Membership sees new benefits, opportunities

With the start of the new year, came a new beginning for the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

Like everything else, the pandemic affected a lot of businesses in being able to pay for ship to their local chamber. But as things have picked up, and with new staff members on board, the GLCC hit the ground running in the first six months of the year.

"Aside from growing our membership, the Chamber has revamped the Lakewood Community News, has grown its social media footprint, and has improved the delivery of ben efits for its members," said GLCC President & CEO Jose Solache. "We started the year off with a lot of energy, and new ideas to bring more value to our members."

Business owners who invest in a Chamber Membership are looking to see what benefits they are going to get in exchange for their membership, added Solache. "So this year, we are bringing more value to our members. The coupon page in this edition, for example, is just one way of promoting our membership. Along with surprise feature stories about our small businesses, we're going to offer our Chamber Members free ad space in our newspaper just like you see with these coupons. This is a perfect way for our members to reach new customers through our newspaper." The best way to grow your business is by making connections, added Solache. "Spreading the word about your business is best made when you build others up, and when others are building you up. If we learned anything from the pandemic is that we are stronger when we work together."

The GLCC also collaborates with different businesses to host regular, monthly mixers to make sure that our business owners get to know each other's businesses.

The GLCC aims to provide valued services to businesses in the City of Lakewood that will bring your business more visibility and credibility.

"Being a member of your Chamber will give you, as a business owner, the power of a united voice," said Solache. "The GLCC will help you and your business make the connections needed to engage the community you're serving with your business. As a business owner, you should know your community; your chamber can help with that. Not only are we here to help you get to know your community, but we're also here to help the community to get to know you."