Membership Has Its Benefits: Reasons To Join
Companies and individuals are missing out on valuable opportunities and benefits if they aren’t chamber members. A recent study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce lists five key reasons why people should join a local chamber: validation and credibility, networking opportunities, access to information, government advocacy and purchasing benefits.
Validation and Credibility
Florence Area Chamber members are immediately listed on the chamber’s website, which receives thousands of hits per month. And according to a study by the American Chamber of Commerce, when consumers know that a small business is a chamber member, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of that business. They are also 63 percent more likely to purchase that company’s goods or services.
Networking Opportunities
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce reserves time specifically for networking at all of their monthly meetings. Those meetings include Membership Luncheons and After Hours Mixers.
Access to Information
Chamber meetings, events and other communications are all designed to educate, motivate and inform members. For example, the programs the chamber offers provide information that businesses need to stay relevant, and also address topics catered to meet the needs of both small businesses and large corporations.
Government Advocacy
The Florence Area Chamber advocates for members by monitoring local issues to let them know what may affect their businesses and the community. Through the chamber's partnership with the city and county governments as well as with the Lane County Economic Development Council and the Travel Lane County, the chamber is the voice for business.
Purchasing Benefits
Being a part of the Florence Area Chamber has many benefits, including shopping advantages. Many businesses will offer business to business discounts to other members, plus we offer the use of our bulk mail permit.
A complete list of benefits:
• Business Referrals – The Chamber receives many inquiries and of course, the Chamber only recommends its members.
• Networking – Membership meetings, business mixers, special events and new member receptions provide excellent opportunities to network with other Chamber businesses.
• Educational Programming – From speakers at membership meetings once a month, to educational seminars, the Chamber offers many programs to educate businesses and serves as a sounding board for problem solving.
• Government Advocacy – The Chamber monitors local issues and lets you know what may affect your business.
• Leadership – Many opportunities exist for showcasing and improving your leadership skills.
• Tax Deduction – Florence Area Chamber dues are 100% tax deductible as business expense.
• Business Promotion – Numerous opportunities exist for you to promote your business through the Chamber.
• Chamber Directory – Your company is listed by business category, in the annual Business Profile magazine, and is included on the Chamber's website member listing.
• Prestige – When consumers know that a business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
• Ribbon Cuttings – Ribbon Cutting events for members' new business openings/additions/expansions.
290 Highway 101, Florence, OR 97439 Phone number: 541.997.3128
“The Mission of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is to champion the future of the greater Florence community as an innovative leader in economic vitality and active lifestyle”
