FAQs
Considering partnership with the Columbia Chamber? Here are some of the most common questions businesses and individuals have about joining. If you have other questions, please contact us at 803.733.1110 or email us today.
How do I get to the Columbia Chamber?
The Columbia Chamber is located at 1225 Lady Street, Suite 100 on the corner of Lady Street and Sumter Street. Click here for a map.
What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A Chamber of Commerce is defined as a local association to promote and protect the interests of the business community in a particular place. Chambers are not departments of any federal or government organization.
The Columbia Chamber provides the unified voice to our regional business community to create and promote an environment where businesses can flourish.
What is the difference between the Columbia Chamber, the South Carolina Chamber and the U.S. Chamber?
The Columbia Chamber focuses on issues that affect the Midlands and the surrounding regions. The South Carolina Chamber focuses on state-wide issues and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce focuses on national issues at the federal government level.
Can you send me information on visiting Columbia?
The Columbia Chamber is not a visitor’s bureau and does not provide tourism or relocation information. Please visit Experience Columbia for more information.
Can you send me a map of Columbia?
The Columbia Chamber does not have maps of Columbia. Please visit Experience Columbia for more information.
How can I file a complaint about a business or company?
The Columbia Chamber is not a federal government agency, and therefore has no authority to investigate how companies conduct business nor are we able to accept complaints. You can file a complaint against a business with the Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection and the Better Business Bureau.
How can I get a phone book?
The Columbia Chamber does not have any phone books for distribution. Your telephone service provider can provide you additional information on how to obtain a directory or contact Yellow Pages.
How can I find out about the different industries in Columbia?
Contact the City of Columbia’s Office of Economic Development.
What is the Columbia Chamber’s federal tax status? Are partner dues tax deductible?
90% of your Partnership investments are tax-deductible as ordinary and necessary expenses, but not as a charitable contribution. 10% of your dues is related to state (5%) and federal (5%) lobbying and such is not deductible.
How can I get involved with the Columbia Chamber?
Partners of the Columbia Chamber have a host of programs and events to enjoy throughout the year. From volunteer activities to time-honored traditions, Chamber Partners have a never-ending path toward personal and professional growth. Learn more about our events and committees.
Why Partner with the Columbia Chamber?
As a Partner of the Columbia Chamber, you enjoy a host of professional development and networking opportunities, but that is just scratching the surface of how Chamber partnership benefits you and your business. Learn more under our benefits page.
I’ve forgotten my Partner log in. How can I find my information?
To request login credentials, email Anna Peterson with your name and company name.
What benefits do I receive as a Columbia Chamber Partner?
We, at the Columbia Chamber, understand that different businesses have different needs and expectations; that’s why we don’t believe that a one-size partnership is appropriate. There are multiple levels of investment designed to maximize your company’s return on investment and answer specific needs. The description of each partnership level can be found by visiting our benefits page.
How can I advertise my product or service to Chamber Partners?
The Columbia Chamber does not advertise to Partners. However, we do provide organizations the opportunity to offer our special discounts and to sponsor the many events we have. For more information, contact Anna Peterson.
Is my company a Partner of the Columbia Chamber?
Please search the Partner Directory for your company name.
How do I register for an event? Can I come if I’m not a Partner?
View our Events Page where you can register for all upcoming events online. Anyone can attend Columbia Chamber events, Partner and Potential Partner rates are available.
If I register for an event, will I receive a reminder prior to the event?
You can sign up to receive an automatic event reminder through the event web page. Click on the event you want to go to and click the calendar icon in the top right corner of the page.
I registered for an event and now I cannot attend. Can I get a refund?
Payments for all Columbia Chamber events are due five (5) business days in advance of event date. The Columbia Chamber must maintain a cancelation policy for events in order to properly plan for catering, venue expenses and marketing efforts. Unless stated otherwise, Chamber reservations must be canceled five (5) business days prior to the event to be eligible for a refund, less a 50% processing fee. No refunds will be issued after the event. No-shows will be charged in-full. Substitutions are welcome at any time. Potential-Partner Chamber reservations should be canceled five (5) business days prior to the event however, no refund will be given. The Columbia Chamber works hard to ensure that every dollar is spent responsibly.
I want to be informed about upcoming Chamber events. Can I sign up for the Chamber’s mailing list?
Subscribe to our e-newsletter on our Home Page to receive details about upcoming events or areas of interest.
More Questions?