The South Suburban Chamber of Commerce turns 10 years old this month.

The chamber, which serves Oak Creek and Franklin, allows professional people and businesses to organize and support civic, social and cultural improvements. As a voluntary partnership, the chamber assists with advertising, public relations and event planning.

"The way in which our chamber is different from some of the other local chambers is that we are truly a business-to-business organization," said Barbara Wesener, South Suburban Chamber of Commerce executive director.

"Some chambers are more focused on their communities or more civic organizations. Our chamber really has no boundaries. Anyone who wants to do business in this area can be a member."

Other benefits include employee educational programs, member-to-member discounts and career expos. The organization also connects its members with legislators and city officials.

"I would encourage the community to support their local businesses," Wesener said. "Our members offer a discount program to other members, and they can also post hot deals and job postings on the website for the general community."

Chamber: The backstory

In 2001, the Oak Creek and Franklin chambers merged to form the Southeastern Chamber United in Business (SECUB). Wesener was hired in 2005, when the chamber underwent a reevaluation and several changes.

In 2007, the chamber changed their name to the South Suburban Chamber of Commerce, which better described who they are: one-third Oak Creek residents, one-third Franklin residents and one-third residents of surrounding communities.

Today, the chamber consists of 375 entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations that are concerned with the socio-economic climate of the community.

The chamber hosts several events throughout the year, like the golf outing fundraiser for their scholarship program in July at the Muskego Lakes Country Club. It usually does 12 to 15 ribbon cutting celebrations each year for store openings and renovations in the area.

It is also part of the Business Health Care Group Southeastern Wisconsin, which is focused on trying to control and bring down the costs of health care throughout the entire region.