About:

You probably have heard that question asked at one time or another and you may have wondered about it yourself. It is a legitimate question. A lot of people, including many to whom the Chamber is very important, have no real concept of exactly what a Chamber of Commerce is, how it works, or what it is for. For example, there are those who believe that the Chamber gathers statistics, prints nice brochures, answers inquiries and advertises what a great place we have to visit, live, work and enjoy the good life. They are right, up to a point. We do all these things, and proudly so. All of these jobs are important. But they are not the only reasons the Chamber is here. They are the things we do as a matter of routine because they need doing and we are good at them. The functions of the Chamber, though, go far deeper; the Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst ...a common vehicle through which the enlightened mutual interests of all segments of the business community work together for the common good of the total community. A better community means better business and we are working for a better community for everyone here. That's why we do what we do. Which brings us back to that original question, what do we do? There is, in the final analysis, one reason for the Chamber of Commerce to exist and that is to do whatever is possible to keep this area's economic condition such that people will be willing to bring their resources and invest here.

In any community, it is from the profitable operation of business that all other benefits are derived. Only by succeeding in this fundamental goal can we provide the jobs and produce the wealth to finance all of the governmental, civic, cultural and charitable needs that our community is faced with everyday. We are involved in many diverse projects to accomplish that goal.
The offices of the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce are located at 333C South Gulfview Blvd. at the beach. There, the Chamber staff executes and administers all Chamber programs and activities in conjunction with various committees comprised of Chamber Board Members and other volunteers. The members of the Board of Directors, serving staggered terms, are elected as the policy-making or legislative arm of the Chamber.

The Board is composed of local business leaders who volunteer their time and energies to make sure that the many and varied programs of the Chamber are carried out. I make the point that they are volunteers. To clear up one very common misconception, no public money supports the Chamber office financially. We do work with the City and County in their efforts and it is all on a volunteer basis. The Chamber office staff is paid by your membership investment.

In order to carry out the major programs of the Chamber, a volunteer system of committees is organized. Major areas in which committees function include Tourist development, organizational affairs, economic and business development, governmental and community affairs, membership and public relations, and other specific areas such as marketing, fundraising and special events.

Where does the money come from to support an office, pay the staff, buy the supplies, conduct the programs? From the membership. Most of the members of the Chamber are retailers, hospitality providers, professional individuals,  real estate brokers & developers, service providers, banks restaurants, etc. in the Pinellas County area. We have a dues structure and categories based on size, ability to invest and number of employees. We respect our members' investment and in turn our members support the Chamber's programs every year because they believe in what is being accomplished.
The major benefit of membership in the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce is that the Chamber acts as the unified voice of over 300 area businesses, including the tourism industry and professional firms. We maintain our vitality because our members want to get involved in those matters which concern the economic well being of the area. Besides providing a unified approach to common problems, the Chamber can also benefit a member business with business assistance, networking opportunities and marketing aids.