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From Sheree Anne
How Can You Focus on the Future When the Present Feels Uncertain?
Political divides feel deep, economic conditions have shifted sometimes unpredictably, and social change is accelerating. With all this, history has shown that these moments of uncertainty are precisely when chamber leaders can and should focus on the future, and lead with clarity and confidence.
Chambers are often the calm leaders at the center of storms, serving as stabilizing forces in their communities—conveners, problem solvers, and catalysts for economic growth. As highlighted in the Horizon 2035 report, chambers are uniquely positioned to not just weather uncertainty but to shape what comes next. The key is to identify the most pressing influences relevant to your community and channel resources strategically toward the greatest opportunities, in order to advance your chamber and your region.
Thinking Like a Futurist
A chamber leader cannot afford to b
e purely reactive. Horizon 2035 emphasizes that successful chambers think like futurists, detecting weak signals that may develop into powerful trends. This requires stepping back from the daily noise and asking:
- What are the fundamental forces shaping our business environment?
- How is our workforce evolving, and what skills will be needed tomorrow?
- Where can our chamber act as a catalyst for long-term economic prosperity?
By applying the tools we used to develop our research on the future of the chamber industry, you can leverage the same resources to determine what forces will shape the future of your market. No other organization in your community is better equipped - or more trusted - to take on this task, charting the future of your region.
| Linchpin Influences
There are two essential elements that serve as constants in the role of chambers.
Catalytic Leadership
Chambers that define their role by what they will be, rather than what they will do, position themselves as drivers of change. A catalytic chamber:
- Creates a long-term vision for regional prosperity
- Rallies business and civic leaders around a shared agenda
- Advocates for proactive policies that support a strong economy
Belonging and Gathering
The way people connect has evolved, but the need for belonging remains constant. Chambers can create environments that bolster a sense of community by:
- Creating spaces that foster connection
- Strengthening relationships across sectors to address challenges and opportunities
- Ensuring their programming and engagement efforts reflect changing community dynamics
| Timeless Influences
These factors remain constant dynamics for our work.
Political and Social Fragmentation
Polarization is not new, but its intensity and impact are amplified. Chambers are trusted by businesses and individuals across the political spectrum, giving them a unique ability to bridge divides. Our role in engaging government and policymakers is essential. Chambers can reinforce their role as a solutions-focused force to drive the needs of their community by:
- Convening disparate stakeholders
- Fostering dialogue
- And advocating for shared economic interests
Changing Expectations of Chambers
As chambers have evolved into trusted community changemakers, expectations have grown. Members and stakeholders now look to chambers to solve complex challenges and drive economic vibrancy. To meet these demands, chambers should:
- Adapt their leadership styles to address modern challenges
- Align their work with evolving community needs
- Maintain the flexibility to pursue emerging opportunities, by prioritizing areas where they are uniquely qualified to help
Changing Business Models
Innovation around funding and how services are delivered are at the core of modern chamber success. Traditional membership dues remain important, but for growth and sustainability, chambers should:
- Develop creative non-dues revenue streams
- Ensure membership models and benefits reflect evolving business needs and align with the expectations of next-generation leadership
- Balance financial sustainability with a mission-driven approach
Inclusive Economic Growth
Ensuring broad economic prosperity with engagement from businesses of all sizes, while ensuring untapped local talent is engaged, are both crucial for long-term prosperity. With shifting demographics, chambers should think about how they can:
- Foster policies that create new economic and talent opportunities
- Promote workforce and entrepreneurial offerings that engage the entire talent and business mix of the area
- Advocate for economic policies that work to address challenges that keep the local economy from achieving peak performance
Digital Transformation and Technological Innovation
Technology is transforming how businesses operate, and chambers need to stay one step ahead to support their own organizations, plus understand the impacts on their members. Key strategies include:
- Leveraging AI and data analytics for improved efficiency
- Educating members on digital trends and ethical tech use
- Strengthening online engagement to maintain trust and relevance
| Timely Influences
These issues are particularly crucial now, with a likely increasing role in the future.
Chambers as Unifiers
In a politically charged environment, chambers can foster increased unity in divided markets. Unifying doesn’t mean you relinquish your stance on an issue, but rather find ways to lower the temperature in your community. Chambers can help opposing voices find ways to disagree better. Chambers can:
- Bridge divides across political and business sectors
- Advocate – with support from uncommon partners - for policies that benefit the broader community
- Reinforce trust in business leadership
Leadership Churn
The departure of experienced leaders presents challenges and opportunities for chamber teams, member organizations, community champions and more. Chambers thinking about the future will:
- Develop leadership succession plans
- Engage the next generation of business leaders
- Build continuity in governance and advocacy efforts
Talent Development at the Speed of Business
Workforce needs are changing rapidly, requiring chambers to:
- Advocate for skills-based hiring and training
- Strengthen ties between businesses and educational institutions
- Support reskilling and upskilling initiatives to ensure a competitive workforce
Global Impacts
During the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions impacted businesses, individuals and economies. Chambers can support this dynamic by:
- Supporting businesses navigating international trade challenges
- Promoting local companies in global markets
- Advocating for policies that support the needs of local business when it comes to their sales and supply chain efforts
Seizing the Moment
Periods of uncertainty do not last forever, but how a chamber responds can define its trajectory for years to come. The Horizon 2035 report paves the way for chambers that embrace their role as forward-looking leaders. Those chambers will shape the future of their regions.
Now is the time to look beyond immediate challenges and ask: What role will your chamber play in building the next era of prosperity? The decisions made today will determine whether we emerge from uncertainty as resilient, innovative, and stronger than before. As history has proven, chambers are built for these moments. The future is ours to make.
About the Horizon 2035 Report
The Horizon 2035 report was developed through a collaborative effort involving nearly 1,000 ACCE members, partners, and industry experts. Guided by NEXT Generation Consulting, the report leverages strategic foresight tools and extensive research to identify key influences shaping the future of chambers of commerce. This initiative provides chamber leaders with actionable insights and a roadmap to drive economic growth and community resilience in the years ahead.
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