10 Reasons Why Chamber Membership Is One of the Best Investments You Can Make

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Is Chamber Membership Worth It?

Not if you don’t know why you’re joining.?

Below you’ll learn some of the ways membership with the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber can benefit you professionally and why it is a worthwhile investment for your business.

When meeting or speaking with Chamber staff you should be very clear about what you want out of membership. When they know what you want, they can help get you on the right track. The chamber offers many benefits, and to get what you’re looking for, you need to ensure the chamber knows what that is. ?

If you’re not sure what you need from the chamber, look at a list of member benefits and make a mental note of which of these things are the most important to you/your business. Below is NOT an all-inclusive list; in fact it’s only ? of the most important benefits, but we’ll save the rest for another day. If you’d like to see them all, you can view them on our website HERE. ?

1. Networking Opportunities:?Let’s start with the obvious. Chambers offer various networking events, such as mixers and industry-focused lunches, where businesspeople can connect with other professionals, potential clients,?partners, and mentors. Building relationships is one of the best ways to help your business grow. Your next opportunity is Thursday, June 20th when we enjoy Business After Hours, sponsored by Century Bank of Georgia , and hosted by Darnell Jackson Jr of Jackson Park Creations . Don’t forget your business cards! ?

2. Visibility and Exposure:?Membership comes with a listing in the chamber's directory, both online and in print. This can increase your business's visibility and credibility in the local community. As a member you’re also invited to all events at a reduced rate – did you catch Governor Kemp at the Quarterly Luncheon last month?

? 3. Credibility and Trust:?Being a chamber member can enhance your business' reputation as the chamber is generally seen as a credible organization that supports businesses. Membership shows your community you care about the area and have made an investment in it. Becoming a chamber member can also help people get to know your business (and show you’re connected) if you’re new in town. Make sure you get your annual member decal to prominently display in your storefront window and add the Chamber logo to your website too. ?

4. Advocacy and Representation:?Chambers represent the interests of local businesses to government bodies and policymakers, giving you a voice in local economic and regulatory matters. Being a member makes you part of something larger and thus amplifies your voice and business needs. ?

5. Business Education:?Chambers organize seminars, workshops, and training sessions to help members stay updated on industry trends, business strategies, and best practices. Members and guests can learn from top-notch thought leaders for just the cost of membership or a token expense to cover the meal. It’s one of the most affordable (and best-kept secrets) in business education. Our next opportunity is the HR Academy on June 27th, sponsored by NOTS Logistics, LLC .?

6. Marketing Opportunities:?The Chamber offers an array of advertising and sponsorship opportunities, allowing businesses to market themselves to the wider community. They often have large audiences/good traffic, name recognition, and a strong reputation—all helpful when looking where to spend your marketing budget. ?

7. Access to Resources:?Members can access resources such as business development guides, market research, and economic data to help them make informed decisions. ?We also offer extensive leadership programs for interested members to help you achieve your leadership goals like Leadership Bartow and more. ?

8. Discounts and Exclusive Offers:?As a chamber we negotiate discounts on products and services, ranging from insurance and office supplies to software and event tickets. We offer exclusive member-to-member discounts as well. You can check some of them out HERE. ?

9. Referral Network:?We refer our members to others who are looking for specific products or services, increasing your business's chances of gaining new clients.

10.?Workforce Development/Staffing/Talent Recruitment: We have a dedicated director-level staff person who is committed to both the job seeker and the employer. Our job board is consistently maintained and opportunities are shared for development, internships and more. View them all HERE.

The Cartersville-Bartow Chamber is a member-based organization?that?strives to ensure the entire community is working together. Our biggest asset is our people and our leadership. Our city and county governments, school systems, colleges, non-profits, and business community all collaborate for the betterment of all involved. The Chamber also works closely with the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development to attract the highest quality business and industry prospects as well as to provide educational and growth opportunities to current and future businesses both large and small. We invite and encourage members to be active members, participating in programs of interest and benefit to them and their businesses. The Chamber has a dedicated Board of Directors comprised of a diverse representation of Chamber members elected by the general membership, all focused on serving member business interests on many levels.

Written by Christina Metcalf. Edited by Julie Carroll and Charity Gherardini.