E C O N O M I C
Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC)
D E V E L O P
In 2008, the Chamber opened the Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC). The EEC is a small business incubator program that provides affordable rental space and services to early stage companies seeking to expand and create new jobs in New Castle County. The EEC is co-located with the Chamber’s offices and has12,000 square feet available for early stage companies. Since the program started, the 24 incubator companies have created over 105 new jobs and we estimate that the companies have generated total revenues of over $21 million.
The Chamber is seeking sponsorship support to help cover the costs of operation and technology services for incubator tenants. Sponsorship recognition will include the sponsor’s name on all related marketing material, and it can also include “naming rights” for various areas and rooms in the EEC. This innovative program provides an outstanding opportunity to support economic growth in New Castle County. INVESTMENT: Gold: $10,000 Silver: $5,000 Bronze: $2,500
Economic Forecast Luncheon………………………………………………………….February 13
The Chamber will recap the economic activities of 2014 and discuss the potential outlook for the County’s economy in the upcoming year. The annual Economic Forecast event will also feature a panel of local business experts to discuss economic trends in the county. The Economic Forecast Luncheon has become quite popular, in fact, last year the event sold out.
INVESTMENT: Gold: $2,500 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $500
Economic Development Luncheon……………………………………………………..October 15
Inaugurated in 2012, this annual luncheon event gathers Delaware business, community and political leaders to celebrate economic development successes for the year, to hear from a featured keynote speaker, and to support the Chamber’s ongoing economic development efforts.
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INVESTMENT: Gold: $2,500 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $500
O P M E N T
P R O G R A M S
Cutting Edge Seminar
Groundbreaking research, revolutionary manufacturing technologies and multi-disciplinary processes are being developed right here in New Castle County, Delaware. This seminar series shines a spotlight on companies that are doing cutting edge work right here in our own back yard. Past topics have included bioinformatics, nanotechnology, fuel cell technology, and solar energy. INVESTMENT: Gold: $2,500 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $500
Chamberpalooza IV…………………………………………………………………….February 20
As we move into 2015, the Chamber is pleased to host Chamberpalooza at World Cafe Live at The Queen in Wilmington. What better way to kick off the New Year and raise funds to support the activities of the Emerging Enterprise Center, than by enjoying an evening of rock and roll? This year, we are hosting a battle of the bands featuring local musicians who will compete to win the title of “2015 Official Band of the Chamber.” Make plans for a great office party to chase away the winter blues! INVESTMENT: Presenting Sponsor: $5,000 Band Sponsor: $3,000 Palooza Sponsor: $1,500
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B U S I N E S S
E D U C A T
Over the last few years, the Chamber has revamped its business education activities into a coordinated Business Education Program that is tailored to meet the needs of our members in today’s ever changing technology-based environment. We have continued to fine tune our outstanding workshops and seminars to provide the most access and value to our members.
Business Education Series
This year, the Chamber is offering the opportunity for a company to be the sponsor of the entire Business Education Series, which would include the Business Fundamentals Workshops, the very popular Finding Your Next Customer seminars and the Non-Profit Forums. This sponsorship would provide an ongoing opportunity to reach the small business market and create consistent visibility every month. We are also offering the opportunity to sponsor just the Business Education Programs or the Non-Profit Forums or an individual event. . INVESTMENT: Entire Series: $7,500 Business Education Sponsor (Business Fundamentals & Finding Your Next Customer): $5,000 Non-Profit Forums: $2,000 Individual Event: $500
Business Fundamentals
The Chamber’s bimonthly Business Fundamentals series tackles those nuts-and-bolts aspects of running a business that everyone has to master. With an expert speaker and a smaller class size, we tackle the tough stuff – including pricing strategies, cash flow issues, business valuation, and tax loopholes. We strive to deliver key takeaways and additional resources to get business owners and employees out the door and back to work with solutions in hand.
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A T I O N
P R O G R A M S
Finding Your Next Customer
Marketing, networking, and social media are the themes of Finding Your Next Customer, a series focused on helping attendees grow their business. Combining marketing experts from Delaware firms and knowledgeable, local practitioners, these seminars deliver timely, battle-tested best practices on everything from Search Engine Optimization to social media 3.0, setting each topic in a strategic context that allows business owners to work smart, not hard, to grow their business. This series includes valuable seminars plus networking!
Non-Profit Forum (4 times per year)
The Chamber has over 90 non-profit organizations as members and we know that operating a non-profit organization in today’s challenging economic climate requires a number of special talents and a solid connection with the business community. The Non-Profit Forum provides the opportunity for our nonprofit members to come together to obtain valuable information and promote the mission of their organization.
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G O V E R N M E N T
A F FA I R S
Policy Makers, Movers and Shakers…………………………………………… (year-round) To provide our members the opportunity to meet and engage in dialogue about the issues that matter to them, the Chamber will host a series of events featuring key elected officials from all levels of government. Speakers for this series include members of the Delaware Congressional Delegation, the Governor, the County Executive, and panel discussions featuring Senior State Legislators and Committee Chairs.
INVESTMENT: Gold: $3,000 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $750
A Day on Capitol Hill ……………………………………………………………………..May 19 Each year, the Chamber hosts a delegation of New Castle County business leaders on a day long visit to Washington, D.C. to meet with our congressional delegation and national issue leaders. After a day on the Hill, a reception will be held which provides an opportunity to network with other business and government leaders from our region. A Day on Capitol Hill is an excellent opportunity for members to visit our nation’s capitol and hear directly from the members of Delaware’s Congressional Delegation and their senior staff about major policy issues. INVESTMENT: Gold: $3,000 Silver: $1,000 Bronze: $500
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S P E C I A L
E V E N T S
Annual Dinner……………………………………….………………………………………….March 23 The Chamber’s Annual Dinner provides our members access to elected officials and a great opportunity for networking. Each year, we have a featured speaker from the world of business or politics, and present awards. This is the Chamber's largest event of the year and draws a crowd in excess of 750. The Annual Dinner will be held in March and for the fourth year in a row, we will announce the winner of the "Swim with the Sharks" video pitch competition where the winning early stage company will receive start up funding for their business. You do not want to miss the opportunity to be part of this outstanding and memorable evening. . INVESTMENT: Speaker: TBD Gold: $8,000 Silver: $5,000 Bronze: $3,500 Coffee/Dessert: $1,500
25th Silver Anniversary Entrepreneurial & Business Women’s Expo…….November 12
This popular event provides educational opportunities for attendees while expanding foot traffic for sponsors and vendors. The Expo is designed to motivate and inspire business women at all levels, build lasting relationships, and embrace all opportunities! Attendees, exhibitors and sponsors are provided with endless networking opportunities, outstanding educational workshops, a business resource center and motivational programs. There are over 120 exhibitors and over 600 attendees. INVESTMENT: Gold: $5,000 Silver: $3,000 Bronze: $1,750 Success Hour: $1,500
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S P E C I A L
E V E N T S
Chamber Awards Luncheon……………………………………………………………………May 7 Celebrate business success by honoring the Entrepreneur of the Year with the County Chamber! Each year, the Chamber recognizes a local business owner who has not only succeeded with their business, but has demonstrated that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in New Castle County. The Entrepreneurial Advocate of the Year award, Ambassador of the Year award and several other recognition awards are also presented. The lunch attracts over 300 attendees. INVESTMENT: Gold: $3,000 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $750
Chamber Charity Golf Outing…………………………………….…………………………. June 5
In 2015, the Chamber will be holding its 9th annual Chamber Charity Challenge Golf outing. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a Chamber non-profit. Past recipients have included the Alzheimer’s Association, United Way, member fire departments, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Bear Babe Ruth Little League, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County and Delaware Kids Fund. INVESTMENT: Event Sponsor: $5,000 Gold: $3,000 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $750
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NETWORKING PROGRAM
The Networking Program provides a wide range of options by offering networking at lunch time, mid-afternoon and evening. There are also several special networking events (Speed Networking and Mega Marketplace) for our members to connect with their next customer. In total, there are 30 separate networking events that can provide sponsors with an outstanding marketing opportunity to reach the small business market. Sponsorship of networking events can include display tables, presentation time at the event (when appropriate), tickets to each event and the opportunity for promotional give-aways at individual events. The Chamber will also include the presenting sponsor’s name on all printed and digital material, and signage at the event.
Presenting Sponsor (30 events throughout the year)
The Chamber has already selected dates and locations for many of the networking events and we are seeking one company to be the sponsor of the entire Networking Program. This sponsorship would provide an ongoing opportunity to reach the small business market and create consistent visibility. Over 5,000 business people participated in the Chamber’s networking program last year. INVESTMENT: $5,000
SpringFest …………………………………………………….…………………………………April 16 This is a mini trade show that features over 30 vendors and attracts over 300 people. The SpringFest kicks off the Chamber’s official spring season and provides a great opportunity for those warm weather businesses such as home improvement and landscaping companies to get a jump on their spring sales while providing our members access to a wide range of products and services. A portion of the proceeds from the Silent Auction will be donated to a Chamber charity organization. INVESTMENT: Gold: $1,000 Silver: $500 Bronze: $250
Rockwood Ice Cream Festival………..…………..…………………..…………………. June 27 - 28
Experience family fun for children of all ages at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival at Rockwood. Featuring vendors, live music, local restaurants, ecocrafters and local creameries serving the region's best ice creams, you won't want to miss this! The Chamber will be offering opportunites for our members to purchase discounted vendor booths at the event. INVESTMENT: Call (302) 294-2062 for opportunities.
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N E T W O R K I N G
Crab Cakes & Craft Beer Fest………..…………….…………..……..…………..September 10
Join the Chamber for our first Annual Crab Cakes & Craft Beer Fest featuring local and regional craft beers to wash down your favorite summer picnic foods. Enjoy music, entertainment and best crab cake contest! INVESTMENT: Gold: $1,000 Silver: $500 Bronze: $250
WinterFest: Tabletop & Networking Expo………..……………..…….………December 10
Join New Castle County Chamber of Commerce staff, ambassadors, family and friends for a table top holiday mixer at its finest! There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and a FANTASTIC silent auction to benefit a non-profit member. There is plenty of room for exhibits and vending of holiday gifts. What a perfect way to start celebrating the holidays and the end of the year!
INVESTMENT: Gold: $1,000 Silver: $500 Bronze: $250
Network at Night
INVESTMENT: Entire Series: $1,000 Individual Mixer: $150
Network at Noon
Held at various locations throughout the County from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, the Network at Night format offers a happy hour atmosphere with light hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar. Network at Night has developed a very solid following of attendees who take advantage of the opportunity to exchange business cards and expand their business network. The “happy hour” atmosphere has become very popular and attracts between 100 to 150 attendees.
Held at various venues throughout the County, the noon time period has attracted between 75 to 100 people at each mixer. By holding this “business card” exchange during the lunch hour, it allows our members to maximize the use of their time. INVESTMENT: Entire Series: $1,000 Individual: $150
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N G
P R O G R A M
Mid-Day Networking Mixer
The Mid-Day Mixer has been added to provide our host venue the opportunity to participate in the Chamber’s Networking Program without interfering with a busy lunch or dinner time. Over the last two years, the Mid-Day mixers have allowed our hosts to showcase their venue, and provided another great opportunity for our members to connect with their next customers. Attendance at the Mid-Day Mixers ranges between 75 to 100 attendees. INVESTMENT: Entire Series: $1,000 Individual Mixer: $150
Mega Marketplace………..…………….………..……….………..…………….………October
A unique format for a business to meet 80 to 100 other businesses in half a day; this high speed networking format has proven to be very popular and sells out quickly. This program is a great opportunity for our sponsors to get in front of a highly motivated group of local businesses. The Chamber will provide the sponsor with a table top display, the opportunity for the distribution of promotional material, and the opportunity to make comments at the event. INVESTMENT: $250
Speed Networking (3 times per year)………..……………………………………Feb/April/July
It’s like speed dating for the business world! Get ready to make 24 new contacts in just 90 minutes! Participants will have the opportunity to share a two-minute conversation with the person seated opposite with each rotation: one side of the table remains seated and the other side rotates to the right. At the close of the event, participants are encouraged to stay and further build on their new found relationships. INVESTMENT: Entire Series: $800 Individual Mixer: $250
Women into Networking (W.I.N.) (4 times a year)………..……………March/May/Aug/Oct
As a supporting program for the Chamber’s Business Women’s Expo, the Women into Networking Program (WIN) provides business women with an exclusive opportunity to expand their personal and business network at a mixer that includes networking and a brief educational presentation. Attendance at the W.I.N. events has averaged about 75 women.
INVESTMENT: Entire Series: $800 Individual Mixer: $250
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2015 Sponsorship Summary ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM
Economic Forecast Luncheon Gold: $2,500 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $500
Policy Makers Speaker Series Gold: $3,000 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $750
Economic Development Luncheon Gold: $2,500 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $500
Day on Capitol Hill Gold: Silver: Bronze:
Emerging Enterprise Center Gold: $10,000 Silver: $5,000 Bronze: $2,500 Cutting Edge Seminar Gold: Silver: Bronze: Chamberpalooza IV Presenting: Band: Palooza:
$2,500 $1,500 $500
$5,000 $3,000 $1,500
BUSINESS EDUCATION PROGRAM Entire Series: Business Education: Non-Profit Forums: Individual Event:
$7,500 $5,000 $2,000 $500
$3,000 $1,000 $500
SPECIAL EVENTS Annual Dinner Speaker: Gold: Silver: Bronze: Coffee/Dessert:
NETWORKING PROGRAM Presenting:
$5,000
Spring Fest Gold: Silver: Bronze:
$1,000 $500 $250
Winter Fest Gold: Silver: Bronze:
$1,000 $500 $250
Rockwood Ice Cream Festival Call (302) 294-2062 for opportunities. TBD $8,000 $5,000 $3,500 $1,500
Business Women’s Expo Gold: $5,000 Silver: $3,000 Bronze: $1,750 Success Hour: $1,500 Chamber Awards Luncheon Gold: $3,000 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $750 Chamber Charity Golf Outing Event Sponsor: $5,000 Gold: $3,000 Silver: $1,500 Bronze: $750
Crab Cake & Craft Beer Fest Gold: $1,000 Silver: $500 Bronze: $250 Network at Night Entire Series: Individual Mixer:
$1,000 $150
Network at Noon Entire Series: Individual Mixer:
$1,000 $150
Mid-Day Networking Entire Series: Individual Mixer:
$1,000 $150
Mega Marketplace Individual Event:
$250
Speed Networking Entire Series: Individual Mixer:
$800 $250
Women into Networking Entire Series: Individual Mixer:
$800 $250