IHK Gesellschaft für Informationsverarbeitung mbH

IHK — Three letters that almost everyone has heard before. They represent the network of 79 chambers of industry and commerce. The IHKs are economic institutions for the economy and at home in the regions. They are anchored here and know what's driving the economy. Together with their member companies, they assume responsibility in their regions and contribute to improving the conditions for prosperity and growth.

Service providers for the economy

The IHKs promote local business and provide it with a wide range of consulting services and tailor-made services. In this way, they assist company founders, provide information on legal or tax issues and advise on expanding into international markets. At the same time, the IHKs are keeping an eye on trends and new topics.

Fulfilment of government tasks — in the service of companies

As public bodies, the IHKs carry out over 50 tasks entrusted to them by the state on their own responsibility and independently. One of the best known examples is the commitment to and for dual vocational training, with which young people have been starting their careers for generations.

Democratically legitimized representation of interests

However, the IHKs are more than just a service provider. Their proximity to the regional economy makes them a sought-after point of contact for politics and administration: The IHKs bundle the diverse interests of their members and ensure a fair consideration of the concerns of various industries and companies. The IHKs are member-supported and democratically structured: The most important body is the General Assembly. In the election, every company — regardless of its size — has one vote. As the mouthpiece of their companies, the IHKs actively shape the economic and social framework conditions.

Personal responsibility as a life principle

The actions of the IHKs are based on their self-image as an independent organization. The idea behind it: The economy itself can regulate many issues that concern it in a practical and unbureaucratic manner - and thus also relieve the state. The IHKs also bring people closer to entrepreneurial action. The Honorable Businessman is and remains the guiding principle for their actions. All commercial enterprises in Germany - with the exception of craft businesses, liberal professions and agricultural businesses - are members of a Chamber of Industry and Commerce.