BOERNE– The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce just welcomed its 1,000th member, mirroring a trend that sees both businesses and the population booming in the Hill Country.
The chamber’s membership at 1,025 fellows is catching up with nearby metropolitan business organizations including the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, which numbers about 1,600 members.
“I’m a little competitive,” Boerne chamber President and CEO Kim Blohm joked. “We’re just trying to be the center hub for the business community where everyone can rely on a built-in friend and a person to really speak on their behalf.”
On average, the chamber sees about 25 new members signing up each month. The financial woes hitting much of the country have not slowed down interest in the Boerne organization, Blohm added.
“Even with the economy the way it kind of is looking and some of the challenges we’re seeing right now, it’s still a really good feeling to know our business community in Kendall County (is) continuing to invest in us, and they believe in us, and they trust us to guide them through whatever’s coming down the path,” Blohm said.
This also isn’t the first example of the chamber’s resilience during economic downturns, officials said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic when many businesses slowed down or even closed, the chamber grew by 4% during the onset of the crisis in 2020, 5% the following year and then 15% last year, she said.
“Nationally, a lot of chambers went out of business because we are a nonprofit,” Blohm said. “And when you start thinking, especially during COVID, ‘Well, it’s basically through events is how we make money and through membership’ — well, if you’re not having events because of COVID and businesses are not able to be open, then you’re not in a great spot.”
The secrets to the local chamber’s success: Creative problem solving and stepping up at a time when businesses need the organization the most, Blohm said.
To combat the downturn in the economic climate during the pandemic, the CEO and her team started a “curbside” website that linked locals to new ways to shop at their favorite smalltown stores and restaurants.
While growth is one source of delight for the business hub, the joy is not only about celebrating new businesses; Blohm noted Kendall County Abstract Co. – the oldest title company in the area, opening its doors in 1916 – joined the Boerne chamber when it began operations in 1928.
Keeping a longtime member such as the abstract company is a source of pride, Blohm said.
“Cascade Caverns has also been our second-longest standing member, too. So, it’s kind of fun to have those two different kinds of business members really show up and be there,” Blohm said. “The two (are) very different ends of the spectrum of the industries. For me, it really showcases what a chamber’s all about. It can really be any type of business member or anything in-between.”
While reaching 1,000 members is a major milestone for the local nonprofit, Blohm said the member businesses represent over 27,000 employees.
Blohm said some of the most important services the chamber offers to the local merchant community are marketing and promotional efforts.
“A chamber’s primary role is to support the business community,” Blohm said. “We advocate, educate and connect business members.”
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