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Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. Have a question of your own? Fill out our form and a team member will be in contact.

How do I use my membership?

Membership in the Chamber gives you an edge with access to exclusive tools and marketing opportunities that put your business front and center, save you money and provide the information you need to stay a step ahead. In order to help you navigate your way through our many services, programs, events and opportunities for doing business, we have provided answers to some of our members’ most frequently asked questions.

If my company is a member, does that mean I am a member, too?

Yes! When a company becomes a Chamber member, all employees of that company’s local branch/offices are considered Chamber members and have full access to our programs and benefits.

What does the Chamber's Board of Directors do? How can I get on the board?

The board of directors is a valuable asset. Our directors bring with them a sophisticated level of experience and expertise. They set the strategic direction of the Chamber and oversee the finances of the organization. The Board Nominating Committee first nominates new board members; a recommendation is then made to the full board for final approval and then the slate of candidates is voted on by the membership at large. The committee actively seeks people who are successful in their businesses, represent the diversity of the Dubuque Business Community, have demonstrated leadership skills and have an interest in helping guide the Chamber for a minimum of three years.

Who are Chamber members?

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce has a nearly 1,400 members, representing 50,000 employees from businesses of all sizes, from the largest multinational firms to growing mid-size companies and small businesses. Many people are surprised to learn that more than 80 percent of member companies have fewer than 100 employees.

How can I use the Chamber to market my business?

The Chamber offers comprehensive marketing-benefit packages through our publications, website, programs and special events that can help your company achieve multiple objectives. These include increasing your visibility and exposure within the Chamber membership and the business community, standing out from your competition through exclusive sponsorship opportunities, using promotions and merchandising opportunities, driving sales and entertaining valued clients at prestigious events.
Through the Chamber, you will reach businesses of all sizes and from every industry group. Depending on your company’s target audience, you can choose those events, programs and publications that reach identified segments, such as small businesses, mid-market firms and large corporations. Through our well-established partnerships with other professional organizations, our programs are widely promoted to increase your reach.

What is the best way to use the Chamber to build my business network?

The best way to build your business network is to develop relationships with other Chamber members. All Chamber programs are designed to give you an opportunity to make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships. The more events you attend and the more actively you participate, the faster and deeper your network will grow.
We produce a number of programs specifically designed for networking, such as Business After Hours, Business AM’s, Ribbon Cuttings, Non-Profit Roundtable and much more. Another way to build your network is through volunteering for the Chamber by joining the Golf Committee, Business Advocacy, Young Professional Committees and the Ambassador Program. This is an opportunity to increase your visibility and demonstrate your professionalism and expertise to a wide audience.

How can the Chamber help me build my professional skills?

The Chamber offers a variety of programs, seminars and workshops to help you develop the skills you need to excel in business. Those offerings range from a 9 month Leadership Dubuque program to monthly events and much more.

How do I use the Chamber for business leads and referrals?

The Chamber offers two B2B Referral Groups to connect members to potential clients by exchanging referrals with other area business professionals.
In addition, as you attend Chamber events and programs and expand your network, you will have access to people who are in a position to provide you with business leads. As you get to know them and they gain trust in your professionalism, your fellow Chamber members can become an important source of referrals for your business.
The Chamber publishes a Member Business Directory annually, as well as an online directory. Log on to look up member businesses by name or business category. Each week, the Chamber receives more than 200 calls from all over the country looking for referrals on businesses or services in the Tri-State area. The Chamber representatives continuously promote our member businesses in answer to these inquiries.

How can I help shape and support the Chamber's legislative agenda?

The Chamber’s Legislative Agenda is shaped by input from many sources that tell us about which issues the business community is most concerned.
The Chamber’s positions on upcoming Legislative issues starts with State and Federal Committee meetings. At these meetings, presentations are made by Chamber staff and guest speakers representing pro and con positions on issues. These meetings are open to the general public, but only Chamber members and the committee develops a recommendation to the Chamber’s board of directors.

How can I stay informed on legislative and community issues that affect my business?

The Chamber’s Business Advocacy division provides several communication vehicles to keep members in the know. Most current are the Business Advocacy pages on the Chamber’s website. Regular updates are published on essential issues that affect you and the rest of the business community.
Attendance at the Business Advocacy Committee meetings is strongly encouraged for members who wish to keep abreast of the latest issues and the Chamber’s activities at the federal, state, and local level.

How can I stay informed on what is happening at the Chamber?

The Chamber has a variety of communication tools designed to keep members informed about what is happening in and around the Chamber and the business community. All members receive the weekly electronic “Motivation Monday” email and the monthly Chamber @ Work newsletter. Also, the Chamber’s website has all the latest information on the Chamber and what is going on in the business community.

Does the Chamber have publications that can be of use to my business?

The Chamber publishes the Membership Business Directory, which lists nearly 1,200 businesses with contact information.

What is an ambassador?

An Ambassador of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce strengthens member involvement by educating members about the benefits and services of their Membership. The Committee offers extended business contacts to volunteers and provides support for ribbon cuttings, ground breaking ceremonies, grand openings and certificate presentations.

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