What Does a Chamber Do, Anyways?

 

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization dedicated to supporting the economic strength of our local business community and the overall vitality of the neighborhood. Through marketing, networking, advocacy, educational resources, business referrals, and community events, the Chamber helps connect businesses with customers, neighbors, city partners, and one another. Whether you are a brand-new business, a longtime neighborhood staple, or looking to get more involved in Lakeview East, Chamber membership gives you a stronger connection to the community around you.

At A Glance

Chamber membership includes access to:

  • A network of 550+ local businesses and community partners
  • Business referrals and visibility through the Chamber’s online directory
  • Member spotlights, social media opportunities, newsletter features, and promotional support
  • Inclusion in Chamber-produced guides, directories, and marketing campaigns when applicable
  • Networking events, mixers, educational workshops, and business seminars
  • Discounted or exclusive access to select Chamber events and promotional opportunities
  • Legislative updates, business advocacy, and assistance navigating City of Chicago processes
  • Access to member-to-member discounts and community partnerships
  • Opportunities to sponsor events, advertise in Chamber publications, and increase brand visibility throughout the neighborhood

Legislative Connections

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce works with various city officials regarding zoning, parking, streetscape, and other important concerns affecting our business community. Our newsletter will keep you up-to-date on pertinent city and state policies. See our Government Affairs page.

Merchant Discounts

All Chamber members enjoy Member Discounts with other area businesses.

Advertising & Marketing

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of ways for businesses to increase their visibility throughout the neighborhood and beyond. Members may participate in Chamber marketing opportunities such as digital advertising, newsletter features, social media promotions, guide and directory advertising, event sponsorships, and neighborhood campaigns.

The Chamber produces and promotes a variety of guides, events, and seasonal campaigns throughout the year, helping businesses connect with residents, visitors, and fellow business owners.

  • Advertising and sponsorship opportunities include:
  • Website advertising
  • Newsletter advertising
  • Social media features
  • Annual Neighborhood Directory advertising
  • Dining Guide and specialty guide advertising
  • Event sponsorships
  • Networking event sponsorships
  • Banner sponsorship opportunities
  • Featured business promotions For more information see our Advertising page.

Networking Connections

The Chamber hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including networking mixers, educational seminars, business workshops, community celebrations, and large-scale neighborhood events.

Members are encouraged to attend events, connect with fellow business owners, and get involved in Chamber committees focused on marketing, events, tourism, and business support. These connections help businesses stay informed, build relationships, and have a stronger voice in the neighborhood.

The Chamber also receives inquiries from residents, visitors, and businesses looking for local recommendations. Chamber members receive referral consideration and added visibility through Chamber channels.

Business Advocacy & Legislative Support

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce works with elected officials, city departments, community partners, and business advocacy organizations to help address issues affecting the local business community.

Members receive updates on relevant policies, ordinances, licensing issues, public safety concerns, infrastructure updates, and other matters that may impact local businesses. The Chamber also helps connect members with resources and city contacts when they need guidance.

Interested in joining? Fill out our Membership Application!

Member Discounts

Chamber members may receive access to member-to-member discounts and special offers from participating local businesses.

Educational Resources

Chamber members have access to educational workshops, webinars, and professional development opportunities throughout the year. Topics may include marketing, licensing, compliance, business operations, safety, social media, hiring, and other issues important to small business owners.

The Chamber also offers discounted access to select trainings and classes when available.

Membership Levels

Core Membership Rates (annual)

  • 1-10 Employees – $250
  • 11-50 Employees – $300
  • 51-100 Employees – $400
  • 100-500 Employees – $550
  • 500+ Employees – $650
  • Nonprofit – $175

*Member businesses of the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, that are outside of the Lakeview East area, are Associate Members and cannot vote in Chamber proceedings.

Includes:

  • Online, enhanced business directory listing
  • Business referrals
  • Member newsletter opportunities
  • Member event access
  • Networking opportunities
  • Educational workshops
  • Legislative updates and business advocacy
  • Access to member-to-member discounts

Visibility Builder

Core Membership + $500

Perfect for businesses looking to boost awareness, share their story, and get in front of Lakeview East’s highly engaged local audience.

Includes everything in Core Membership, plus:

  • One featured story in the neighborhood newsletter reaching 40,000 neighbors, visitors, and local subscribers
  • Featured newsletter placement to help drive extra visibility
  • One collaborative social media feature shared with our 24K+ followers
  • One full-page ad in an online-exclusive guidebook with average impressions of 230K

A great fit for businesses launching something new, promoting a seasonal offering, building brand awareness, or simply wanting a little extra neighborhood spotlight.

Neighborhood Promoter

Core Membership + $1,500

Includes everything in Visibility Builder, plus:

  • Website ad placement on the Lakeview East Chamber website
  • Backlinked feature article to help support visibility and drive traffic to your business
  • One guide ad or 1/2-page directory ad credit
  • Sponsorship recognition at one Chamber networking event
  • Priority placement in select seasonal campaigns
  • One additional collaborative social media feature shared with our 24K+ followers
  • One Streetside Banner Placement

A strong fit for businesses looking to build momentum, promote multiple offerings throughout the year, and show up more consistently in front of residents, visitors, and fellow business owners.

Community Partner

Core Membership + $3,000

Built for businesses ready to go beyond a single spotlight and stay visible across Chamber channels, neighborhood campaigns, and in-person events.

Includes everything in Neighborhood Promoter, plus:

  • Premium website ad placement on the Lakeview East Chamber website
  • Additional 1/2-page guide or directory ad credit
  • Sponsor recognition at multiple networking or Chamber events
  • Priority access to banner sponsorship opportunities
  • Featured business spotlight in both the neighborhood newsletter and on social media
  • Recognition as a Chamber Community Partner on the Lakeview East Chamber website homepage
  • Three Streetside Banner Placements

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