Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have questions about the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce? You're in the right place. Whether you're considering membership, looking to maximize your benefits, registering for events, or seeking business resources, this FAQ page provides answers to some of the most common questions we receive. If you don't find the information you're looking for, our team is always here to help. The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping businesses connect, grow, and thrive through networking, advocacy, education, and community engagement opportunities throughout the Charlotte region.
About the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce
The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic organization dedicated to supporting, serving, and strengthening businesses and the Charlotte community. We connect professionals through networking events, educational programs, and leadership opportunities that help businesses grow and thrive.
The Chamber also advocates policies that foster economic development, provide access to valuable business resources and learning tools, and encourage community engagement through volunteerism and committee involvement. Together, our members form a collaborative network that drives growth, connection, and success across the Charlotte region.
If you would like to learn more, click our About Us page.
Our core values today lay the roadmap for our future. We are here to be “The Chamber of Tomorrow”.
We’re committed to innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability. We’re not just maintaining traditional Chamber functions; we’re redefining them to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses and a diverse, growing community. Our focus is on creating meaningful connections and building a forward-looking organization that continues to inspire growth, collaboration, and progress for years to come.
No, chambers operate independently, but they sometimes work together with local governments.
Chambers of commerce generally maintain their independence to advocate for business interests and serve their members without direct government control. However, there are situations where chambers collaborate with local governments—such as organizing community events, supporting economic development projects, or working on public policy initiatives that benefit local businesses. These partnerships can help align community goals, leverage resources, and create a more supportive environment for economic growth. Despite these cooperative efforts, chambers still retain their autonomy and are not governed by local authorities.
Joining the chamber connects you with professionals, business leaders, and community partners. You’ll gain exposure via our directory, social media, and newsletter, and your employees can get involved through our volunteer committees and initiatives.
Most importantly, we create a voice for Chamber Members through advocacy when it comes to what the Charlotte Area business community needs.
Joining the chamber connects you with professionals, business leaders, and community partners. You’ll gain exposure via our directory, social media, and newsletter, and your employees can get involved through our volunteer committees and initiatives.
Most importantly, we create a voice for Chamber Members through advocacy, addressing what the Charlotte Area business community needs.
Membership Information
You can become a member by clicking on our Membership Information section. This section explores the different tiers, benefits, and online application.
The Charlotte Area Chamber welcomes businesses and professionals aiming to improve the local economy and community. Membership is not restricted by industry or size. The Chamber reserves the right to deny any applications that do not align with the Chamber's mission.
Yes. While most members are businesses, individuals, and retirees, entrepreneurs who want to support the small business community and participate in Chamber activities are welcome.
Membership costs vary depending on the size of your business and needs. For pricing information, see our Membership Information page.
Yes, we allow businesses outside of the Charlotte area to join or are interested in joining.
Memberships last for one year from the day you join and can be renewed annually.
Yes, when you join the Chamber, we will onboard you following the steps below:
We will first send onboarding emails to welcome you to the chamber and introduce our services. Second, we assign you a Charlotte Area Chamber Ambassador, who is dedicated to supporting you in navigating our resources. Finally, we host 3—4 Member Orientations each year to provide networking opportunities for you and to assist in meeting other Chamber Members.
We provide a variety of resources for our members. Some of them include business directories, market research, training programs, access to business tools, and templates.
You can access our member directory on our website through the Directory dropdown tab and click Public Directory. You can also click here to directly access it. Our directory is a great resource for finding other Chamber members as well.
We offer volunteer opportunities with our volunteer committees; however, volunteer opportunities are reserved only for Chamber Members.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, you can contact us directly by phone, email, or by heading over to the Volunteer Opportunities page. To learn more about committees you can volunteer with, visit our Staff & Volunteers page.
You can join a volunteer committee by completing the Volunteer Application Form. Please note volunteer opportunities are reserved for Chamber Members.
Yes. We offer our Chamber Members MemberPlus, an app that gives you direct access to your directory, event registration, blog posts/web content, news, job postings, member-to-member deals, and much more.
Events and Networking Opportunities
We host networking mixers, luncheons, workshops, and advocacy events. Some of our most prominent events include Coffee with the Chamber and Connect After 5. We offer events for the public and Chamber Members.
Our committees, in relation to us, host Public Policy, Women in Business, and committee-oriented events.
To access public events, please see ours Chamber Calendar. For more member-only events, click ours Member Calendar.
Yes, we host virtual events which are available through ours event calendar.
You can participate by registering for events through the Chamber's website, attending as a guest, or volunteering to help organize and run events.
Yes. However, other events may be exclusive to members or require a fee.
Networking opportunities include mixers and online networking platforms from before.
Regarding the frequency of networking opportunities, the Chamber hosts about 6-8 events per month. These include 6 Coffee with the Chamber meetups, workshops, expos, ribbon cuttings, volunteer committee events, and more.
The dress code for events is typically business casual. However, this can depend on the context of the event and setting.
Yes, especially for networking or public events.
Growing your Business and Resources
We can help your business grow by providing marketing and advertising opportunities, business referrals, educational resources, and advocacy on business issues.
You can advertise your business through becoming a Chamber Member, which gives you the benefits of the Chamber's website, newsletters, event sponsorships, and member directories.
The committees you can join are the Ambassadors Committee, Programs Committee, Public Policy Committee, Women in Business Committee, and the Young Professionals Committee.
If you are interested in viewing specific members of each committee or learning more, see ours Staff & Volunteers page.
You can get involved by joining committees, attending meetings, volunteering events, and expressing interest in leadership positions.
You can sponsor an event by contacting the Chamber to discuss sponsorship opportunities and benefits.
Update your information by contacting the Chamber or logging into the member portal. You can add/delete employees, add news articles, post jobs, add member to member deals, and more.
For more support and business resources, please visit our Business Resources page and our Community Resources page.
Other FAQ's
As a member, you are added to the Chamber Newsletter. However, if you are interested in featuring your business or organization, you can directly contact us to provide more information or submit content for consideration.
Before submitting a press release to the Chamber, please be aware that we reserve this right for members only. If you are not a member of the Chamber, we will consider publishing your press release on our website.
You can provide feedback for the Chamber by filling out the Contact Us Form.
No, we do not provide physical stamps for Certificates of Origins (COO). Instead, we offer digital COOs in lieu of the stamps themselves. Using a digital COO works the same as a physical stamp. We have acquired this through our partnership with the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Members receive a discount rate for this service, while non-members pay the regular cost. If you are interested in applying to receive a Certificate of Origin, please contact info@charlotteareachamber.com, or view our Certificates of Origin page.
Yes, we issue Certificates of Free Sale (COFS) through our Certificate of Origin (COO) Application Link, in collaboration with the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce (AWTCC). Please be aware of the following when you apply:
- One COFS covers multiple products for only one country.
- AWTCC needs two pieces of supporting evidence a product is sold in the U.S., which takes the form of 2 invoices for past transactions.
- A surcharge for COFS is included. Chamber Members will be charged $75 per member. The courier envelope is $30, as they require a wet signature and need notarization.
- COFS are often processed within one business day upon completion. The AWTCC honors next day shipping for members, and 2-day shipping for non-members.
- A $30 shipping and handling fee will be charged. However, if you provide your own label as an attachment to the application, you will be charged a $5 handling fee.