The term “Chamber of Commerce” dates back more than 400 years. A chamber of commerce is a local network of businesses, governed by a board of directors and run by professional staff, who work to serve and advance business interests. Chambers strive to increase wealth and prosperity within their communities by facilitating the growth of existing businesses and fostering the development of new ones. Like professional and trade associations, chambers of commerce are not-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations as outlined in section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.