Did you know that consumers are 60 percent more likely to buy from a chamber member? It’s true. The American Chamber of Commerce Executives recently conducted a national survey that proves it.
Every day, we ask ourselves the tough question, “Why is ______ not a member of the chamber?”
Believe it or not, we have businesses in our community who are not chamber members. We are constantly seeking ways to contact and connect them with what we do. We really do have something for everyone here.
Sometimes, it’s just simply a matter of asking someone to be a member. Many times, business owners are waiting for us to come to them. We have a small staff, and we are trying to get around to everyone. But if we haven’t called yet, go ahead and call us first.
Sometimes, a business owner will tell us that budgets are tight, and they just can’t spend the money right now. We understand that, too. We must say, in tough times, the chamber works hard to promote our member partners. How can you afford not to be a member?
Where else can you, for a very reasonable membership investment, get the free publicity and referrals that we can offer here?
We can help you market your business like no one else.
And, sometimes a business owner will say, “I just don’t have the time.”
Great news — you don’t have to invest your time in the chamber. That’s not a requirement for membership.
When you become a member, we do the work for you. You don’t have to join a committee, come to meetings or spend time away from your business just to be a chamber member.
We will add, that if you want to improve your community, there are wonderful opportunities to get involved with our programs and events, and that doesn’t cost extra.
When a business joins the chamber, they are paying for our services and marketing expertise in helping to provide their business with the tools, resources and exposure it needs to be successful.
We offer so many benefits that can help save your business money, such as UPS shipping discounts, First Data merchant services and payment processing opportunities and savings, discounted health, life and dental insurance for your employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield, postage discounts for bulk mailing and so much more.
Now, who doesn’t want to save money? I have yet to encounter a business that has said no to that. Perhaps, you are a chamber member, and you are still wondering what we are doing for you. Check us out, and put us to the test. We want you to challenge us to give you the details on how we’re helping your business and this community every single day.
All you have to do is ask us to help you, check out our resources and put us to work for you.
If you’re not a chamber member, I encourage you to give us a try.
In last week’s Commonwealth Profile edition, we shared four testimonials of happy chamber members who know and appreciate the value of a strong local chamber of commerce. Each were eager to tell the world how the chamber has helped to make their business and this community more successful.
We’re proud of what we do and of what we offer. We hope you’ll see the value in our services. Check us out. We dare you.
• Beth Stevens is the executive director of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at chamberevp@bellsouth.net.
