From Transactional to Transformational: Rethinking Chamber Membership in 2025

By Jack Russell, President & CEO, OneZone Chamber of Commerce

In the not-so-distant past, chamber membership was pretty straightforward: join, attend a few networking events, maybe get a ribbon cutting—and that was about it. For some, that model worked. But for today’s business leaders, it’s simply not enough.

At OneZone Chamber, we’ve spent the last several years redefining what it means to be a member. Because businesses today aren’t just looking for coffee and conversation—they’re looking for impact. They want meaningful partnerships, advocacy that protects their future, and connections that spark real growth.

That’s why we believe chamber membership must evolve—from transactional to transformational.

Membership in 2025 Is About Value, Not Vanity
Today’s business leaders are focused on outcomes. They’re asking:

• “How are you helping me grow?”
• “Are you advocating for what matters to my bottom line?”
• “Can you connect me to the people and ideas that help me lead better?”
  
  

At OneZone, we’ve reimagined our programs, platforms, and partnerships to deliver on those expectations:

• Leadership Development: From our Women’s Network to the OneZone Leadership Institute, we’re preparing current and emerging leaders to navigate and shape the future.
• Strategic Connections: We curate intentional, high-impact opportunities for engagement—from private roundtables and industry-specific discussions to county-wide forums and celebrations.
• Business Intelligence: We provide our members with actionable insights on workforce trends, housing, regional data, and more to inform smarter decision-making.
  
  

This is not chamber work of the past—it’s chamber work for what’s next.

Policy with Purpose: Investing in Local, County, and State Advocacy

Advocacy isn’t just a pillar of what we do—it’s a strategic investment we make daily on behalf of our members. Whether it’s testifying at the Statehouse, collaborating with city and county leaders, or convening stakeholders on key issues like housing, childcare, and workforce—we are in the room, ensuring business is both heard and prioritized.

We don’t just track policy—we help shape it. From protecting pro-business regulations to advancing long-term regional growth strategies, OneZone Chamber is your full-time partner in building a business-friendly future. Our work spans from city halls to the state capitol, because we understand that the policies affecting your business often begin far beyond your front door.

Equity in Engagement: A Seat for Every Business

Strong economies are built on the strength of all businesses—regardless of size or sector. Whether you're leading a tech firm, a retail shop, or a large-scale operation, your voice matters—and we are here to help amplify it.

At OneZone Chamber, we believe influence comes from engagement—not size. Every member has an opportunity to connect, contribute, and lead. Through intentional programming, advocacy opportunities, and leadership pathways, we ensure that each business, regardless of its scale, has access to the tools and relationships needed to thrive.

We also offer tailored opportunities for our top-tier investors through exclusive mayoral roundtables, behind-the-scenes policy briefings, and strategic dialogues that shape our region’s future. It’s all part of building a more inclusive, forward-thinking business community—together.


Final Thoughts
At OneZone Chamber, we’re not interested in maintaining business as usual. Our members deserve more—and we’re delivering more. We’re shifting the model from passive to proactive, from one-size-fits-all to purpose-built.
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Let’s build something that matters—and lasts.
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