to adapt and meet people where they are. It is so challenging to run a business and expectations are high. We understand that everyone expects a return on their investment with the Chamber, but that is different across the broad demographics of our chamber. When I first entered the chamber business 38 years ago, one of the top reasons businesses joined was to support the mission of the chamber and support the community as a whole. Now, it seems that most want a very tangible return specific to their needs. That’ s not to say that businesses don’ t care about their community, they are just bombarded by opportunities and the challenges of running a business that they are looking for more specific assistance. Employees are asked to do so much more with limited resources that the volunteer aspect of chamber engagement has certainly decreased.
Q: What do you see as the keys to a successful member experience program?
Keefer: Treating everyone with kindness and respect. Listening more than talking so you can truly assess needs. People want to be remembered, they want to be valued, and they want to be needed.
Q: Are there differences in creating and maintaining the member experience at a chamber of commerce different than for a typical business?
Keefer: I think the biggest difference is that we have such a broad demographic of members in various stages of business development from start-ups to legacy businesses. All with different needs based on their specific stage of business. The transformational work we do in advocacy, leadership and workforce development, community and economic development, are hard to place a value on. This is really the important work of a chamber that can’ t be done alone. The support of members of all sizes contributes to this critical work. We communicate a mindset that collectively our business members help to build a successful community to live, work and enjoy – one business at a time, and everyone is a part of that commitment.
Aaron London is Editor, EVOLVE News. He is also an adjunct professor of journalism at Daytona State College.
WHY
CHOOSE DAYTONA STATE?
• Named by U. S. News & World Report a top Online Bachelor’ s Program. Ranked # 1 in the Florida College System.
• Daytona State is your gateway to Florida’ s public & private universities including UCF, UF, FAMU, USF, Stetson, Bethune-Cookman, Embry-Riddle and more.
• Earn certificates, associate and bachelor’ s degrees in Business, Healthcare, Education, Engineering / Information Technology, Criminal Justice and more.
• Get done faster with accelerated options & flexible class schedules. One look at Daytona State and you will see why... you belong here!
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2025 | 29 |