lllinois Chamber of Commerce

What lllinois Chamber of Commerce does

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit business advocacy organization founded in 1919 and headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. It is the state's largest and leading business advocacy body, representing more than 3,000 member companies across manufacturing, financial services, transportation, technology, agriculture, mining, construction, utilities, professional services, and other local chambers of commerce. Its primary function is to influence Illinois state legislation and regulation on behalf of employers, operating a full-time Government Relations team of registered lobbyists and a 1975-founded Chamber PAC, one of the oldest business PACs in the state.

The Chamber monetizes through multiple streams: tiered annual membership dues (Corporate Level at $600+, HR Membership at $585, HR Membership Plus at $1,880), an e-commerce storefront of 29 compliance publications, training programs, certificate courses, and labor-law posters, fee-based signature events (Annual Luncheon, Workers' Compensation and Safety Conference, Exports Conference, New Laws Forum, HR Roundtables), partner-commission member benefit programs (UnitedHealthcare, UPS, Lenovo, Energy Alliance), and transactional services such as electronic Certificate of Origin certification. Flagship content assets include the 5th Edition Illinois Employment Law Handbook co-authored with SmithAmundsen LLC, HR Compliance and Workers' Compensation certificate programs (36 and 72 credit tiers), and anti-sexual harassment training in English and Spanish.

Distribution is multi-channel: direct membership sales, online storefront, event registration, member-only Atlas portal, and an HR Helpline staffed by employment law attorneys for corporate-tier members. Marketing channels span the weekly Monday Minute newsletter, Illinois Business Leader magazine, the Chamber Dispatch blog, press releases, social media, and webinars offering HRCI/SHRM continuing education credits. The organization operates as a 501(c)(6) non-profit with no parent company, governed by a Board of Directors; Jimmy Clayton became President and CEO on March 30, 2026, succeeding Lou Sandoval.

Name

lllinois Chamber of Commerce

Legal name

Illinois Chamber of Commerce

Website

https://ilchamber.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Advocacy Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392), Professional Organizations (813920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Employee Training, L&D & Certification Events (THAHAIAD)

Keywords

• Business advocacy services
• Chamber of commerce membership
• Employment law compliance
• HR training certification
• Policy lobbying services

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees at various tiers including Corporate Level ($600+), HR Memberships, and HR Membership Plus. Higher tiers receive unlimited HR Helpline access.
2. Publications Sales: Sale of employment law handbooks, compliance manuals, and forms (e.g., Illinois Employment Law Handbook 5th Edition $169-$214, Illinois Employment Forms Online $125).
3. Training and Certification Programs: Registration fees for compliance certification programs (HR Compliance, Workers' Compensation, Management & Supervision) at $99 each, anti-sexual harassment training at $499, and on-site training with 25-30% member discounts.
4. Member Benefits Commissions: Partner programs with UnitedHealthcare (health insurance), UPS (shipping), Lenovo (technology products), and other vendors where Chamber members receive exclusive discounts, generating referral or affiliate revenue.
5. Document Certification Services: Electronic Certificate of Origin processing: $30 for members, $60 for non-members per document. Same-day or next-day turnaround with 24-hour guarantee.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit business advocacy organization that provides policy advocacy and lobbying on behalf of over 3,000 Illinois member companies, supported by a full-time Government Relations team of registered lobbyists and Chamber PAC. It sells compliance publications (Illinois Employment Law Handbook, Wage & Hour Guide, Workers' Compensation Manual, Model Employee Policies, Employment Forms), compliance certification and training programs (HR Compliance, Workers' Compensation, Management & Supervision, anti-sexual harassment training), and member benefit services including the HR Helpline, Electronic Certificates of Origin, UnitedHealthcare health plan, UPS shipping discounts, Energy Alliance, cybersecurity insurance, and drug and alcohol testing services. The organization also hosts signature networking and educational events such as the Annual Luncheon, Workers' Compensation and Safety Conference, Exports Conference, New Laws Forum, HR Roundtable, and National Civics Bee.

Product overview

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce offers a comprehensive portfolio of compliance publications, training programs, certificate courses, and member benefit services. Core offerings include the 5th Edition Illinois Employment Law Handbook (available in print, online, or bundle), multiple HR and compliance certificate programs (36 and 72 credits for HR, Management & Supervision, and Workers' Compensation tracks), anti-sexual harassment training in English and Spanish, and compliance publications covering FMLA, wage and hour issues, employment forms, and the Supervisor's Handbook. The Chamber also provides member benefit services including HR Helpline, UnitedHealthcare health plans, UPS shipping discounts, Energy Alliance, cybersecurity insurance, Electronic Certificates of Origin, and drug/alcohol testing services. Event-based offerings include the Annual Luncheon, Workers' Compensation and Safety Conference, Exports Conference, New Laws Forum, National Civics Bee, HR Roundtables, and webinars. The Chamber also publishes the Illinois Business Leader magazine, State Legislative Agenda, and End of Session Reports through its advocacy division. As a membership-based organization representing over 3,000 members, the Chamber functions as a business advocacy organization rather than a technology product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Chamber PAC: Political action committee created in 1975, one of the oldest business PACs in Illinois, focused on promoting pro-business candidates in Illinois state elections.
• International Business Council (IBC)
• HR Compliance Certificate Program
• Illinois Business Leader Magazine
• Monday Minute Newsletter

Products and services

• Illinois Employment Law Handbook (5th Edition) 614-page reference guide on Illinois and federal employment law authored by SmithAmundsen LLC; available as Online ($169), Print ($194), or Online + Print bundle ($214); covers Employment at Will, Discrimination, Hiring, Privacy, Immigration, Wage & Hour, Leave of Absence, and Unfair Competition.
• HR Compliance Certificate Program Compliance certification programs at $99 each recognizing continuing education efforts; 36-credit and Advanced 72-credit tracks available for HR Compliance, Workers' Compensation and Safety Compliance, and Management and Supervision Compliance.
• Anti-Sexual Harassment Training Comprehensive annual training course at $499 in English or Spanish meeting Illinois Department of Human Rights requirements; includes Chicago bystander intervention, employee-only and supervisor-only recordings; covers federal and state anti-harassment laws, discrimination, retaliation, and workplace civility. Subscription renewal fees $100-$199 annually.
• HR Membership Annual HR professional membership at $585 providing cost savings, continuing education credits, access to employment law attorneys, member discounts, and Illinois Chamber of Commerce membership benefits.
• HR Membership Plus Enhanced HR membership at $1,880 annually providing multiple HR benefits and Illinois Chamber of Commerce membership with additional advantages over standard HR Membership.
• HR Helpline Unlimited HR question service for Corporate Level members ($600+), with general HR questions answered by member employment law attorneys; non-members receive one free question.
• UnitedHealthcare Health Plan Group health insurance plan through UnitedHealthcare Community Chamber Program offering average 25% savings on medical premiums and additional savings on dental and vision specialty plans; available exclusively to Chamber members.
• UPS Shipping Discounts Member-only shipping discounts up to 50% on UPS services including 10% on Next Day Air Early, 50% on Domestic Next Day/Deferred, 30% on Ground Commercial/Residential, and 50% on International Export.
• Energy Alliance Program Energy procurement program offering competitive electricity and natural gas rates, renewable energy options, no-cost Community Solar savings, and expert consulting services for Illinois Chamber members.
• Cybersecurity Insurance Cybersecurity insurance coverage available to Illinois Chamber members at competitive rates to protect their business.
• Electronic Certificates of Origin Online document certification service enabling members to create, submit, and print electronically certified Certificates of Origin for customs clearance, with same-day processing available. Members pay $30 per document vs $60 for non-members.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing Services Custom drug and alcohol testing services offered in partnership with Midwest Service Corporation, including reasonable suspicion training for supervisors and managers.
• Custom On-Site HR Training On-site training for groups of 10+ employees taught by Illinois attorneys and subject matter experts, with 25-30% member discounts. Topics include Supervisor/Management Training, Employment Law Update, FMLA/ADA, Employee Policies, OSHA Best Practices, Harassment Training, and Workplace Violence Prevention.
• The Supervisor's Handbook: Leadership Training for Illinois Supervisors Guide covering fundamentals of supervision, lawful hiring, workplace privacy, leaves of absence, harassment, performance evaluations, accommodation, wage and hour issues, discipline and discharge, workers' compensation, union organizing, OSHA investigation response, WARN Act, unemployment, and EEOC/IDHR procedures.
• FMLA, ADA, Military and Other Leave Issues – A Guide for the Illinois Employer (2023) Publication providing overview and guidance on common leave issue situations including disability discrimination laws, ADA terminology, and FMLA benefit protection provisions.
• Illinois Employer's Guide to Wage and Hour Issues 148-page resource authored by Wessels Sherman covering wage and hour issues arising in Illinois businesses, addressing laws from Congress, the Illinois General Assembly, and Presidential Executive Orders.
• Illinois Employment Forms – Online Online collection of more than 169 forms in a 380-page downloadable PDF at $125, covering HR processes from hiring to termination, including new forms for criminal convictions and equal pay amendments.
• Model Employee Policies for Illinois Employers – Online Online interactive policy manual at $94/year with all updates included, providing guidance for developing company handbooks and policies covering non-discrimination, attendance, compensation, hiring, promotion, termination, benefits, technology use, safety, confidentiality, and complaint procedures.
• Illinois Chamber of Commerce Workers' Compensation Manual – Print 158-page book covering Workers' Compensation 101, written by Steve Murdock and partners at Inman & Fitzgibbons.
• Mandatory State and Federal Law Poster Set Set of two 32in X 26in varnished posters at $69 in English or Spanish, covering federal and state laws including Illinois minimum wage, One Day Rest in 7 Act, Child Labor, Bereavement and Sick Leave Act, Paid Leave for All Workers Act, Workplace Transparency Act, and Worker Freedom of Speech Act. Updated January 2026.
• Annual Luncheon Signature Chamber event bringing together business leaders from across Illinois to address business climate and inclusive growth, featuring networking reception, expo, and luncheon program.
• Workers' Compensation and Safety Conference Annual conference providing Illinois employers with workers' compensation and safety information, offering 5.0 credits each for HRCI, SHRM, MCLE, and CRCC certifications. Co-presented with Illinois Self-Insurers' Association.
• Exports Conference High-level forum hosted at McDonald's Headquarters bringing together corporate executives, federal leaders, and agricultural stakeholders. 2026 theme focuses on Women Leading Global Agriculture aligned with International Year of Women Farmers.
• New Laws Forum Forum dedicated to upcoming legislation and legal developments affecting Illinois employers in 2026 and beyond, featuring Illinois attorneys, government agency representatives, and senior HR professionals.
• HR Roundtable Virtual quarterly informal HR discussions with HR consultant facilitation and attorney Q&A, providing 3.00 HRCI/SHRM credits per session.
• National Civics Bee Statewide civics competition for middle school students in grades 6-8, partnering with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Winner advances to national championship in Washington D.C.
• Webinars & Seminars Educational webinars on HR compliance, employment law, and workplace safety with continuing education credits (HRCI, SHRM, CLE); topics include WorkShare IL, Reasonable Accommodations, Disciplinary Write-Ups, and Retaliation & Discrimination Claims prevention.
• International Business Events Calendar of international business policy events including Alberta Premier Visit, Global Social at Ravinia, Spain On the Radar Series on Industrial AI & Automation, and IBC Members Annual Meeting.
• Chamber PAC Business political action committee created in 1975, promoting pro-business candidates for Illinois government through campaign contributions, grassroots support, and voter education.
• Cyber Risk Tools via Cyberology Free cyber risk management program providing assessment tools, security habit building, and access to advanced protection tiers for Illinois Chamber members.

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UnitedHealthcarecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChamber members receive access to group health insurance rates through UnitedHealthcare Community Chamber Program, with average savings of 25% on medical premiums compared to other UHC plans in Illinois. Additional savings up to 4% when bundling dental or vision.
• CyberologyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFree cybersecurity risk tools available to members through Cyberology partnership. Program provides cyber risk assessment, security habits training, and advanced protection options.
• UPScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMembers save up to 50% on UPS shipping. Discounts include 10% on UPS Next Day Air Early, 50% on Domestic Next Day/Deferred, 30% on Ground Commercial/Residential, and 50% on International Export.
• Energy Alliance (Priority Power)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerEnergy procurement program offering competitive electricity and natural gas rates, renewable energy options, no-cost Community Solar savings, and expert consulting for Illinois Chamber members.
• LenovominorGTM or Marketing PartnerMembers save up to 45% off everyday public web price on Lenovo technology products for home and office.
• HeartlandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPayment and payroll solutions partnership offering HR solutions, payroll processing, and point of sale systems to streamline member business operations.
• Constant ContactminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMembers receive 20% off six months or 25% off full year on Constant Contact email marketing platform.
• MNI (Manufacturers' News Inc.)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMembers receive 20% discount on Illinois Manufacturers Directory, Illinois Services Directory, and IndustrySelect.com subscriptions for business prospecting.
• SPOT Pet InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet insurance program offering up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills, available to Illinois Chamber members.
• Midwest Service CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDrug and alcohol testing services partnership offering custom testing solutions, reasonable suspicion training, and policy development for member workplaces.
• American World Trade Chamber of CommercecoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to provide electronic Certificate of Origin certification through eCO-Online platform. Chamber members pay $30 per document vs $60 for non-members.
• Illinois Self-Insurers' Association (ISIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-presenter of the Workers' Compensation and Safety Conference, the most important workers' compensation event in Illinois for 2026.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to host National Civics Bee, a first-of-its-kind statewide civics competition for middle school students (grades 6-8) with winner advancing to national championship in Washington D.C.
• Local Chambers of Commerce (Illinois)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering with local chambers across Illinois to host the National Civics Bee competition in communities statewide.
• SmithAmundsen LLCcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLaw firm partnership to provide expert legal content for the 5th Edition Illinois Employment Law Handbook and other HR compliance publications.
• Wessels ShermancoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLaw firm partnership authoring the Illinois Employer's Guide to Wage and Hour Issues publication.
• Inman & FitzgibbonsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLaw firm partnership authoring the 2018 Workers' Compensation Manual with Steve Murdock.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the national counterpart and direct analogue of the Illinois Chamber at the federal level—providing business advocacy, member benefits, compliance resources, and policy lobbying. The Illinois Chamber operates at the state level but participates in U.S. Chamber Foundation programs (e.g., National Civics Bee), making the U.S. Chamber its most natural broader-incumbent peer.
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): NAM is the largest national manufacturing-industry trade association, providing policy advocacy, compliance training, workforce development, and member benefit programs. While sector-focused (manufacturing), NAM directly competes with the Illinois Chamber for manufacturing-member dues and policy influence in Illinois.

Direct peers

• Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry: Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is a statewide business advocacy organization with a similar Midwestern/Northeastern industrial base, member services, and policy lobbying focus. Directly comparable as a peer statewide chamber with similar product offerings.
• Ohio Chamber of Commerce: Ohio Chamber of Commerce is a peer statewide business advocacy group providing member benefits, policy advocacy, and HR/legal compliance resources for Ohio employers. Comparable in scope, organizational size, and Midwestern industrial economy focus.
• California Chamber of Commerce: California Chamber of Commerce operates as a statewide business advocacy organization with a heavy focus on employment law compliance training, publications, HR-related products, and legislative lobbying. Highly comparable to the Illinois Chamber in product mix (especially HR compliance publications) and advocacy orientation.
• Texas Association of Business: Texas Association of Business is a statewide employer advocacy organization offering policy lobbying, HR/legal compliance training, member benefit programs, and signature events—essentially the same operating model as the Illinois Chamber, but in Texas. Directly comparable in mission, structure, and revenue mix.

Emerging players

• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): SHRM is the largest professional association for HR practitioners, offering credentialing (SHRM-CP/SCP), continuing education, and HR compliance content. The Illinois Chamber is a preapproved SHRM provider; SHRM represents a content and certification competitor that overlaps with the Chamber's HR training and certificate programs.
• NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business): NFIB is a small-business-focused advocacy and member-benefit organization operating nationally with strong state chapters (including Illinois). NFIB competes for the small-business advocacy and member-services segment that overlaps significantly with the Illinois Chamber's SMB constituency.

Others

• HRCI (HR Certification Institute): HRCI is the credentialing body that issues PHR, SPHR, and aPHR certifications and approves continuing education providers—including the Illinois Chamber. While not a direct competitor, HRCI is an ecosystem partner whose standards and brand affect the value of the Chamber's certificate programs.

Regional players

• Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is a regional/local chamber serving the Chicago metro area—one of the largest local chambers in Illinois. It overlaps with the Illinois Chamber's constituency in the Chicago region but is sub-state in scope, making it a regional peer rather than direct competitor on state-level policy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/illinois-chamber-of-commerce

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about lllinois Chamber of Commerce