November 2012, Volume 8, Issue 11, www.manhattan.org
A publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Why should my business join the Chamber?
Contact us: 501 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, KS, 66502-6005 785-776-8829 phone 785-776-0679 fax
chamber@manhattan.org www.manhattan.org
TDD Kansas Relay Center: 800-766-3777
To make sure your business’s interests are represented to local/national authorities. We have a full time lobbyist that goes to bat for businesses. We make sure that any bill that comes up in the state legislature which is not business friendly is carefully watched, testimony written & presented and voting members are dogged so they are aware of what the largest business voice in Manhattan thinks. To uphold the image of business in your community. The Chamber makes sure the face of business in the Manhattan community is professional, polished and poised for the future.
To meet people who may buy your products or services or help you professionally. The chamber represents about 790 businesses and 16,700+ employees. At any Chamber event you may meet someone who can either sell you a product you may need or that you could sell your product or services to. We have had several people say they have never gone to a Business After Hours without coming away with some sort of piece of new business. To show the public and your customers your business is a supporter of the community. Wouldn’t you prefer to do business with someone who also supports the community and has the same mind frame as you? You’ll find those
people in your local Chamber of Commerce. We’re not your father’s Chamber anymore where people joined because it was the right thing to do….You join because you want to do as much business as you can locally and hope others will do the same.
To win more businesses from consumers. A study by the Schapiro Group shows that consumers are 63% more likely to buy from a company that is a chamber member. What business wouldn’t want that edge?
To learn from people who have business problems and opportunities similar to yours. Where better to connect with someone who has gone through what you might be going through? You don’t
have to reinvent the wheel each time. Meet with someone who has gone through the same issues and skip some of the steps…experience is invaluable and you can tape into a multitude of experienced business people.
To join ranks with some of the best businesses and organizations in town. More studies….a study by the financial reporting firm Cortera shows that chamber member companies on average have better credit ratings and better business practices than the average company. Simply by joining your local Chamber, your business gains instant credibility. Continued on page 3
Scan this QR code to download the Chamber’s mobile app!
Connect with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce through Social Media.
Applications are now available online manhattan.org/ leadershipmanhattan