Be prepared. More than 60 members of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce seek your membership this month.
These members are armed with some tips for selling memberships they learned Tuesday night at a membership drive kick-off held at Chamber offices on U.S. 82.
Beth Henderson, executive vice president of the Chamber, stressed the importance of promoting the organization to the 30 gathered members. "When the community is doing good, business is doing good. That trickles down to the individual."
This year's goal is $12,000 worth of memberships. Memberships start at a basic $155 and go up from there based on the business and number of employees.
The Chamber currently claims a roster of more than 750 members.
Henderson handed out some facts that make memberships in the Chamber irresistible. Since last year, the Chamber offers a Blue Cross Blue Shield medical insurance policy, which gives a 3 percent discount to members.
The new Chamber Web site at www.greenwoodms.com lists its members and contact information.
Henderson also addressed some common objections people offer when asked to join the Chamber. If they say they'll think about it, she advised, ask "What is there to think about?" Give answers to specific questions.
If prospects beg off because they're not interested, talk about your experience about joining the Chamber, Henderson explained.
Dawne Holmes, membership chairman, planned a baseball theme for this year's membership drive. Two teams, the Redbirds and the Braves, will square off for a chance at prizes including a night at The Alluvian hotel and two round-trip tickets to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies.
The number of new recruits will be tallied up by Chamber staff.
Holmes expects a record year. "This really is a team effort."
Chamber members help plan classic Greenwood events, such as the annual Christmas parade and Fourth of July celebration. A membership also earns you a mention when out-of-towners ask about Greenwood businesses.
Jim Stallings of Greenwood has several people he's eager to contact. He joined soon after he arrived back home last August. "I want to show people I care and that the Chamber cares."
