About the Chamber: What we do.
The Chamber is over 1100 businesses and professional firms working together to make the Delray Beach area a better place to live. Over 90% of these businesses have 20 or fewer employees and invest in the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce to take advantage of its many programs. We are a voluntary, private, nonprofit tax paying membership organization working together to build a better community.
Most Importantly, the Chamber is people. People just like you, who realize through the Chamber they can accomplish collectively what no one of them can do individually.
The Chamber is:
> A voice for the business and professional community on critical issues.
> A clearing house for plans and proposals affecting the immediate and long range future of Delray Beach.
> More than 20 committees and task forces hard at work meeting the community’s needs.
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Our Mission is to provide Leadership to promote the economic well-being of our total community - to preserve our free enterprise system and to promote business growth and development.
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Designed to serve the specific interests and needs
of our members, our programs include:
Networking
Through our Networking programs (Business Card Exchange, Membership Business Breakfast & New Member Receptions) many new business contacts are made. In addition, members enjoy privileges such as referrals, brochure displays in the Chamber lobby, seminars and workshops, special rates on membership labels and exclusive advertising in Chamber publications and on the chamber's web site.
Leads Groups
A more specialized form of networking is a Leads Group. These unique groups provide additional opportunities for members who are interested in a smaller, more focused, structured and frequent form of networking. Three groups exist - for more information on The Delray Business Leaders go to their web page at: Delray Business Leaders.
For information on the Positive Enrichment for Professionals go to their web page at: Positive Enrichment for Professionals
For information on the Delray Networking Stars go to their web page at: Delray Networking Stars.
For information on the Delray Business Partners go to their web page at Delray Business Partners
Tourism
Promoting Delray Beach - We are the community "sales force." We answer thousands of calls and letters requesting information about Delray Beach. Over 60,000 calls came into the Chamber of Commerce each year. Our Tourism Committee works with our tourist related businesses to provide packages and promotional information to the many visitors to Delray.
Governmental Affairs
Legislative advocacy - The Chamber monitors, takes action and informs members on matters affecting business at the local, county, state and federal government levels. This Chamber helps communicate business concerns to our legislators through the Legislative Alert Network.
Education
Through our Education Foundation we develop programs and raise money to support Delray Beach schools, both public and private, with mini-grants. The Chamber also works with business men and women to train and encourage their involvement in our local schools.
Business Development
Through the Delray Beach Council of 100 we work to: l recruit and assist compatible business and industry to locate in the Delray Beach area; l improve opportunities for retention and expansion of existing businesses; l create an atmosphere and image of Delray Beach as a favorable place to live and conduct business.
Business Recognition
Our membership directory, CD Rom and visitors brochure is distributed for the purpose of providing information leading to increased business opportunities for our members. The Chamber is a source the public relies on for business referrals. Callers to the Chamber are referred only to Chamber members. Membership entitles members to a FREE listing in the Chamber’s newsletter (TradeWinds), the annual Membership Directory, CD Rom, our Web page and formal introduction at the Membership Business Breakfast. Each year outstanding businesses and individuals are recognized for their contributions at the Annual Meeting and the Small Business Person of the Year program.
Downtown Promotion
Through the Joint Venture program of the Chamber, the Community Redevelopment Agency, the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Delray, we continue to promote a strong, viable retail and office environment in the Downtown. Specific programs include: l Art & Jazz on the Avenue, l July 4th festivities, l Summer nights on the Avenue, l December Holiday activities including the Christmas tree and visits with Santa and other events throughout the year. For information on our Downtown go to: Delray Downtown
Delray Affair
Now over three and half decades old, the Annual Delray Affair draws accolades and crowds as one of South Florida's oldest and largest outdoor arts, crafts and entertainment festival venues. Held the weekend after Easter, The Delray Affair is stretched along Atlantic Avenue over 10 city blocks. Top notch artists and craftsperson's, home cooked foods from charity groups and non-stop entertainment on 3 stages as well as strolling entertainers from 10AM to 6PM all three days. For more, go to: Delray Affair
Publications
To ensure effective communication between the Delray Chamber, its members, and the general public we have several publications produced each year. Our Chamber newsletter, TradeWinds is published 6 times each year and provides timely information on issues, activities, events and on our members. Other publications include our Membership Directory and Visitors Guide, CD Rom and our Things to See and Do brochure.
Seminars & Workshops
The Chamber provides technical-educational programs on issues and/or skills important to the business community. | 
