Kristyna Bronner
Did you know? A study on the value of joining a local chamber of commerce found that consumers are more likely to do business with a company when they know it’s a member of the local chamber. The research also shows that consumers are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of a business that is involved with a local chamber.
At the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, we work to ensure a bright economic future for our region, by recruiting new business and helping existing businesses address their needs. Check out what the Chamber can do to help your business grow:
1. Develop your network of customers and business connections.
In 2015, more than 15,000 people attended our more than 200 events. Through our events, we connect our members with potential customers, city and county officials and fellow business leaders. These events can range in size, and can be as big as our annual EXPO event, with more than 2,500 people. By joining the Chamber, our members become part of our valued business community, allowing them to form important relationships and generate sales leads.
2. Keep you up-to-date on business news.
We know our members are busy—so, we help them to stay in the know. We provide focused programming events to our members to share the inside scoop on the Chattanooga area and beyond. From changes in the law to new construction in the area, we let our members know how their businesses could be affected.
3. Spread the word.
From the day our members join the Chamber, our communications team works to elevate them through our marketing program. From sharing our members’ news digitally on the Chamber Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube accounts, or writing features in our publication ChattanoogaTREND, we strive to help all of our member businesses share their successes. Additionally, we work with both local and national media to tell our members’ stories to a diverse audience. Most importantly, we offer guidance when it comes to our members’ own marketing efforts—sharing our social media know-how and tips on dealing with the media.
4. Save you money.
We make your membership dollars work for you. From our Smart Buys program to our Member Discounts, we offer discounts and coupons for select business products and services. Additionally, each new member receives a money savings starter kit that includes discounted space at EXPO Chattanooga, gift certificates and five free lunches to our monthly Council meetings.
Impressed? This is just the start. To learn more about membership perks, contact Taylor Belcher and visit us at www.chattanoogachamber.com.
