Few people in Hawaii know the link between the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (established in 1903), Aloha United Way (1919), Mental Health Association of Hawaii (1937), Blood Bank of Hawaii (1941), Tax Foundation of Hawaii (1945), Better Business Bureau of Hawaii (1945) and CrimeStoppers Honolulu (1981).

The common thread? These organizations, and many others over the years, were established by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.

Through its backing of community-service and good-business organizations, the Chamber supports the economic and social fabric of our community. And despite being the second-oldest Chamber west of the Rockies, its mission and accomplishments are not widely known, and even misunderstood by some — perhaps because of the variety of roles it plays in our state.

Often thought of as an advocate for big businesses, in fact, 85 percent of the Chamber’s membership consists of small businesses. In whole, more than 2,100 member organizations provide more than 200,000 jobs.

According to a 2012 research study by the Schapiro Group, when consumers know a small business belongs to a Chamber of Commerce, they are 44 percent more likely to consider it favorably and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from such a company in the future.

Every day, opportunities are provided for local businesses to strengthen themselves through networking events, educational seminars, mentorship programs and other activities.

Meanwhile, work continues for legislative and policy changes that enable local businesses to succeed.

We strive to create a more favorable environment in which local businesses can operate and thrive by giving them a voice in the public arena and at the Legislature. Efforts are ongoing to cut red tape and reduce the over-regulation that consumes time, adds cost and threatens entrepreneurship and innovation.

Such efforts at the Legislature to create a better business climate entail reviewing the 2,500-plus bills introduced, actively tracking more than 300 bills and testifying on about 200 bills.

Taking the offensive, we also introduce a legislative package in support of business. We calculate the result of these efforts at $40 million to $50 million in annual savings in tax increases avoided and mandates prevented. In the exceptionally challenging 2016 legislative session, we estimate $1.2 billion in savings were realized via these efforts.

We hope that those in all walks of life can appreciate the role played by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, along with our neighbor island, ethnic and neighborhood Chamber partners.

Oct. 18 is National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day — an occasion to remember that a vibrant network of organizations works daily to not only support local businesses, but also to make tangible contributions to Hawaii’s economy and quality of life in our 50th State.