makes good sense from a business perspective.” John Cooper, Mast General Store Publications Business Directory & Newcomer's Guide This annual, combined publication lists all members alphabetically and categorically. It is distributed free of charge to all members and available upon request for sale to others. Chamber Voice The monthly newsletter that keeps you informed about activities and upcoming events of your Chamber. It is published as an insert in the Watauga Democrat on the first Monday of the month, giving the Chamber Voice access to 25,600 readers each month. The theme of each issue is different, and the Chamber updates the web page each month to reflect the content of the newsletter. Advertising Opportunities Chamber publications and the web site offer effective and affordable advertising that is targeted toward your potential customers. Consider the advantages. Electronic Communications To complement the monthly newsletter, the Chamber issues a members-only electronic update, called e-Voice. It features upcoming Chamber programs, activities and events as well as other broad-based items of interest to members. Business Promotion Member businesses are encouraged to supply the Chamber office with brochures and business cards that will be distributed to potential residents and visitors. Referrals are made by the Chamber staff when someone visits the office or inquires by phone, e-mail, fax or mail about your specific type of business. As standard policy, we only refer to our members. So, in a very real sense, the Chamber staff works for you...every business day. During the past year, the Chamber’s web site scored 1,153,324 page views, while the complementary tourism web site logged 879,757 page views. The trend continues to rise. Our members are our customers, and our members are our owners. We want to help provide assistance in meeting and convention planning, in making the connections with prospective customers and community resources, in helping small businesses get off the ground and in helping your business gain exposure, become more visible and become more involved in the community.
A display featuring the Program Partners’ logos travels with us to all chamber functions throughout the year..
Sponsorships The Chamber offers a full spectrum of sponsorships for members to consider. These are legitimate marketing opportunities designed to put your business in the spotlight. Here is a representative sampling of events from the pamphlet that is available to Chamber members. Annual Meeting – The general meeting of the membership provides an opportunity to report on accomplishments and adopt the annual business plan. Several annual awards are presented to recognize outstanding achievements by community leaders and Chamber volunteers.
Boone Business Expo – Our annual business-to-business trade show is a one-day exposition showcasing member businesses to the general public.
Economic Development Roundtable Forum – A series of breakfast meetings that feature speakers with special expertise in some facet of economic development. These sessions provide business owners and executives with an informal format for discussing economic development trends, common concerns and local workforce issues. Education Summit – A forum designed to bring together all stakeholders to address the “State of the Schools” and promote exchange on the critical issues and trends facing our school system in the 21st century. JobLink Appreciation Luncheon – An annual event to honor the community’s leading employers and community advocates. The centerpiece is the presentation of the Alfred Adams Business Leadership Award to an individual who has had a positive and lasting impact on the business community. Last Chance Golf Tournament – A member-guest tournament with a best ball format. It’s a great event with multiple opportunities to highlight your business at various participation levels. Lunch & Learn – A series of lunch hour presentations that are designed to familiarize members with the various functions and operations of Boone town government.
Participation in Chamber committees and attendance at Chamber functions offer opportunities to meet prospective customers. It’s been said that we are the “Chamber of Contacts.” Here are some of the programs that add value to the membership investment: Shop Watauga First – The Chamber champions a comprehensive and multi-faceted program to promote the advantages of shopping locally. The initiative helps differentiate the uniqueness of the Boone area, while educating residents, visitors, tourists, summer residents, college students and their parents about the scope of services and products available in the region. Member-to-Member Discounts – Chamber members offer special discounts and promotions to other Chamber members and their employees, providing unique economic advantages not available to regular customers. Business Advisory NETWORK – Offers one-hour of free consultation to Chamber members with professionals in the fields of accounting, banking, financial planning, human resources management, insurance, law, marketing, small business development and technology. The NETWORK is designed to help small business members who are looking to improve their internal systems or processes, their ability to efficiently deliver goods and services and expand market share.
Educational Seminars – The Chamber frequently joins with the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute and other organizations to encourage participation in a wide range of workshops, seminars and conferences that help business owners and operators become more successful and productive. Wake Up, Watauga – An early morning forum designed to bring out the best guest speakers from the fields of business and industry, education and government. This series gives Chamber members an opportunity to engage in lively dialogue with today’s newsmakers.
Leadership Skills
Other Advantages
Discounted Print Advertising – Each new member receives a certificate for free advertising (up to one-fourth of a page) with the purchase of at least a one-fourth-page ad in any of the High Country Media publications. With a value of $187, for most small businesses, this offer exceeds the cost of a one-year membership! Disability Insurance – Members are eligible for Group Life and Disability Income Insurance, offered through CTGroup of Utica, N.Y. Any insurance agent who is a member of the Chamber can sell the coverage. A variety of group life, short-term disability and long-term disability plans are offered. Worker’s Compensation Plan – All members may apply for a NC Retail Self-Insurers Plan. Designed to reduce cost and hassle, the plan is offered through Chamber member Independent Insurance agents. Chamber Cheques – The smart way to shop. Chamber Cheques are available exclusively through the Chamber of Commerce. They work better than gift certificates, because Chamber Cheques are real checks and can be redeemed at any participating Chamber-member business. This built-in flexibility offers distinct advantages that simplify gift-giving decisions. Grand Opening Services – The Chamber is ready to assist you with your celebration! Grand openings, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, anniversary celebrations. Events are fee-based and conducted on a first come, first serve basis during normal working hours. Mailing Labels – Target your company’s mailings to 900+ area business leaders by using the best mailing list around. (The fee is $60 for members only.)
Tax Deduction – The Chamber serves as an advocate organization for area businesses, so your Chamber membership investment is deductible as a necessary business expense. Money-Back Guarantee – he Chamber stands behind its products and services and is pleased to offer new members a 90-day guarantee. If a business joins the Chamber and is not fully satisfied with the level of service, we will return the investment. All we ask is that the new member attends at least three Chamber events to give us a try. New Member Recruitment – The best form of recruitment is through word-of-mouth by current Chamber members. If a Chamber member provides us a lead that results in the recruitment of a new business, a complimentary luncheon is your reward. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
