Why Join The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Community First. Relationships Second. Business When the Need Arises. Integrity Always.
Joining The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce is about much more than placing your company in a directory, attending a networking event, or exchanging business cards.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a philosophy that places our priorities in a deliberate order.
Our President’s Message provides a more personal perspective on the direction of The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce, the values behind our leadership, and the culture we are working to build. It explains why community comes first, why relationships matter, and why integrity must guide every decision we make as an organization.
Community comes first.
We believe businesses and professionals have an opportunity to contribute to the places where they live, work, serve customers, raise families, and build their organizations. A strong business community should be interested in helping make the larger community stronger.
Relationships come second.
Before we think about transactions, we want people to know one another. We want conversations, introductions, shared knowledge, trust, collaboration, and genuine professional relationships.
Business comes third, when the need arises.
When people know one another and trust has been established, business opportunities can develop naturally. Someone eventually needs a service. A business needs a professional. A resident needs a recommendation. An organization needs expertise. At that point, an established relationship can become extraordinarily valuable.
And there is one principle that must be present from the beginning through every stage:
Integrity.
Integrity is not fourth on our list. It is the standard by which everything else should be conducted.
Our Mission and Vision, President's Message, About Us, and Code of Professional Conduct all reflect this philosophy and provide a deeper understanding of the kind of Chamber we are building in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
- What Makes The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce Different?
There are many reasons businesses join Chambers of Commerce.
Some businesses want greater visibility. Others want networking opportunities, referrals, events, professional resources, community involvement, or opportunities to meet other business owners.
We recognize the value of all of those things.
But we believe a Chamber can provide something even more important: connection.
Our About Us page explains more about who we are and the organization we are continuing to build. We want The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce to become a place where businesses, professionals, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and others can establish connections that might never have happened otherwise.
A Chamber should not simply be a database containing company names.
It should bring people together.
It should introduce people.
It should encourage conversation.
It should connect businesses with the community.
It should create opportunities for people to share knowledge.
It should encourage participation.
And it should provide an environment where professional relationships can develop naturally over time.
That is the difference we are working to create.
- Our Mission Begins With Community
Our Mission and Vision begin with our commitment to the community.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we believe The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce should contribute to something larger than individual business interests.
Businesses depend upon communities.
They depend upon residents, families, employees, customers, nonprofit organizations, schools, professionals, institutions, volunteers, and community leaders.
The relationship works in both directions.
A healthy community can help create an environment where businesses prosper. A responsible and engaged business community can, in turn, contribute knowledge, resources, relationships, experience, and support that help strengthen the community.
That is why community comes first.
- Making Our Community Better
Our commitment to Supporting Our Community is not intended to be a slogan that appears only on a website.
We want it demonstrated through action.
Community support can take many forms.
Sometimes an organization needs financial assistance.
Sometimes it needs supplies.
Sometimes it needs volunteers.
Sometimes it needs greater awareness.
Sometimes it needs professional expertise.
Sometimes it simply needs to be introduced to someone who can help.
A Chamber is uniquely positioned to make connections because its members represent different industries, professions, experiences, resources, and relationships.
One member may not have the answer.
Another member might.
That ability to connect needs with resources can become an important part of how a Chamber contributes to its community.
Our community work will continue to develop as the Chamber grows, and Supporting Our Community will provide opportunities to learn more about those efforts.
- Community Service With Integrity
We believe community involvement should be genuine.
Helping an organization should not simply become an opportunity to promote ourselves.
There may naturally be recognition associated with community involvement, but recognition should never be the primary reason for helping.
Integrity requires us to ask a more important question:
Can we make a meaningful difference?
Sometimes the answer may involve a major initiative.
Sometimes the answer may involve something remarkably simple.
Both can matter.
Our objective is to continue Making Our Community Better One Day at a Time™.
- Relationships Come Second
After community comes relationships.
Strong professional relationships cannot be manufactured through a single introduction.
They develop through repeated interaction, shared experiences, conversation, listening, reliability, and trust.
Our President's Message speaks to the kind of Chamber culture we want to create: one where people feel welcomed, respected, and encouraged to become part of something meaningful.
We want members to get to know one another.
We want someone walking into an event for the first time to meet people.
We want established members to introduce themselves to new participants.
We want someone standing alone to be invited into a conversation.
Those seemingly small actions are how communities and professional relationships begin.
- Networking Should Begin With Conversation
Our Events are intended to provide opportunities for people to connect.
When you attend, you do not need to arrive with a rehearsed sales presentation.
Introduce yourself.
Ask someone's name.
Learn what they do.
Ask about their business.
Ask what brought them to the event.
Listen.
Share something about yourself.
Find common ground.
You may discover an immediate professional connection.
You may not.
Either result is perfectly acceptable.
The person you meet may eventually become a customer, referral partner, vendor, collaborator, professional resource, mentor, community connection, or friend.
Or you may simply have enjoyed an interesting conversation.
Not every interaction needs to produce a transaction to have value.
- We Educate. We Do Not Sell.
One of the principles reflected in our Code of Professional Conduct is our approach to professional networking.
We educate rather than sell.
When someone asks what you do, tell them.
Explain your profession.
Share your knowledge.
Describe the problems you help solve.
Explain what people should understand when evaluating a product or service within your field.
Answer reasonable questions.
Help them understand something they did not know before meeting you.
Then allow that person to decide whether they would like to learn more.
The choice belongs to them.
We believe this creates a healthier professional relationship than immediately trying to convert every conversation into an appointment or transaction.
- Why Education Matters
Expertise becomes valuable when it helps someone understand something.
Consider how different a conversation feels when someone is genuinely teaching you something compared with someone simply attempting to close a sale.
Education establishes credibility.
It demonstrates knowledge.
It gives someone useful information.
It creates opportunities for questions.
Most importantly, it respects the other person's ability to make their own decision.
When a person wants additional information, the conversation can continue naturally.
When they do not, the professional relationship can still remain intact.
That is important.
Today's conversation does not need to become today's transaction.
- Business Cards Come After Rapport
Business cards are welcome at Chamber events.
We simply do not believe distributing them should be the objective.
Our Code of Professional Conduct encourages participants to establish some rapport before exchanging contact information.
Talk first.
Listen.
Learn something about the person.
Allow them to learn something about you.
Then, if you would like to remain connected, ask:
“Would it be okay if we exchanged business cards?”
That simple question changes the meaning of the exchange.
Both people have chosen to remain connected.
There is now a conversation associated with the card.
Several days later, when someone sees your name, there is a reason to remember you.
The business card is not the relationship.
It represents the beginning of one.
- Professional Conduct Matters
The culture of an organization is determined by the behavior it accepts and encourages.
That is why we created our Code of Professional Conduct.
We expect members and guests to treat one another respectfully, communicate professionally, respect reasonable boundaries, represent themselves honestly, and interact with others with integrity.
Professional networking should not involve harassment, intimidation, discrimination, aggressive solicitation, or knowingly misleading representations.
We want people attending our events to feel comfortable having conversations without feeling pressured.
The standards established in our Code of Professional Conduct help protect that environment.
- Business Comes Third
The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce exists to support businesses, and we absolutely want our members to prosper.
We want businesses to grow.
We want people to discover Chamber members.
We want introductions to happen.
We want referrals to develop.
We want opportunities to emerge.
The distinction is how we believe those things should happen.
Business comes third.
Community comes first.
Relationships come second.
Then, when a genuine need arises, business can follow.
Someone you meet today may have absolutely no need for your services.
Six months from now, circumstances may change.
A year from now, their company may encounter a problem.
Two years from now, a friend may ask them for a recommendation.
When that happens, they may remember someone they met through The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
Now there is already familiarity.
There may already be trust.
They understand what you do.
That is much stronger than beginning with a cold solicitation.
- Integrity Is Present at Every Stage
Integrity does not come after community, relationships, and business.
It must exist throughout all three.
Our Mission and Vision establish the principles that guide the organization.
Our President's Message provides perspective on the direction and culture we are creating.
Our Code of Professional Conduct establishes expectations regarding professional behavior.
Together, these pages help explain something important about The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce:
We care about how things are accomplished.
Community support should have integrity.
Relationships should have integrity.
Business should have integrity.
Without it, the rest eventually loses its value.
- Become More Connected to Franklin Lakes
Joining The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce provides businesses and professionals with an opportunity to become more connected to Franklin Lakes and the surrounding community.
Franklin Lakes is more than a geographic location.
It is made up of residents, families, businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, community institutions, professionals, volunteers, civic organizations, and people who care about where they live and work.
Businesses are part of that ecosystem.
The Chamber provides another way for those different parts of the community to discover and interact with one another.
- Become More Visible
Visibility is an important benefit of Chamber membership.
Our Business Directory provides an opportunity for people to discover Chamber members and learn about the products, services, organizations, and professional expertise represented within our membership.
But we believe visibility extends beyond a directory listing.
People remember people.
They remember the professional they met at an event.
They remember the person who answered a question.
They remember someone who made a useful introduction.
They remember a business that participated in a community initiative.
They remember someone who consistently acted with integrity.
Visibility becomes more valuable when it is supported by relationships.
- Our Business Directory
Our Business Directory is designed to help connect Chamber members with residents, businesses, organizations, and others searching for products, services, and professional resources.
Members have an opportunity to establish a presence within our growing Chamber website.
As the directory develops, it can become an increasingly valuable resource for discovering businesses associated with The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
The directory is not intended to replace relationships.
It complements them.
Someone may discover your business through the directory and then meet you at an event.
Someone may meet you first and later use the directory to find your information.
Those different points of connection work together.
- Events With Purpose
Our Events are designed to create opportunities for interaction.
We want energy.
We want conversations.
We want introductions.
We want people exchanging ideas.
We want people learning from one another.
We want first time guests to feel welcome.
And we want people leaving with relationships worth continuing.
Different events may have different purposes, formats, or audiences, but the underlying philosophy remains consistent.
People come first.
- Learn From Other Professionals
One of the greatest resources within any Chamber is the collective knowledge of its members.
Every business owner and professional has experiences another person does not.
Members may represent technology, finance, healthcare, insurance, real estate, law, construction, marketing, hospitality, education, professional services, retail, nonprofit organizations, and many other fields.
That creates opportunities to learn.
A conversation may introduce an idea.
Someone may recommend a resource.
Someone may explain something unfamiliar.
Another business owner may have already encountered the problem you are facing.
Sometimes the most valuable outcome of Chamber membership is not a sale.
It is knowledge.
- Referrals Are Earned Through Trust
Referrals can become a valuable result of Chamber relationships.
But membership does not automatically entitle anyone to them.
A referral carries the reputation of the person making it.
We therefore believe referrals should be earned.
Get to know people.
Understand what they do.
Observe their professionalism.
Develop confidence in them.
Then, when someone has a genuine need and you know a Chamber member who may be able to help, an introduction becomes natural.
That is a referral built on trust rather than obligation.
- Recognizing the People Who Contribute
A strong Chamber depends upon people who participate.
Our Member Appreciations provide an opportunity to recognize members who contribute their time, knowledge, resources, energy, participation, or support.
Recognition is important because organizations are built by people.
Someone volunteers.
Someone makes an introduction.
Someone supports an event.
Someone helps a community organization.
Someone contributes an idea.
Someone welcomes a new member.
Those actions matter.
Member Appreciations give us an opportunity to acknowledge some of the people and organizations helping strengthen our Chamber.
- Supporting Our Community
Our Supporting Our Community initiatives reflect our belief that the business community has an opportunity to make a positive difference beyond commerce.
As the Chamber continues to grow, we want to continue identifying meaningful opportunities to support organizations and community needs.
Sometimes that may involve Chamber wide participation.
Other times members may choose individually whether they would like to become involved.
The objective is not to force participation.
It is to create opportunities.
When people know a need exists, they can decide whether they are able to help.
- Sponsors Help Make More Possible
Our Sponsors can play an important role in helping The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce expand programs, events, resources, and community initiatives.
Sponsorship should create value for both the organization and the sponsor while supporting activities that benefit members or the community. We believe from promoting within thus our sponsors must be chamber members.
As the Chamber grows, sponsorship can help us undertake initiatives that might otherwise be difficult to accomplish.
It also provides businesses with another way to demonstrate meaningful support for the Chamber and its work.
- Membership Options for Different Organizations
Organizations come in many different sizes.
An independent professional has different needs than a company employing hundreds of people.
Our Member Packages provide membership options based upon organization size while maintaining the same fundamental Chamber philosophy.
Membership level does not determine the importance of a member.
Every organization can contribute something.
Knowledge.
Experience.
Relationships.
Participation.
Ideas.
Community involvement.
Our goal is to create opportunities for organizations of different sizes to become part of the Chamber.
- A Chamber That Continues to Grow
The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce is continuing to grow and evolve.
We are excited to have just launched our new website, and new resources, features, events, and benefits for our members will be revealed over the coming weeks.
Our website itself will continue to grow.
New Chamber news will be published.
New Events will be introduced.
Our Business Directory will continue developing.
Additional Member Appreciations can recognize people making a difference.
Our Supporting Our Community efforts can continue expanding.
New Sponsors can become involved.
And additional resources can be introduced as we learn more about what our members and community need.
Growth should be intentional.
We do not need to build everything at once.
We need to continue building it well.
- Learn More About Who We Are
Before joining any organization, you should understand what it represents.
We encourage prospective members to explore About Us to learn more about The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce, our organization, our values, and what we are working to accomplish.
Read our Mission and Vision to understand the principles guiding our work.
Our President's Message provides additional perspective on the direction of the Chamber and the culture we are building.
Review our Code of Professional Conduct to understand the standards we expect regarding professionalism, integrity, respectful networking, nondiscrimination, education, and relationship building.
Explore Supporting Our Community to learn more about our commitment beyond traditional business networking.
Visit our Events to discover opportunities to meet people and participate.
Explore our Business Directory to discover businesses and organizations within our growing membership.
Visit Member Appreciations to learn about people and organizations contributing to our Chamber.
Learn about our Sponsors and the businesses helping support our continued growth.
And explore our Member Packages when you are ready to become part of The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Joining
What is The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce?
The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to community, relationships, integrity, professional connections, education, and opportunities to strengthen the Franklin Lakes business community.
Our About Us and Mission and Vision provide additional information about our organization and purpose.
What makes The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce different?
The order of our priorities matters.
Community first. Relationships second. Business when the need arises. Integrity always.
We believe sustainable professional opportunities are more likely to develop when people first establish genuine relationships.
What standards are Chamber members expected to follow?
Our Code of Professional Conduct outlines expectations regarding integrity, professionalism, respectful networking, nondiscrimination, communication, professional boundaries, and our philosophy of educating rather than aggressively selling.
How does the Chamber support the community?
Community support is central to our mission and vision.
Our Supporting Our Community page highlights the Chamber's community activities and the organizations and initiatives we support.
Does the Chamber hold networking events?
Yes. Our Events provide opportunities for members and guests to meet, have conversations, share knowledge, and develop professional relationships.
Do I need to sell my business at Chamber events?
No.
We encourage members to educate rather than sell.
If someone asks what you do, explain it and share your expertise. Allow that person to decide whether they would like to learn more.
Should I bring business cards?
Yes.
We simply encourage participants to have a conversation and establish some rapport before exchanging them.
Does membership guarantee business or referrals?
No.
The Chamber creates opportunities for people to meet and develop relationships. Business and referrals may develop when trust has been established and a genuine need arises.
Will my business appear in the Chamber Business Directory?
Eligible member businesses can be represented through our Business Directory according to applicable membership and directory requirements.
Where can I see membership options?
Our Member Packages provide information about the membership options available for organizations of different sizes.
Can I contact the Chamber before joining?
Absolutely. If you have questions about membership, participation, events, or The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce, please Contact us. Starting with a conversation is entirely consistent with how we believe relationships should begin.
- Why Join The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce?
Join because you care about your community.
Join because you want to meet people.
Join because you want to develop genuine professional relationships.
Join because you want to become more connected to Franklin Lakes.
Join because you have knowledge worth sharing.
Join because there are things you can learn from other members.
Join because you want people to discover your business.
Join because you want opportunities to participate in Events and community initiatives.
Join because you believe referrals should be based upon trust.
Join because you believe education is more valuable than pressure.
Join because you believe professional conduct matters.
Join because integrity matters.
And yes, join because genuine relationships can eventually lead to meaningful business.
But we believe that happens best when everything occurs in the proper order.
- Our Philosophy
First: Community
Our Mission and Vision begin with a commitment to help make our community better.
Second: Relationships
Our Events, community initiatives, and member activities create opportunities for people to meet, communicate, share knowledge, and develop genuine relationships.
Third: Business
When a legitimate need arises, relationships built through trust can naturally create business opportunities, referrals, introductions, and collaboration.
Always: Integrity
Our Code of Professional Conduct reflects the professional standards we expect throughout everything we do.
Integrity is not the final step.
It is present from the first.
Become Part of The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce
We are building a Chamber where businesses and professionals can become more connected to their community and to one another.
We want people to walk into our Events and feel welcomed.
We want members to discover one another through our Business Directory.
We want our Member Appreciations to recognize people who contribute.
We want our Sponsors to help us accomplish things that make a difference.
We want Supporting Our Community to remain central to our work.
We want our Mission and Vision reflected in our actions.
We want our President's Message to be more than words on a page.
And we want our Code of Professional Conduct to represent how people actually experience our Chamber.
Most importantly, we want every member to understand the order in which we believe sustainable success develops:
Community First.
Relationships Second.
Business When the Need Arises.
Integrity Always.
If those principles represent the kind of organization you want to be part of, explore our Member Packages or Contact The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce and begin the conversation.
Making Our Community Better One Day at a Time™.