Local chambers of commerce are largely volunteer organizations. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is no different.

We rely on our membership to run every aspect of the chamber, from the Board of Directors to the volunteers on our committees. The Board of Directors oversees all the committees to ensure that the Auburn chamber is fulfilling its mission and that the organization adapts to an ever-changing environment.

Volunteering does require time and effort, but the benefits are numerous. In a recent article published by the Mayo Clinic Health System, studies found that volunteering improves mental and physical health along with many other benefits. These benefits include having a feeling of purpose, nurturing new and existing relationships that lead to a better quality of life.

Volunteering in a committee or being elected to the Board of Directors significantly benefits the chamber, its members, the local community but more importantly the individual. Being involved is a way to share your ideas and voice your suggestions.

The chamber is known for its regular networking events. These events are made possible through the work of the Program Committee. This committee helps to organize networking events that allow local businesspeople, community and customers to strengthen relationships and form a level of trust and respect.

The chamber advocates for its members, and provides workshops and forums relating to the current economic climate.

But much of what the chamber does revolves around bettering our local community. A great example is the Auburn Town Wide Clean Up. This event brings together local businesses, government and residents for a rewarding workday that beautifies the town and its neighborhoods. Each year these volunteer groups move throughout the town picking up litter and provide a general cleanup.

The collaboration between the local business community, town families and residents show the pride they have in their town. The common goal of making Auburn a cleaner place to live, work and play is achieved by all.

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce has other committees and events that provide direct and visible contributions to the community. The School-Business Partnership Committee works with the Auburn school system and Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical School to offer scholarships for graduating seniors and mini-grants to teachers. The funding the teachers receive helps to provide activities and projects for their students that would not otherwise be budgeted.

On average, $15,000 is given toward scholarships and $3,000 toward mini-grants annually. The funding for the scholarships and mini-grants is funded solely by the Auburn Chamber Scholarship Golf Tournament held each September. This event is organized by the outstanding work done by the Auburn Chamber Golf Committee.

Other committees such as the Membership, Health and Business Expo and Digital Marketing committees are less public facing but are important nonetheless. These committees work behind the scenes to ensure the Auburn chamber maintains a strong member base and that its benefits and offerings are meeting those members’ needs. All the committees work closely together throughout the year to achieve this.

If there are relevant areas where you feel the chamber is missing an opportunity to connect with our members, get involved or contact us. Our goal is to connect the business community with local government agencies, consumers, and the local community. We do this by bringing tangible information, new ideas, and dynamic networking events so we can connect with all of our members.

As with any membership organization, you will get out of it what you put in. Consider the many ways you and your business can get involved with the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, visit the chamber website at auburnchamberma.org.