is to keep it that way. This is where your Chamber comes in, filling a void by being a strong voice for the business community and leading the way with important initiatives.

What follows is a summary of what your Chamber does that is beyond the obvious.

• Your voice is our voice- Your Chamber attains input from member businesses as solutions are sought and decisions are made by our governmental bodies. The Chamber is there on every major issue that affects our business community.
  
  
• Lead and support initiatives to reduce poverty in our region.
  
  
• Lead and support diversity initiatives in our region.
  
  
• Sponsors community events that promote women initiatives, healthy living initiatives, arts and culture, local youth playground improvements for the physically challenged, and much more.
  
  
• Leader in the Waterfront Reclamation Initiative in 1950 that has resulted in waterfront open space.
  
  
• Created the Chamber Foundation in 1990 which has contributed over $2 million in 10 years to worthwhile local groups, such as youth initiatives, affordable housing, arts and culture, leadership development, and smart growth development.
  
  
• Leader in land use & transportation issues working with local and state officials to assist in resolving traffic issues.
  
  
• Provide programs that help our member’s bottom-line as a collaborative partner representing our members on human resource issues, local personal property tax audits, angel funding networks, educational seminars, and much more.
  
  
• Provides free business counseling through SCORE and in-house certified small business counselors that keep our entrepreneurial sprit alive and well.
  
  
• Established an “Angel Funding Network” to help locate venture capital for businesses in Northern Michigan.
  
  
• Added tens of thousands of jobs through the work of the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation by its ability to secure tax abatements, grants and variances for businesses seeking to move to the area.
  
  
• Your Chamber fosters positive relationships with our region’s legislatures, school administrators, health care coverage professionals, and many other important leaders that represent issues that directly affect your business, our future workforce, and ultimately our economy.

When carefully examined, our beautiful surroundings and vibrant community have been well served by your Chamber of Commerce. It’s worth belonging.