Here's another benefit of belonging to the Rochester Business Alliance - it's good for your business reputation.

Involvement in a local chamber of commerce can increase positive perceptions of your business, according to a new national study. The study asked 2,000 U.S. adults about their perceptions of small and large businesses and their affiliations with chambers. Click here for the ACCE press release or click here for the complete study.

The study, commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), IBM, Administaff, Small Business Network, Inc., and Market Street Services, showed a positive effect for businesses recognized as chamber members.

Results showed that when consumers know a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business received a 44-percent increase in its consumer favorability rating, a 51-percent increase in consumer awareness, a 57-percent increase in its local reputation, and a 63-percent increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future.

While chamber memberships are typically comprised of small businesses, data collected showed that it is important for small businesses to realize the impact of the study and the direct benefit of a chamber membership. Clearly, in addition to member discounts and services provided, an affiliation with a local chamber can potentially mean more business.

Businesses should make their consumers aware of their chamber affiliation through word of mouth, advertising, and web site content. The Rochester Business Alliance can provide an electronic version of our logo, ready for placement on your company's web site, one way to proudly and prominently display your affiliation.

For more information about how you can obtain this virtual logo or about joining the Rochester Business Alliance, contact Membership Director Kevin Donahue at (585) 256-4651.