The Southeastern Pennsylvania / Greater Philadelphia area is a vibrant area for business and financial activity.  You find national, international and important regional headquarters for many of your Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies as well as a strong and varied small business segment.

One of the first steps any new business startup, or existing business wanting to expand or considering coming into a new area, should do is seek out the corresponding local and regional Chambers of Commerce organizations.  It is a great way to network, which is what establishing and growing a business is all about, and they provide a wealth of information and resources for promoting your business to other members and consumers, establishing contacts with service providers who can help your business, raising funds, expanding your markets and supporting you in dealing with government agencies, local municipalities, legislative and regulative issues. 
 
(While this is focusing on the Southeast PA / Philadelphia Delaware Valley Region, there are links below to help you find National, state and local Chambers of Commerce, Convention Centers, Visitor Bureaus and Tourist Boards in the United States providing  U.S. business, relocation, visitor and tourist attraction information.)
 
Suggestion:  Take advantage of the extensive on-line services they provide, but also it's important for you to establish face-to-face connections with other business players in the area with and among whom you will be conducting your business.  Plan on first attending, then participating, weekly and monthly networking meetings, seminars and trade shows.  Get involved and show support for the organization and it's members.  If your situation involves developing a new business or location, you will probably feel swamped with the demands on your time, but you need to prioritize and set aside time slots for business-to-business exposure and  networking.  This is also a way to meet potential partners and customers of your products and services, or at least make them aware so they can refer customers to you. 
 
Tips: If you've never been to a meeting, contact the office of the local chamber by phone, introduce yourself and get details on meeting times and any costs.  You might want to ask about dress code for the meetings you plan on attending, though you can usually never go wrong with formal business attire.  Then set up your schedule so it has time set aside to attend the meetings on a regular basis. Get connected and involved -- they are your advocacy group.   When you do attend, make sure you have a 20-30 second "elevator speech" summarizing your business -- that you've practiced giving out loud until you are comfortable giving it.   Oh, and make sure you bring plenty of business cards to hand out and they include your email address and a link to your business web site.
 
 
Links To Your Chambers of Commerce and Networking Resources
 
Note: The larger regional and county chambers often have local community "chapters" about which you may also need to be aware and participate.  Check with each chamber listed below for details.


National - United States Chamber of Commerce, with directory of regional and local chambers of commerce, visitor's bureaus, conventions, Better Business Bureaus.  [Resource Directory]
 

National Directory - National, state and local Chambers of Commerce, Convention Centers, Visitor Bureaus and Tourist Boards in the United States providing  U.S. business, relocation, visitor and tourist attraction information.  Quickly find and access chamber information from anywhere in the U.S.
 

Pennsylvania - statewide, main office in Harrisburg.  "The Statewide Voice of Business... influence, information, involvement." The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is dedicated to helping its members understand and easily follow the complexities of state and federal workplace regulations. Services include conferences and publications on a wide variety of issues important to the business community. Our mission is to improve Pennsylvania's business climate and increase the competitive advantage for PA Chamber members.

Philadelphia Metro Area

Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce  200 S. Broad St. #700, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Tel (215) 545-1234
Fax (215) 790-3600.

Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce -  Chamber members are business people just like you who are interested in the growth and development of their businesses in the Greater Northeast. GNPCC brings small and large businesses together to network, develop and improve business relationships. Its basic function is that of economic development. The Chamber represents business and professional interests before elected bodies, serves as a catalyst for growth and promotes the area's residential and commercial assets. The Chamber provides its members with group health and dental insurance. The Chamber means business...for you.

Bucks County:
Lower Bucks: The Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the principles of free enterprise by providing leadership to enhance the economic climate of the area, to address the priority needs of its members, and to interact with other individuals and organizations for the overall benefit of the business community in Lower Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Central Bucks: The Chamber serves as a catalyst that creates a rich business climate and improves the quality of life in the community. The Chamber is devoted to furthering the arts, humanities and welfare of the Central Bucks region.
Upper Bucks: The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce will establish itself as the premiere service organization in the region dedicated to meeting the needs of area businesses, including the underserved home based, small, & not-for-profit organizations. The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce represents its members and the best interest of the community for the mutual good of all:   Combines talent to solve business concerns; Advocates progressive and orderly community development; Campaigns for effective government; Advances the economic welfare of Upper Bucks


Chester County - We seek to understand and meet the needs and priorities of our members and the Chester County business community. We emphasize communication with members and identify members concerns of the highest priority. We are Action Oriented: We meet the needs and priorities of our members by providing effective, results-oriented training, networking information, resources and services. We serve as the voice of business in Chester County to positively influence the business climate through developing effective relationships with government, media and the public.

Delaware County - The Chamber strives hard to represent the business community and to promote the economic well-being of the county. Delaware County plays host to a spectrum of businesses, from major corporations to "mom and pop" operations. The county's positive business climate is the perfect choice for the numerous start-up companies that come to the Chamber each year for assistance.

Montgomery County - Now known as the Schuylkill Alliance Chamber of Commerce, with office in King of Prussia, PA.  "Strength through Business Development from Fort Washington to Valley Forge, Collegeville to Conshohocken Pennsylvania."  [Resources] [FYI Article: Building Relocation]

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.