There was an interesting essay in the Chapel Hill News by Steve Hutton which asked the question: "Should government agencies be members of the N.C. Chamber of Commerce or any of the over 160 local chambers?"
http://www.chapelhillnews.com/2011/03/06/62941/joining-chamber-is-risky.html
The Chapel Hill Town Council is currently a member of the local CoC. Is this a good idea?