EVERY business, every non-profit, every organization in this community should examine its cost-justification in relation to becoming a part of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce.
If you are already a member, you have probably done this exercise, and concluded that being a member of this business organization returns your business more than the $23/month it costs to belong.
If you haven’t become a member, let’s cost-justify it now.
As a Chamber member, your organization demonstrates that it supports other businesses, champions the community, is a team player, and wants to be a part of a growing economy. What’s that worth to your business?
Why should you commit that $23/month? Because membership in the local chamber offers numerous benefits and keeps business owners on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends within their community and local marketplace. You must take advantage of available opportunities in order to earn a return, but the returns are there.
AND, research points out that consumers are more likely to do business with a company if it’s a member of their local chamber of commerce. What’s that worth?
According a research study by The Shapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street Services, when potential customers know that a small business is a local-Chamber member, they are 44 percent more likely to view that business positively; and, 63 percent more likely to buy goods or services from the company.
Still don’t have the money or the time? Consider the following:
- Most consumers (59 percent) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is a positive business strategy. And, 26 percent find that Chamber membership adds positive impact to a business’ reputation.
- If a company shows that it’s highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the Chamber board, works as an ambassador, or volunteers), consumers are 12 percent more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition. It conveys a feeling that the member-company is trustworthy, is involved in the community, and is an industry leader.
- A couple of study examples listed were that if consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40 percent more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months. And, if those consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 43 percent more likely to consider choosing that company.
Still not ready to join us?
Let’s talk about community for a moment. Why should we support other business-owners? If the entire community is more successful, vibrant, profitable, isn’t that good for your business? And, working with, and networking with, other business people who are like-minded in their support of community must be a benefit for your business.
In my business, like most, I’m much more successful, if I can help other businesses that I work with to be more successful. Why wouldn’t I want to do that?
If every area-business joined the Chamber, we’d have more resource to effect more positive results. We’d have a bigger network to enhance each of our businesses. We’d have a larger pool of expertise to draw from and to share. And, we’d have financial advantages that would allow us to take on more projects, more education, more support in a variety of areas, and to have more impact in the community.
The Chamber can be a tool that can effect change, and enhance business, as well as impact other areas in the community. It seems like $23/month is a good investment. Why not call the Chamber office today, (517)278-5985, or email the Chamber office today at info@coldwaterchamber.com to get involved?
