The world has gotten really good at sharing opinions. We weigh in on everything. From far-reaching global policy matters to the fashion whims of those who are famous for being famous, our society is saturated in opinion.

One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of opinion is a “belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge.” Our opinions are often fueled by strongly-held beliefs, but do not have to pass the test of fact-based knowledge. Opinions are often what motivate decision-making, but opinions alone can lead us to conclusions that are untrue or unactionable.

Soon the Chamber will be asking businesses their opinions on a variety of topics. As an organization funded by membership revenues and tasked with improving the climate in which those dues-investing members conduct business, these opinions are important. We will also work to align what we learn with available business performance data to gain better insights into how we can help.

Some of the information will be used to discern best practice that can be shared with our members.

For example, as we navigate economic pressures and possible recession, we want to learn the strategies businesses are employing to prepare.

Are you forecasting revenues differently?

Do you expect staffing needs to change?

Will you take on any capital projects?

Other information will be asked to help inform the development of a new Government Affairs committee. The Chamber is and will continue to be apolitical, but we believe there is room for better advocacy for our members through data sharing and reporting. We are auditing the work of other Chambers who have been successful in this arena and build on what we learn.

We believe the best way to solve for future workforce needs is to build our own, but we need opinions and data to forge meaningful pathways for our students and current community workers. Understanding emerging needs and aligning relevant and timely educational offerings to deliver on those needs is crucial.

We also want to hear our members’ opinions on the Chamber’s programs and 

services. Some of our services that were suspended in the pandemic were replaced with new benefits that delivered greater value in a fast-changing world.

What are we doing that our members want to see expanded? What should go away? What are the best growth opportunities? What provides value in decision-making?

I understand this is a lot to ask about. So, we won’t ask our members to weigh in all at once. Rather, we will provide a series of short, easy-to-answer questions using an electronic platform.

In the time it takes to make a social media comment, chit-chat at the coffee shop or pass along thoughts in the grocery aisle, our members can offer valuable insights that become part of a larger, goal-driven narrative.

In recent years, our members have complimented the Chamber for being an information source. We look forward to sharing this information, especially that which helps businesses compare their own practices with others.

And, we hope to offer the needed context to get from being only an opinion to knowledge that which is verifiable and actionable.

McBride is the president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce.