Each year we conduct a membership survey, the purpose of which is to gauge our effectiveness in delivering on our mission, to understand the changing needs of our members, and to learn which Chamber offerings our members value most highly. The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce continues to receive high marks in a number in key areas, and discovered some growth areas following the 2014 Membership Survey.
“The feedback we get from the membership survey is invaluable, and enables us to elevate our level of service across our organization,” said SLO Chamber President and CEO Ermina Karim. “Programs like Insight Studio are born directly from the needs and expectations that are uncovered by the membership survey.”
In 2011, SLO Chamber leadership began working with the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) to gain industry context on our strengths and areas of improvement. WACE performs the Membership Survey on a biennial basis with the SLO Chamber conducting it ourselves on alternate years. As we detail the results below, you’ll see WACE referenced as the industry standard, to give context around the SLO Chamber’s performance
Analyzing the Results
This year, more than 200 members completed the survey and touched upon reasons they belong to the SLO Chamber, including: the value of membership and services, Chamber performance on topics including getting 
business-related ballot measures passed, informing and educating members, building business relationships and promoting the community.
As a community organization, the SLO Chamber and its membership believe strongly in enhancing the broader community by supporting quality education, infrastructure improvements and recreational opportunities including the preservation of open space. The Chamber exceeded performance expectations in these areas with 79 percent of respondents indicating the Chamber as a high performer.
Job attraction, retention and growth have become, and will continue to be, an increasing priority for the Chamber as more companies look to grow, and employees—often with trailing spouses—look for careers in San Luis Obispo. While 79 percent of respondents see these as important issues only 50 percent think the Chamber is a high performer in that area. For chambers of commerce in the western United States the industry average is 37 percent.
With a dedicated business advocate, the Chamber continues to excel in representing business interests to government with 77 percent of respondents saying the Chamber performed ‘Well’ or ‘Extremely Well’, a 12 percent increase from 2013. Industry average is 59 percent.
When asked what value respondents get in membership in comparison to annual membership dues, 35.6 percent of respondents believe the value they receive in membership is twice or greater than the value of dues paid.
- Value received is equal to investment 47.42 percent
- Value received is twice the investment 14.43 percent
- Value received is greater than twice the investment 21.13 percent
- Value received is less than investment 17.01 percent
This is a six percent increase compared to 2013 and eight percentage points higher than the industry average.
Top Chamber programs that are seen as ‘Valuable’ or ‘Extremely Valuable’ include:
- Good Morning SLO (71 percent)
- Leadership SLO (57 percent)
- Chamber Committees (57 percent)
- Legislative Lunch/ Meet the Candidates Forums (54 percent)
When asked how relevant the Chamber is to member businesses the responses once again came in above industry average.
Other areas surveyed include:
- Enhance the broader community (quality of education, infrastructure improvements, recreation) 79 percent responded ‘Well’ / ‘Extremely Well’
- Representing Business Interest with Government 77 percent responded ‘Well’ / ‘Extremely Well’
- Business Related Ballot Initiatives Passed 68 percent responded ‘Well’ / ‘Extremely Well’
- Inform and Educate members about Business Issues 79 percent responded ‘Well’ / ‘Extremely Well’
The annual Membership Survey is critical to helping Chamber staff gain insight on member concerns and priorities, and ensure that we’re exceeding member expectations. Thanks to each of you who took the time to complete the survey. We’re looking forward to delivering on your feedback in 2015.
To view the complete results click Membership Survey 2014.
Have an idea or feedback? We want to hear it: email [email protected]