chamber news
The Power of the Chamber
By Kimberly Ballard
I
n the almost impossible task of being all things to all people, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber (HMCC) builds its foundation on three stable pillars that allow them to be all things to all businesses! By providing a myriad of training and business-related educational programs and networking events; actively pursuing an aggressive economic development force that works to attract and retain businesses and workers to the Tennessee Valley; and acting as a powerful and effective governmental affairs watchdog; HMCC is indeed capable of meeting the unique needs of small, middle-market, and large companies across the business spectrum.
SMALL BUSINESS & INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP Surprisingly, 70 percent of the nearly 2,100 members of the Chamber consist of small business owners, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and high growth ‘gazelle’ companies The Chamber facilitates with fewer than 20 employees. By aligning a small business with introductions between the HMCC, members can get member companies known help with their most basic needs, according to Robert Recker, to share common goals ... Senior Vice President of Investor Relations. 22 • hsvchamber.org
“The Chamber provides educational events and seminars intended to help employers develop or improve employee skill sets, learn how to use software, write business plans, and get advice on any number of issues from taxation to making sure you are compliant with the Affordable Care Act, which will save a small company thousands of dollars in fines,” Recker explains. “We also provide venues for teaching business owners and managers how to use social media to enhance their brand awareness, thus making it easier to attract new customers; and we hold larger events like Best Places to Work® and the Small Business Awards to recognize the success and the growth of those companies.” Furthermore, the Chamber provides an unprecedented means for gaining a stronger foothold in the community through networking like Breakfast & Biz, Business & Brews, and SchmoozaPalooza, to name a few. “The Chamber provides a warm lead for small businesses who join because they want to connect with other members and be as supportive of the community as possible,” says Recker. “Most networking events are free or carry a nominal fee to cover the cost of food and beverage or the occasional travel fee for a presenter, which is a whole lot less expensive than taking out an ad, putting up a billboard, or running radio and TV spots.”