President's Letter: Top 10 Reasons to Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce
Membership. We have members renewing every month – and July is our biggest renewal month.
What does it mean to you? When the Carlisle Area Chamber started over 100 years ago, the focus of the Chamber was to provide an opportunity for local businesses to come together and form an advocacy group.
Today, one of the best studies about the impact of chambers of commerce has come from The Shapiro Group, Inc. We’d love to dust it off and share it with you sometime.
But for now, read this top 10 list of reasons why you should join your local chamber of commerce supplied by 10 local chambers across the United States.
Membership brings credibility to your business. You can increase positive perception among consumers and business owners when you’re identified as a member of a chamber of commerce.
Increase your visibility in the community. As a new member of the Chamber, you will be listed in the Chamber newsletter, e-newsletter, on Facebook, and have the opportunity to be highlighted in other Chamber publications. You also can grow your business by advertising with the Chamber and sponsoring events. The Chamber can also promote your grand opening/ribbon-cutting ceremony and assist with any public relations efforts.
Create networking opportunities. Chambers have numerous committees and serving on one of them provides numerous networking opportunities as well as professional leadership development. You can build your business while promoting your achievements to local businesses and the community at large.
Gain a voice in government. The local Chamber takes on the tough issues and opposes new regulations, taxes, fees, assessments and costs directed at small businesses. It also helps protect the principles of free enterprise and aids businesses in being treated fairly.
Make business contacts. The Chamber’s most fundamental mission is to generate more business activity for the community. The Chamber initiates more business-to-business commerce and more opportunities for networking and connecting local professionals than is available through most other local organizations.
Receive Chamber newsletters. Newsletters provide new member information, interesting information about operating a local business, articles about the local community, a community calendar, and details about up-and-coming chamber events, among other things.
Acquire customer referrals. Every day, your local Chamber receives calls from individuals and businesses looking for potential vendors, and Chamber members typically recommend Chamber members.
Chamber events and programs. Chamber events and programs provide members with great opportunities to get to know new people and expand their prospect base. Chamber events are innovative and fun ways to help members meet potential customers, clients and vendors— and generate new business leads.
Promotion and publicity. With a Chamber membership, you can reach potential clients through member-exclusive advertising and opportunities for business-to-business advertising and publicity.
Access to members-only discounts and services – like the Chamber Choice, On Demand Energy, and Chamber+ programs.
Thank you for being a Chamber member – we really appreciate your support!