10 Ways to Get the Most From Your Chamber Membership

The simplest way to maximize your membership is to attend events. Networking events (like Coffee Chat), ribbon cuttings, educational workshops, and lunch and learns put you face-to-face with other members, community leaders, and potential customers.

Visibility builds trust, and trust builds business.

We offer a member directory, website listings, Facebook and LinkedIn shout outs for members. Take advantage of it! Ensure your business profile is up to date, includes a compelling description, and links to your website and social media. We also tag members online, engage with your posts to boost visibility. Not sure what we will do for you on social - ask.

Speaking of...

The Chamber provides exclusive opportunities to advertise on our website and digital sign, sponsor events, or be featured in our Meet the Member Monday videos. These are far more affordable than traditional advertising and directly reach a targeted local audience. We also offer a member-to-member deals through our Member app.

Sponsorships aren't just about logos on banners - they're about association and visibility. Whether you sponsor a lunch and learn, co-host a networking mixer, or provide space for a meeting, you position your organization as a local leader and supporter of the community.

Not into event sponsorships? There are other opportunities such as sponsoring giveaways or in-kind donations. We are doing some innovative and fun events with creative sponsorship opportunities. We are always open to our members suggesting your own.

We are your voice at city hall and beyond. Stay informed about local legislation, zoning issues, and economic development initiatives that affect your business. We host candidate forums, legislative briefings, or policy committees - get involved to shape the future of your local economy. Additionally, voice your concerns and opinions so we know best how to advocate for you and your industry.

From business planning to digital marketing to hiring best practices, we often host workshops, webinars, and panel discussions to keep you abreast of trends and best practices. Use them.

These sessions can save you hours of research - and sometimes thousands of dollars. Plus, you know the products, services, and companies presented in these learning ops are vetted and (usually) fellow Chamber members.

The Chamber is a goldmine of potential partnerships. Need a CPA? Looking for a nonprofit to support? Want a trusted supplier? Look at your fellow Chamber members first. When you do business with others in the Chamber, you contribute to a stronger, more connected local economy. These new partners may also send business your way.

People want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Share your milestones, success stories, or community impact with us. We are happy to highlight member achievements in our Friday emails or on social media - it's great exposure and helps build your reputation.

Get personal. If we ask for a new member writeup for your business. Give it some thought. What do you want people to know most about you? How can you make them more curious about you so they'll sample your offerings? Don't just copy and past your website's about page. You want to give people moments where they feel connected to you. Ask yourself what is it about you and your business that people will identify with or find interesting.

Your membership isn't just for you - it's for your whole team. Encourage staff to attend networking events, professional development events and leadership programs, or industry roundtables. It can boost morale, expand your reach, and help with talent retention.

Finally, know the Chamber is a member-driven organization. If you're unsure how to plug in or have an idea for a new program or service, speak up. We are always eager to help and love hearing member feedback. Your input could lead to new initiatives that benefit the whole community.