definition
strict definition
chamber of commerce
A consortium of businesses promoting their collective interests within a geographic area or market segment.
A chamber of commerce is a consortium of businesses within a particular geographic area (usually a city or a national subdivision) or market segment, whose goal is to promote their members' business collectively through lobbying, marketing, public relations, and forging business contacts.
The member businesses act collectively to promote their interests and contacts. The shared scope can be a geographic area or a particular market segment.
The chamber's promotional role does not make it the operator of each member's business. Members retain their own activities and property relationships.
Related definitions
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advisory committee
A group of experts or concerned persons which enters relations between companies and governments. -
business development
An organization helping businesses grow within a geographic area or a particular field of activity. -
public authority
A governmental body organized to act in a company-like role, often providing a particular public service.