Auburn Chamber Membership Brochure

welcome to

AUBURN

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is a membership based organization that provides resources and opportunities for both businesses and individuals to connect and grow. We hope you’ll join us— the only thing missing is you.

MISSION STATEMENT: We are on a mission to create a thriving business community by connecting businesses and people with resources to grow their businesses and expand their networks.

Dear Prospective Member, Thank you for your interest in the Auburn Chamber.

Whether you are a new business looking to network and become part of the growing Auburn business community or an established business, we’re excited to partner with you.

We offer a number of valuable benefits and services for our members and we’re always searching for new ways to serve.

Our vision is to be the most trusted and sought-after resource for businesses and professionals to connect and grow.

We hope you’ll consider joining us!

New Member Services Coordinator

ANNA HOVEY, IOM President & CEO anna@auburnchamber.com

STEPHANIE CALHOUN Director of Member Engagement stephanie@auburnchamber.com

TANGELA TODD FRAZIER Director of Finance tangela@auburnchamber.com

RITNEY JOHNSON Communications Manager ritney@auburnchamber.com

ANNA FOUNTAIN New Member Services Coordinator annaf@auburnchamber.com

CRYSTAL MCKELVY Event Services Coordinator crystal@auburnchamber.com

KATIE MURRAY Auburn Young Professionals Program Coordinator katie@auburnchamber.com

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

GRAND OPENINGS & RIBBON CUTTINGS Whether you are opening a new business, have moved your business location, or are simply celebrating a renovation or addition—we’ll be there with the ribbon, scissors, and camera!

The Chamber will also coordinate with the City of Auburn to have the Mayor (or city representative) present to cut the ribbon. Contact Crystal McKelvy to schedule.

MEMBER EVENTS PROMOTION Call or email Ritney Johnson with your special events and business milestones so that we can add them to our weekly e-newsletter.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Auburn Chamber offers a number of sponsorship opportunities that allow members to support the Chamber while also increasing their visibility in the community. Contact Stephanie Calhoun to create a custom package through Invest & Connect or choose a single event sponsorship.

JOB & EVENT POSTING Members are invited to post events and jobs on the Auburn Chamber’s website.

Contact Ritney Johnson to get started.

REFERRALS The majority of phone calls and emails the Chamber answers every day are requests for information.

We are more than happy to serve as a source of referrals so that we have an opportunity to promote our members.

RADIO SHOW The Chamber has a presence at a number of radio stations. We update everyone on upcoming Chamber events as well as member happenings like ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and celebrations.

NETWORKING Chamber events are the perfect place to get to know the business community and build relationships. Whether it’s the Annual Meeting, a ribbon cutting, a Auburn After Hours, or the Golf Classic, there are always new faces!

Be sure to mark your calendar for Leads to Business—a program dedicated to networking.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING We want to celebrate your accomplishments through our social media channels in the format of photos and/or videos. Contact Ritney Johnson to discuss what you would like to share in this form of marketing.

MAILING LABELS A complete set of mailing labels (either all or main contacts) is available to members for $75. Labels can be customized to meet your needs.

NOTARY PUBLIC The Chamber’s Director of Finance is available to notarize documents for members. Contact Tangela Frazier for an appointment.

WAYS TO ENGAGE

ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting brings the membership together to reflect on the past year, plan for the year to come, and award those who have contributed to the success of both the Chamber and the community.

DIPLOMAT PROGRAM Diplomats serve as the Chamber’s core group of volunteers. They welcome new members at ribbon cuttings, act as hosts at events and programs, and do the behind-the-scenes work that helps make events run smoothly.

AU10 The Auburn Chamber and Auburn University SGA partner together to bring AU10 to Auburn University students, encouraging shopping locally and supporting local businesses. Participating businesses offer a 10% discount at the point of sale.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP PANEL Each year, the Auburn Chamber invites a panel of local entrepreneurs to share their experiences and advice with local high school students during an on-site lunch presentation.

AUBURN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS The Auburn Young Professionals program is open to employees of Auburn Chamber members ages 21-40.

The program emphasizes professional development, community service, and social engagement. Contact Katie Murray for more information and sponsorship opportunities.

AUBURN AFTER HOURS Auburn After Hours is a networking event that allows members to showcase their businesses in a casual, fun atmosphere.

BLESSING OF THE CITY This annual event is an opportunity for the community to gather together for a time of fellowship, reflection, and prayer.

Clergy offer blessings over different aspects of the community.

CLAY SHOOT The annual Clay Shoot is an opportunity for members to network and enjoy a day with colleagues. The Clay Shoot also offers businesses sponsorship opportunities.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION This event offers a featured speaker who facilitates a conversation to build and support all types of businesses.

CUSTOMER SERVICE CROWN This program recognizes a member (business or individual) who displays excellent customer service. An award and certificate are presented to one winner each quarter.

GOLF CLASSIC The annual Golf Classic allows members to enjoy a day of golf while networking and making new contacts. The Golf Classic also offers businesses a number of marketing and sponsorship opportunities.

INDUSTRY APPRECIATION EVENT The Industry Appreciation Event is a celebration to thank industry partners who continually invest in Auburn. The entire membership is invited to attend.

LEADS TO BUSINESS Leads to Business is an event dedicated to networking. Join us to meet other Auburn Chamber members and make new business contacts.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE The annual Legislative Update is an opportunity for the membership to meet legislators and discuss current issues with the local delegation.

SHOP LOCAL DINE LOCAL Citizens are always encouraged to keep tax dollars in the local economy, but a special shop and dine local campaign is held during the holiday season with opportunities to win prizes.

PUBLIC SAFETY APPRECIATION HOLIDAY MEAL To show special appreciation to the Auburn Public Safety Department for keeping our homes and businesses safe and making Auburn a better place— the Auburn Chamber will host a meal for them during July 4th and Thanksgiving.

AUBURN COMMUNITY INITIATIVES The chamber partners and collaborates on several projects that impact the community. These initiatives include but are not limited to workforce development support, support of healthcare education, leadership development, food insecurity, and community celebrations.

SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS In the spring of each year, the Chamber will take nominations and then host a community-wide vote for the Best of Small Business in four categories and Retailer of the Year. The selected winners will receive an award.

TIGER TRAIL The Auburn Chamber hosts a reception to honor new inductees of the Tiger Trail. Inductees receive granite plaques to be placed in sidewalks of downtown Auburn. Tickets may be purchased and sponsorships are available.

TUESDAY TALK The Auburn Chamber invites a different speaker to address the membership. This program is designed to keep members informed and educated about community issues and challenges, and updated on progress and successes. Questions are encouraged.

VETERANS DAY RECEPTION The Auburn Chamber hosts a reception for attendees of the City of Auburn’s Veterans Day Ceremony.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS The Women in Business annual luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate women in the Auburn business community.

Additionally, Women in Business small group events are hosted during the year and will provide more opportunities for women to connect, develop personally and professionally, and serve together throughout the year.

PUBLICATIONS & INFORMATION AUBURN CHAMBER THIS MORNING Each week, the Auburn Chamber sends an e-newsletter right to your inbox full of valuable chamber and business community information. Email events, personnel changes, grand openings, sales, or any other business news to Ritney Johnson to be included.

WELCOME MAGAZINE WELCOME, the official relocation/ community information publication for the Chamber, the City of Auburn, and Auburn University is a full-color magazine filled with all the information a newcomer might need. 10,000 books are distributed annually and all members have an opportunity to advertise in the publication and serve as a distribution point. The publication reaches over 20,000 people digitally and is housed on several partner websites.

WEBSITE/MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Visit www.auburnchamber.com for news, events, jobs, sponsorship information, relocation information, a searchable membership directory, and more!

Members can create their own personal login to update their contact information, post events, and access the Member Info Hub. Press releases can also be shared on the Chamber’s website. Contact Ritney Johnson to submit a press release.

LOBBY BROCHURE RACKS The brochure racks in the Chamber lobby are reserved for members to display brochures, business cards and other marketing materials. Stop by any time to bring us your information.

RELOCATION PACKETS Let us help welcome prospects and new employees with one relocation guide and information. Contact the Chamber for any number of packets you need throughout the year.

MEMBER DECALS Let everyone know that your business is a proud supporter and partner of the Auburn community with an Auburn Chamber decal on your front door.

TOURISM PROMOTION The Auburn Chamber works closely with Auburn-Opelika Tourism to bring visitors to our area to eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores, stay in our lodging properties, and spend their dollars with our members.

MEETING SPACE Meeting space at the Auburn Chamber is available for our members to reserve.

EAMC BRIEFING CENTER The 1,500 square foot EAMC Briefing Center of Auburn was made possible by a generous contribution from East Alabama Health. The meeting room is equipped with audio-visual equipment and seats—60 classroom or theater style.

SINGLE USE FEES: PROFESSIONAL USE Up to 4 hours: $100 Up to 8 hours: $200 SOCIAL USE Up to 4 hours: $500 Up to 8 hours: $1,000

MULTIPLE USES: $300/YEAR (1 meeting per month, 2 hour limit) ADDITIONAL FEES: Serving food: $25 Use of A/V equipment: $25

Please note all meetings that serve food must use an Auburn Chamber member caterer or restaurant. The Auburn Chamber meeting space is only intended for use by members. We reserve the right to deny use of the Auburn Chamber meeting space.

BOARD of DIRECTORS The board of directors of the Auburn Chamber is tasked with providing leadership, accountability, and determining priorities. The board reflects the make-up of the business community and includes non-voting, ex officio members from Auburn City Schools, Auburn University, the City of Auburn, East Alabama Health, Auburn-Opelika Tourism, and Auburn University Athletics. Our partners include Auburn Downtown Merchants, FACES, and Southern Union.

W WW.AU B U R NC H A MB E R.CO M 714 East Glenn Avenue I Auburn, Alabama 36830 I (334) 501-3292

CONNECTING BUSINESSES, PEOPLE & COMMUNITY.