If you’ve ever pictured a Chamber of Commerce as just a ribbon-cutting group or a place to hand out business cards, it’s time to zoom out—and look closer.

The truth is, Chambers of Commerce—especially ones as active and connected as the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce—hold a significant kind of power. Not the backroom-deals kind of power, but the boots-on-the-ground, show-up-for-local-businesses kind. It’s influence. It’s leadership. And it’s advocacy that grows stronger with every new member.

So, what kind of “power” are we really talking about? Let’s break it down.

The Power of a Unified Voice

Let’s start here, because it’s the foundation of everything a Chamber does.

When small and mid-size businesses try to tackle challenges on their own—whether it’s zoning restrictions, workforce shortages, or lack of resources—they’re often brushed aside or drowned out.

But when hundreds of local businesses speak together through the Chamber? That’s hard to ignore.

As the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, we serve as a collective voice on behalf of businesses in:

• Blacksburg

• Christiansburg

• Radford

• Montgomery County’s rural and regional communities

• Virginia Tech and New River Community College ecosystems

When we advocate for policy changes or economic development, we’re representing your needs—whether it’s keeping taxes reasonable, improving infrastructure, or ensuring small businesses get a fair shake in government contracts.

The Power of Local Relationships

Power in our context is also about connection. Who we know—and what we can help you access.

The Chamber maintains ongoing relationships with:

• Town and County leadership

• Economic development offices

• State-level legislators

• Educational institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College

• Regional nonprofits and community organizers

This isn’t just name-dropping. These relationships allow us to connect the dots when members need access to key decision-makers, support programs, or opportunities to scale.

Need help navigating local permits? We can walk you through it—or put you in touch with the person who can. Looking to hire local talent? We can connect you to job fairs, student networks, and workforce development boards.

Power means opening doors, not just holding them shut.

The Power of Advocacy

Advocacy is one of the most important—and often invisible—functions of a Chamber.

At the Montgomery County Chamber, we monitor and respond to:

• Proposed legislation at the local and state level

• Economic trends that impact small businesses

• Workforce challenges and development needs

• Transportation and infrastructure planning

• Public school and higher education issues that shape our workforce pipeline

We provide input and representation on behalf of members, ensuring that business voices are not only present but heard.

If you’ve ever said, “Why didn’t someone speak up about that?”—that’s what we do.
We are the “someone.”

The Power of Regional Economic Development

Montgomery County sits at a unique crossroads in Virginia.

With Virginia Tech powering research and innovation, Radford University cultivating educators and leaders, and New River Community College preparing technical professionals, we’re not just a region with potential—we’re a region in motion.

The Chamber plays an essential role in connecting these educational institutions with the local business community, helping:

• Businesses access new talent

• Students find real-world opportunities

• Employers train and retain workers

• Leaders coordinate efforts across sectors

This power isn’t abstract. It shows up in collaborative grant applications, public-private partnerships, and joint initiatives that fund infrastructure, launch workforce programs, and attract new businesses to the area.

You can’t grow a local economy in a vacuum. It takes all of us, working together.

The Power of Visibility

The Chamber is a megaphone for your business. When you join, you gain access to:

• Our online member directory, which is frequently searched by residents and visitors looking for trusted services and products

• Social media promotion through our active platforms

• Newsletters and email spotlights with wide local readership

• Community events and expos that draw attention to your offerings

And when a customer calls the Chamber asking, “Do you know a good landscaper?” or “Is there a local caterer you’d recommend?”—you’d better believe we’re referring our members first.

Power isn’t just who you know—it’s who knows you.

The Power of Leadership Development

We believe that the best kind of power is the kind that creates more leaders.

That’s why we invest in programs like:

• Leadership New River Valley

• The Women’s Leadership Conference

• Business education workshops

• Professional mixers and events

• Mentorship opportunities for business owners at every stage

When members grow, our region grows. And when new voices are empowered to lead, our community becomes more inclusive, innovative, and resilient.

The Power of Collective Action

We’ve talked a lot about relationships and representation—but the Chamber also has the power to act.

When a natural disaster strikes, the Chamber mobilizes. When a business closes, the Chamber helps others fill the gap. When someone in our community needs help, the Chamber raises money, gathers supplies, or provides space for solution-focused conversations.

We saw this power in action during the pandemic, where Chambers across the country, including ours, stepped up with:

• Real-time updates on funding and relief programs

• Free webinars and business resources

• Advocacy for business reopening plans

• Emotional and logistical support for struggling owners

Power is knowing when to speak—and when to step in.

So, What Does This Power Mean for You?

It means that as a member of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, you’re not sitting on the sidelines.

You have a front-row seat to the conversations shaping our region—and a voice in those conversations.

You benefit from a network that works for you, not just with you.

You gain credibility, visibility, and influence—not by chasing it, but by partnering with an organization that’s built for it.

And most importantly, you don’t have to build your business—or navigate its challenges—alone.

Want to Tap Into That Power?

Joining is easy, and we’re here to help walk you through it. Whether you’re a one-person start-up, a mid-sized business ready to scale, or a nonprofit aiming to expand your impact, there’s a place for you here.

Ready to take the next step?

• Explore membership opportunities: www.montgomerycc.org

• Have questions? Email us at marketing@montgomerycc.org

• Want to see us in action?
  Check out our upcoming events: https://business.montgomerycc.org/events/calendar