Welcome to Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce

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Effective Date: [JANUARY 1, 2020]

By enrolling in membership with the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Corporation® (“ILBCOC,” “the Chamber”), you agree to the following terms, policies, and conditions.

Membership with ILBCOC is a voluntary investment into the Chamber’s business ecosystem. By submitting a membership application and payment, the member agrees to:

• Abide by the Chamber’s mission, values, and code of conduct 
• Conduct business ethically and professionally 
• Respect Chamber leadership, staff, volunteers, and fellow members 
• Comply with all membership policies outlined herein
   

The Chamber reserves the right to approve, deny, suspend, or terminate membership at its discretion if policies are violated.

All membership dues and fees paid to the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Corporation® are non-refundable.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Annual or monthly membership dues 
• Upgraded membership tiers 
• Renewals 
• Administrative fees
   

No refunds, partial refunds, credits, or chargebacks will be issued for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Non-participation in Chamber programs 
• Voluntary resignation or cancellation 
• Business closure 
• Dissatisfaction with services 
• Changes in personal or business circumstances
   

Membership benefits are made available upon activation and access to Chamber resources constitutes fulfillment of services.

The Chamber conducts executive-level discussions, strategic planning meetings, economic advocacy sessions, and private member-only forums.

By submitting payment for your membership, you agree to:

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding any non-public information shared during Chamber meetings 
• Not disclose, record, reproduce, distribute, or share confidential discussions 
• Protect sensitive business, financial, legislative, or strategic information shared by Chamber leadership, executives, staff, partners, or fellow members 
• Refrain from using confidential information for personal competitive advantage
   

Confidential information includes but is not limited to:

• Strategic initiatives 
• Economic development plans 
• Funding discussions 
• Corporate or government negotiations 
• Private member conversations 
• Internal operational matters
   

Violation of confidentiality may result in immediate membership termination without refund and may subject the violator to legal action if applicable.

Members are expected to:

• Engage respectfully in all Chamber settings (virtual and in-person) 
• Avoid harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior 
• Represent the Chamber positively in public and online spaces 
• Avoid defamatory statements regarding the Chamber or its leadership
   

Failure to uphold professional conduct standards may result in suspension or termination of membership without refund.

All Chamber materials, programs, branding, event formats, strategic frameworks, and proprietary systems remain the intellectual property of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Corporation®.

Members may not copy, replicate, distribute, or commercialize Chamber intellectual property without written authorization.

Membership benefits are subject to change at the discretion of the Chamber to improve programming and member value.

The Chamber does not guarantee specific financial outcomes, contracts, funding awards, or business results as a condition of membership.

The Chamber reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership for:

• Violation of policies 
• Breach of confidentiality 
• Ethical misconduct 
• Actions that damage the Chamber’s reputation
   

Termination does not entitle the member to any refund of dues or fees.

By submitting a membership application and payment, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understand these Membership Terms & Policies 
• You agree to the No Refund Policy 
• You agree to the Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure provisions 
• You accept the responsibilities of Chamber membership