Where have all the Chambers Gone?

Like many American's over the past several years, I found myself in a place where I became very creative while looking for a position with a major employer.  Okay....  I was looking for a job, it didn't matter if it was contract or full time.  I was uncovering every thing I could think of.  Why not the local Chamber of Commerce?

I live in a major metropolitan area with 20 - 30 major employers, and much to my dismay they were all absent from the Chamber meeting.  Of course membership is a given, just check the membership directory or on line at the Chamber's web-site.  But why do major Corporations not attend meetings with the intention of supporting the Chamber's small businesses that make up the active majority?

There are many ways that an economy can be "jump started", but I believe this is a crucial link where much needed visible support can be made by large corporations at a local level.  There are millions of small businesses that could benefit when given the opportunity to access the inside track to compete for business.

Corporations would benefit as well in several ways.  Pricing, quality and access at a local level, could well save money.  It is just a matter of getting the right staff in place to provide a sincere look at what local small businesses is have to offer.  A local economic stimulus, maybe there should be a tax break!