ENGAGE:MEMBERSHIP 101

Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce

2016

Shannon McKinstry-Executive

Director

DISCUSSION

•How would you define a Chamber of Commerce and its role in a community?

DEFINITION OF A CHAMBER•A voluntary organization of the business community which unites the

efforts of business and professional individuals to improve the economy, build a better community and enable businesspeople to accomplish collectively what no one person or organization could do individually.

WHAT WE ARE NOT• A department of city, county or state government

• A political body, civic club or professional society

• Service, welfare or charitable institution

• A public relations agency

• An agency of the US Chamber of Commerce

WHY DO BUSINESSES JOIN?• Expand Networking Opportunities

• Programs and Events

• Credibility and Community Exposure

• Benefits & Promotional Opportunities

• Community Support – Good Neighbor

• Business Advocacy

• Recognition & Corporate Identity

• Increase Revenue and Raise Visibility

• Cost-Effective Business Savings

• Input on issues and future development

EACH CHAMBER IS UNIQUE•“If you’ve seen one Chamber then you’ve seen…..one Chamber”

•Each Chamber is unique and has its own feel

•Some things are true across the spectrum:• Networking

• Benefits

• Events

MISSION STATEMENT

•Our Mission Statement: To act as a catalyst for business and area organizations and to promote and develop a vital business environment, while considering the needs of the community and preserving the unique identity of the area.

CHAMBER INVESTMENT•Your membership investment is voluntary

•Dues are based upon business classification and number of employees

• Investment is renewable annually

•Your investment may be tax deductible as a business expense; but not as a charitable donation

CHAMBER GOVERNANCE•Governed by a 9 member Board of Directors, elected by the

Membership, which meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.

•The Chamber often utilizes committees and volunteers to carry out its program of work

•The Chamber has one full-time staff member

BOARD OF DIRECTORS• President: Dave Farmer-Culligan

• Vice President: Gary Altman-Calcite Credit Union

• Secretary: Mary Smuda-Tendercare

• Treasurer: Rose Fryske-Huron National Bank

• Member: Jeane Eberspacher-Chemical Bank

• Member: Amy Muckle-Real Estate One

• Member: Mary Pritchard-Domaci Gallery

• Member: Matt Rex-Family Fare

CHAMBER STAFF• Shannon McKinstry – Executive Director

COMMITTEES & TASK FORCES

• Ambassadors

• Facilities & Technology

• Member Services & Benefits

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES• Business After Hours

• Lunch & Learns

• Annual Dinner

SIGNATURE EVENTS• Annual Dinner

• Golf Outing

• Summer Concert Series

• Chamber Fun Fest

• Nautical Frost

• Christmas Passport

• Hops in the Hole

• Nautical Fest Pig Roast

• Chamber Home Show

• Prosperity Fair

CREDIBILITY & COMMUNITY EXPOSURE• Enhanced Directory Listing on Chamber’s

Website

• Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

• Home Show

• Sponsorship Opportunities

• Member Referrals

• Weekly E-Blast

• Community Guide

• New Member Packets

• Social Media

MEMBER BENEFITS• Postage Savings

• Free Notary Services

• Website Linkage

• Mailing Lists

• Member-to-Member Discounts

• Maps, Phone Books

• New Resident Packets

• Referrals

• Free Meeting Room Usage

• Marquee Usage

• Social Media Blasts

• Free Copies

• …plus more on the way!

TRAINING & EDUCATION

• Lunch and Learn Series

• Various Seminars

• Coming Soon: Young Entrepreneurs Club

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

• Keep Members informed on important business issues

• Support for issues important to our community (economic development, tourism, etc.)

RECOGNITION

• Recognition of Volunteers

• Awards & Public Recognition

• Member Referral Rewards Program

• Committee Involvement

CHAMBER PUBLICATIONS• Website

• Weekly E-Blast

• Online Surveys

• Community Guide & Member Directory

• Online Newsletter

• Social Media

WRAP UP• Can I answer any questions?

• ‘Like’ us on Facebook!

• Follow @rogerscitychamber on Twitter!

• Thank you for coming today!