I have to admit that until a year and a half ago I did not know much about our local Chamber of Commerce and I had no idea that as a non profit the JCC of Greater Washington could even be a member.  But after meeting with Marji Graf, the President and CEO of the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce, my eyes were opened to all the possibilities and benefits that the Chamber could offer the Bender JCC and the professional development opportunities it could offer me as the CEO. I also learned that there were dozens of Non profits who were active members of the chamber, and a regular Non profit Mastermind for non profit professionals to gather and learn from one another and support each other in our work.  I am now an active member of the Chamber and serving on the board of directors.

Top Benefits of Membership

I wanted to share the top 5 benefits that we have received from being members of the Chamber:

• Increased Awareness – Non profits are always trying to get their message out and to make sure they are on the map. Getting involved with the chamber and meeting the dozens of businesses and non profits who are part of it has increased awareness of the work we do at the JCC and helped us expand our reach to new audiences.
• Increased Revenue – Through the network at the Chamber, we were introduced to another non profit in Rockville who also works with the disabilities community. Their organization was going through a renovation and we were able to provide them with rental space. In addition to the revenue that we generated for the JCC to help offset our budget, we have forged a partnership with them that has continued even after they moved back into their new space. This would not have happened without being part of the Chamber network.
• Non profit/Business Synergy - It is a fallacy that non profits and businesses are completely different from one another. Each enterprise has its own focus and goals, but both non profits and businesses want their surrounding community and the residents living in it to thrive. This is whyt the Chamber exists!  I would also venture to say that with a strong partnership between businesses and non profits that both can more fully realize their potential.
• Knowledge Beyond the Walls – Non profit leadership can be demanding and sometimes it is hard to get out from behind your desk. It is critical though to know what is going on in your neighborhood and in the broader environment. I have learned a great deal about a range of issues including economic development in Rockville and developed a better understanding of the landscape.
• A Sounding Board and a Supportive Network – Many non profits are faced with funding and operational challenges during these times and having a supportive network of non profit colleagues can help get you through the day. Understanding the impact of the current environment to businesses in Rockville can help us better understand the environment our members and constituents are facing and how we can be responsive as non profits.

Please reach out to Josh Bender of the Bender JCC if you would like to learn more or be a guest at an event in the new year.