After having been a speaker at this year’s annual Franklin County Chamber of Commerce dinner, I was somewhat surprised to read the recent article, “Franklin County Chamber of Commerce sends distress signal—The Franklin County entity will go broke in two weeks without an infusion of cash.”

As I read through the article, I was quickly reminded of what our very own Radford Chamber of Commerce went through a year and a half ago and the steps it has taken to assure that it will remain open and viable for the City of Radford.

Some of you may remember the requesting and receiving City funds in order for the Radford Chamber to remain operational. As one of a number Radford Chamber Board of Directors members, I am all too familiar with the level of assurances and the “contract” the Chamber provided to assure the City that it is doing everything it can to remain fiscally sound and to provide some very focused outcomes related to the receipt of those funds.

I know I speak for many when I state that the Radford Chamber Board is most appreciative of the City stepping up to assist. Regardless of what has happened here, though, what is happening to the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is a sad but true commentary on what is happening to too many organizations in today’s economic climate.

Franklin County Chamber President, Danny Reynolds was quoted in the article, “The chamber is the welcome mat of the business community. When people move here or think about moving here, one of the first places they go for information is the chamber.”

In today’s ever-changing global economy, chambers need to be more than just the “welcome mat of the business community.”  The need to be more and the risks associated with staying viable are even higher for our rural-based chambers. Chambers, like just every not-for-profit today, must continuously seek new and innovative ways to provide valued-added business programs that sincerely facilitate economic growth.

The need for rural-based chambers to be more open and collaborative is higher than ever as they seek to provide opportunities not only for their members, but the collective whole of the small business community in the very communities they represent. Many times, chambers are doing that but must also continue to be leaders in developing and supporting their local businesses and developing new businesses. For those new businesses will be the future economic engines of their communities and may very well be  future chamber members and supporters.

On that note, a huge kudos is in order for the NRV Chambers! This past year, our organization partnered with other organizations in the region and state to help the NRV Chambers bring a number of solid business-development programs to their members and the many budding entrepreneurs who exist here.

From weekly or monthly seminars to half-day programs, your chambers have been actively responding to the economic climate and investing in existing and start up businesses all over the valley. I hope you will consider attending some of those events and take a closer look at what your chamber is offering you and your community! Possibly consider starting by attending Pulaski County Chamber’s Entrepreneurship Express Workshop on Aug. 19. Doing so could definitely help prevent any more headlines of potential chamber doom.

Carl Mitchell is currently President & CEO of Virginia Economic Bridge, a business, community, economic, and workforce development nonprofit headquartered in Radford and providing services and program management globally. He also serves as a board member for the Radford City Chamber of Commerce.