Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Sponsorship Guide

YOUR STRATEGIC INVESTMENT Fosters growth and strengthens our region The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to making the Natchitoches area a thriving business community by promoting commerce, strengthening people, and improving life.

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, 501c6 organization.

Your sponsorship dollars help fund our mission.

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the 2022 annual sponsorship guide, which outlines the many sponsorships and marketing avenues available to promote and advertise your business.

The Chamber helps its member businesses grow and prosper through education, business assistance projects and programs, marketing opportunities, and targeted networking activities.

We are Natchitoches parish. As a membership of local businesses and residents, we are committed to creating and supporting a stable and ever-growing area to live and work. The Chamber also highlights its members and coordinates with other organizations and area leaders to reinforce the importance of civic engagement in enhancing the quality of life for our business community.

We work tirelessly each day to make Natchitoches a thriving community. Our organization is funded entirely by membership and sponsorship dollars. Your investment in our Chamber makes the work we do possible. Thank you for your continued investment and support of the Natchitoches Area Chamber.

TABLE OF CONTENTS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Professional Development Leadership Natchitoches...............................................Page 2 Louisiana Young Professionals Conference.................Page 3

Community Building A+ Coalition Partnerships..............................................Page 4 NYP Corporate Sponsorships.......................................Page 6 Thrive Gala.....................................................................Page 8

Commerce Producing Best of Natchitoches.....................................................Page 10 Home and Garden Expo................................................Page 12 Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl.......................................Page 14

Community Engagement CRAVE: Natchitoches!...................................................Page 15 Light the Way 5k and Fun Run......................................Page 16

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Explore Natchitoches....................................................Page 18 Chamber Chat with Mags.............................................Page 19 Newsletter Advertising.................................................Page 20 Website Advertising......................................................Page 21

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

January 2021 - September 2021 Leadership Natchitoches is an immersive learning program for proven leaders in our community that engages and activates these individuals to effect change in Natchitoches Parish. This diverse group of professionals becomes one class and one voice through the course of the eight-month program.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Estimated Attendance:

$600 - $1,500

15

Leadership Scholarship | $600 Sponsor one leader annually with a scholarship to cover their fees to participate in the class Social media recognition Recognition on the landing page

Session Sponsor | $750 Session presented by your business Recognition throughout the event as the session sponsor Social media recognition Recognition on the landing page

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Leadership Natchitoches Program Sponsor | $2,000 Logo on the landing page listed as a a program sponsor Recognition at all sessions as a program sponsor Social media recognition Invitation to address crowd at the open session Invitation to address crowd at the closing session

Contact: Laura Lyles | 318-238-1942 | laura.lyles@natchitocheschamber.com

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

July 8, 2022 The Louisiana Young Professionals Conference is a Natchitoches Young Professionals professional and leadership development event held annually in downtown Natchitoches. Employers and employees will both find real value in the session topics for this one-day conference. The keynote and session speakers give attendees valuable insight into some of today's greatest workplace challenges. Attendees walk away with new ways to adapt habits and skills to become a more valuable team members and employees. Attendees also have the opportunity to network and engage in idea-sharing with a cross section of professionals from around the state.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

$250 - $1,000 Network Sponsor | $250 Branding on event pages Branding on select event advertisements & social media Opportunity to include swag in swag bags One conference entry

Engage Sponsor | $500

Estimated Attendance:

100 Impact Sponsor | $1,000 Presenting sponsor of the event Opportunity to address the crowd in welcoming session Branding on all event advertisement & social Media Opportunity to include swag in swag bags Four conference entries

Branding on event pages Branding on select event advertisements & social media Opportunity to include swag in swag bags Three conference entries

Contact: Anna Waxley | 318-238-1945 | anna.waxley@natchitocheschamber.com

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COMMUNITY BUILDING

Become a Partner in Education The A+ Coalition recognizes that the responsibility to advance education in Natchitoches Parish relies not just on our educators, but in the entire community at large. The A+ Coalition seeks corporate partners not just to write a check, but to join the movement that will advance education in Natchitoches, a cause that we believe may be the most important investment you will make in our community. Become a partner to become part of the movement that will make an impact on education today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

New Teacher Welcome

The A+ Coalition and its partners welcome new Natchitoches Parish teachers every August just prior to the beginning of school. We come together to thank these individuals for choosing Natchitoches Parish, welcome them to our community, and offer our support as they begin the school year. The Coalition hopes to build on this event every year in an effort to attract and retain great teachers.

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Excellence in Education Night

In an effort to promote and incentivize student performance, high school seniors across the parish who meet certain academic criteria are recognized as Elite Scholars, at Excellence in Education night, which is hosted by the A+ Coalition each May. These students have the opportunity to participate in an essay contest.

The essay contest winners (first, second, and third place are awarded) will each receive scholarships up to $500.

As an added incentive, the scholarships are matched by NSU for any students who enroll there. Students, Teachers, and Principals of the Year are also recognized for their achievements during the event. This event exemplifies the mission of the A+ Coalition: to bring our community together to reward academic excellence and advance education in our parish.

Contact: Laura Lyles | 318-238-1942 | laura.lyles@natchitocheschamber.com

MathCounts Sponsorships

STEAM Grant

All K-12 private and public educators in Natchitoches parish may apply annually to the A+ Coalition STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) in Education Grant, which is funded through the Chamber Education Fund. This grant is awarded on an annual basis to an educator in Natchitoches Parish for innovative STEAM initiatives used to advance classroom learning and enhance the skills of students. Up to $7,000 is awarded to the selected educator for their initiative.

Bronze Partner | $500 Logo on website Facebook recognition The opportunity to include a promotional item or brochure in the New Teacher Welcome swag bags The opportunity to give door prizes and an invitation to attend Excellence in Education night

The Chamber Education Fund supports middle school math development by sponsoring Natchitoches Parish math clubs who compete in MathCounts competitions.

The A+ Coalition provides $300 for each parish school that participates in the regional competitions. An additional $200 is awarded to the top scoring team at the regional competition. An additional $500 is awarded for any school that qualifies for the state competition, and an additional $500 for any school that qualifies for the national competition. Middle school math club advisors may contact us to opt in to this program.

Gold Partner | $2,500 All Silver Partner benefits Special recognition at New Teacher Welcome as top tier supporter Special recognition at Excellence in Education Night as top tier supporter

Platinum Partner | $5,000

Silver Partner | $1,000 All Bronze Partner benefits Logo on printed A+ promotional materials Logo on event signage at Excellence in Education Night

All Gold Partner benefits Breakfast Sponsor of the New Teacher Welcome Presenting Sponsor of Excellence in Education Night The opportunity address attendees at the Excellence in Education night

Our Partners in Education GOLD PARTNER

BRONZE PARTNERS

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Cultivating a Vibrant YP Culture The Natchitoches Young Professionals work to maintain a thriving network of young professionals between the ages of 21-40 in the greater Natchitoches area. NYP has annual signature events, regular socials, and community service opportunities. Corporate sponsorships are available to businesses looking to get their brand in front of young professionals, or who are looking to engage with their target audience. Packages include signature event sponsorships, social media recognition, website recognition, and mass email recognition.

St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl

During the Natchitoches Young Professionals St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl attendees crawl the bricks and enjoy food and drink specials at downtown restaurants.

All of our Front Street member businesses are invited to participate, and many businesses also offer Saint Patrick's Day deals for our crawlers. This crawl also serves as a poker run and costume contest. Prizes are given to the best poker hand and the best costume. Our poker run is managed by a member non-profit organization, who then also receives a portion of the funds raised from this event. Proceeds raised from this event go to fund the Louisiana Young Professionals Conference each year.

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LA YP Conference

The Louisiana Young Professionals Conference is a Natchitoches Young Professionals professional and leadership development event held annually in downtown Natchitoches. Employers and employees will both find real value in the session topics for this oneday conference. The keynote and session speakers give attendees valuable insight into some of today's greatest workplace challenges, and give real strategies to overcome those challenges. Attendees will walk away with new ways to adapt habits and skills to become a more valuable team members and employees.

Attendees also have the opportunity to network and engage in idea-sharing with a cross section of professionals from around the state.

Contact: Maggie Matuschka | 318-238-1941 | maggie.matuschka@natchitocheschamber.com

Networking Socials

Community Outreach

NYP socials are designed to connect young professionals from different industries and careers that may not otherwise cross paths. The socials showcase cool locations in the parish, in fun and engaging format like trivia nights, game nights, and kickball tournaments.

The Chamber Education Fund supports middle school math development by sponsoring Natchitoches Parish math clubs who compete in regional and state MathCounts competitions. Middle school math club advisors may contact us to opt in to this program.

Highlighting Young Professionals' Success Each year NYP awards 4 deserving young professionals in the Natchitoches area with the 4 Under 40 award. This award celebrates the achievements of innovative and impactful young professional leaders. 6 classes have been recognized for their professional achievements, with class members representing a diverse set of industries and careers.

Support Sponsor | $100

Inspire Sponsor | $500

Logo included on the NYP landing page Logo included on the bottom of quarterly NYP newsletters Social media recognition

Influence Sponsor | $250

All the benefits of Influence Sponsor LYPC basic sponsorship AND Pub Crawl basic sponsorship

Champion Sponsor | $1000 All the benefits of Inspire Sponsor Social sponsorship Professional development sponsorship Enhanced logo included on the NYP landing page Enhanced logo included on the bottom of quarterly NYP newsletters

All the benefits of Support Suponsor LYPC basic sponsorship OR Pub Crawl basic sponsorship

Our NYP Corporate Partners CHAMPION SPONSORS

INSPIRE SPONSORS

INFLUENCE SPONSORS

ABE ACKEL

COMMUNITY BUILDING

December 9, 2021 The Thrive Gala is the Chamber's newest event, and a "a never before seen Christmas experience". Top business leaders, elected officials, and community supporters will be invited to come together for a night of food, fun, and Christmas "spirits" to help support making the Natchitoches area a thriving business community. This festive event will feature signature cocktails and mocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, and one of a kind silent auction packages, plus a few exciting surprises. Cocktail attire encouraged.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Estimated Attendance:

$350- $2,000

300

Christmas Star (Presenting) Sponsor | $2,000 (Exclusive) Thrive Gala "Brought to you by" your company Pre and post event press releases sent including your company name Sponsor logo on printed Gala promotions Premier logo recognition on promotional emails and event website Premier logo recognition on printed event material, including event décor, program, event signage, and table tents VIP Lounge "Brought to you by" your company, with exclusive signage in the furnished lounge area, a bar cart for your private beverage station, a food and beverage attendant, and VIP badges for your invited guests Opportunity to provide swag to each attendee Opportunity to address the audience for up to 5 minutes at the Gala Four tickets to the event

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Contact: Anna Waxley | 318-238-1945 | anna.waxley@natchitocheschamber.com

Christmas Spirits (Bar) Sponsor $750 (Exclusive) Sponsor logo displayed on promotional materials including the event program, event signage, and promotional pages on Chamber's website Logo displayed on Christmas Spirits banner at all Bar locations Opportunity to provide branded napkins, koozies, and cups at every bar Social media recognition Two tickets to the event

Holly Jolly (Photo Booth) Sponsor $500 (Maximum of 3) Sponsor logo displayed on promotional materials including the event program, event signage, and promotional pages on Chamber's website Logo displayed at Photo Booth and on photograph given to each participant Social media recognition One ticket to the event

Christmas Carols (DJ) Sponsor $400 (Exclusive) Sponsor logo on promotional materials including the event program, event signage, and promotional pages on Chamber's website Logo displayed on banner at the DJ booth Sponsor name mentioned by DJ throughout the evening One ticket to the event

Glad Tidings Sponsor | $750 Enhanced logo recognition on promotional materials including event program, event signage, and promotional pages on Chamber's website Logo recognition at silent auction table Recognized as event sponsor at the event Social media recognition Three tickets to the event

Mistletoe Sponsor | $500 Logo on promotional materials including the event program, event signage, and promotional pages on Chamber's website Social media recognition Two tickets to the event

Silver Bells Sponsor | $350 Sponsor name on promotional materials including the event program, event signage, and promotional pages on Chamber's website Social media recognition One ticket to the event

Ticket Packages Individual Ticket (By November 12) with Member Pricing - $75 Individual Ticket (After November 12) with Member Pricing - $100 Individual Ticket, Non-Member Pricing - $125 Corporate Package with Twelve Tickets $1,000

COMMERCE PRODUCING

April-June 2022 In 2021, the Chamber gave the Awards process a refresh and a rebrand. The "Best of Natchitoches" awards is an online campaign championing the achievements of our member businesses. There are 12 business awards and 2 individual awards.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

$100- $1,500 "Best of" Community Supporter | $500 Social media recognition Landing page recognition Promotional video recognition Mentions in the Facebook live event

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Estimated audience reach:

105,000

"Best of" Presenting Sponsor | $1500 (Exclusive) Logo on all 12 categorical award plaques Branded "Best of" Promo Video featuring your company's representative promoting the nominations & voting Branded video of your company congratulating the 2021 award winners Social media recognition Landing page recognition Mentions in the Facebook live announcement

Contact: Maggie Matuschka | 318-238-1941 | maggie.matuschka@natchitocheschamber.com

COMMERCE PRODUCING

February 26, 2022 The Home and Garden Expo connects local contractors, home goods vendors, and garden vendors with our local spenders. This helps keep our local dollars here in Natchitoches, and builds clientele for member businesses. The event features a Kid Zone, door prizes and giveaways, and dozens of local vendors.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

$150 - $1,000 Logo on Floor Plan | $150 Logo on floor plan Company name on event signage

Logo on Banner Ad | $250 Featured on Event Page and Registration Page Company name on event signage

Feature Entrance Rights | $500 Your logo featured prominently by the front doors of the event Logo featured on event signage and on floor plan One 10'x10' booth space One lunch and breakfast pass Page 12

Estimated Attendance:

500 Kids Zone Sponsor | $1,000 (Exclusive) Your logo on a banner over the Kids Zone Your logo as the official Kids Zone sponsor on all printed and digital advertising Logo included in sponsor signage at event Thank you messages on any radio or television advertising Thank you messages throughout the event One 10'x10' booth space One lunch and breakfast pass

Contact: Anna Waxley | 318-238-1945 | anna.waxley@natchitocheschamber.com

Entrance Bag Rights (Exclusive) | $1,000 Your branded bags used at entrance Your collateral in all bags Logo included in sponsor signage at event Your logo on the event page at natchitocheshomeandgarden.com Thank you messages throughout the event One 10'x10' booth space One lunch and breakfast pass

Presenting Sponsor (Exclusive) | $1,500 “Natchitoches Home & Garden Expo Presented by Your Company” Premier logo recognition on promotional materials, event signage, and event’s promotional pages, at a minimum: Ad in Chamber newsletter (distributed to 800+ Chamber representatives) Posters distributed in Natchitoches and surrounding areas Event page at natchitocheshomeandgarden.com Social media paid advertising Radio advertising All sponsor signage at event Thank You messages during the event Two adjoining 10’x10’ booths at the main entrance with electricity Two lunch and breakfast passes

COMMERCE PRODUCING

March 12, 2022 During the Natchitoches Young Professionals St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl attendees crawl the bricks and enjoy food and drink specials at downtown restaurants. All of our Front Street member businesses are invited to participate, and many businesses also offer Saint Patrick's Day deals for our crawlers. This crawl also serves as a poker run and costume contest. Prizes are given to the best poker hand and the best costume. Our poker run is managed by a member non-profit organization, who then also receives a portion of the funds raised from this event. Proceeds raised from this event go to fund the Louisiana Young Professionals Conference each year.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Estimated Attendance:

$250 - $1,000

500

Shamrock Sponsor | $250

Saint Pat's Sponsor | $1,000

Recognition on social media & web Opportunity to include marketing material/giveaways in good bags Logo on event t-shirt 1 free entry

Leprechaun Sponsor | $500 Logo on poker cards and event t-shirt Recognition on social media & web Opportunity to include marketing material /giveaways in goody bags 3 free entries Page 2

Mention on stage as presenting sponsor Logo on all event materials (t-shirt, poker cards, print & social media ads, web, etc.)

Opportunity to display company banner and/or tent on riverbank and include marketing material/giveaways in goody bags 6 free entries

Contact: Anna Waxley | 318-238-1941 | anna.waxley@natchitocheschamber.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

April 21, 2022 CRAVE! is an annual cooking competition between Chamber members that boasts a different foodie theme every year. Teams get uber competitive to win the coveted cutting board trophy, and when teams get competitive with food, everybody wins. Located on the downtown riverbank stage, this casual networking event is a fan favorite!

This event serves as a fundraiser for Chamber workforce development events and programming.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

$250 - $750 Entry Level Sponsor | $250 Recognition on event promotion and signage Recognition as event sponsor during event Four event entries

Event Sponsor | $500 Logo recognition on event promotion and signage Recognition as event sponsor during event Six event entries

Estimated Attendance:

150 Title Sponsor | $750 Event "brought to you by" your business 5 minutes to address the crowd Premium logo recognition on event promotion and signage Opportunity to provide branded cups for bottomless mimosas Eight event entries

Contact: Anna Waxley | 318-238-1945 | anna.waxley@natchitocheschamber.com

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

December 6, 2021 The Light the Way 5k and Fun Run will bring silly and serious runners together for a night-time run under the Christmas lights in historic downtown Natchitoches. This race is not only draw for local families, but also for visitors looking for something new and exciting to do in the City of Lights. Proceeds will benefit the A+ Coalition, a Chamber initiative to advance education in Natchitoches Parish.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Estimated Attendance:

$100 - $1,000

200

T-Shirt Sponsor - $100 Business name on race t-shirt Social Media recognition The opportunity to include a promotional item or brochure in the bag

Swag Bag Sponsor - $500 Logo featured prominently on the Swag Bag Logo included on event advertising Logo displayed on event signage The opportunity to include a promotional item or brochure in the bag 2 Runners

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Warm Up OR Finisher's Party | $250 Logo featured prominently on event signage Logo included on event advertising and mentioned in promotions The opportunity to include a promotional item or brochure in the bag The opportunity to have a table or activity in either the warm up or finisher's party 1 Runner

Contact: Anna Waxley | 318-238-1941 | anna.waxley@natchitocheschamber.com

Title Sponsor - $1,000 "Light the Way 5k & Fun Run Presented by Your Company" Premier logo recognition on promotional materials, event signage, and event's promotional pages Opportunity to address runners in 60-second welcome at Warm-Up Promotional item or brochure about company placed in every bag Pre-event and post-event recognition in all media announcements 4 Runners

ADVERTISING OPTIONS

January 2022 This publication is one of the most exclusive and valuable benefits of membership, as it serves as the #1 resource of information in our community for Chamber members, residents, newcomers, and visitors, and only Chamber members are listed! 5,000 printed copies are circulated throughout the year, and hundreds more are viewed online.

advertisements Opportunities:

$595-$3,195

printed copies:

5,000

Publication Includes An invitation to explore the area from local experts in History & Culture, Tourism & Recreation, Creative & Performing Arts, Dining, Shopping, and more Valuable data outlining the ways in which Natchitoches thrives, including Tourism, Agriculture, Industry, Healthcare, and Education A look ahead to the many opportunities for growth

Description

8.5"x11" (add bleed)

$3,195

List of annual festivals & events

Prime Positions 8.5"x11" (add bleed)

$2,995

Full-Page

8.5"x11" (add bleed)

$2,495

Half-Page

7.5"x4.75" (horizontal) $1,895

Quarter-Page

3.5"x4.75" (vertical)

$895

Eighth-Page

2.5"x3.5" (horizontal)

$595

Membership Directory Advertiser Index

Page 18

Back Cover

Size

Rate

Contact: Anna Waxley | 318-238-1941 | anna.waxley@natchitocheschamber.com

ADVERTISING OPTIONS

December 6, 2021 We heart Natchitoches, so we created a podcast to talk to all the other people who do too! Chamber Chat features interviews with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and business legends. On the show, we have conversations with these men and women about the how and why of who they are and what they do.

The show also features Chamber news and community highlights.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

$150 - $750 Mentions by Mags $150 (3 per episode) 10-15 second ad Featured full season Recorded by staff

A Minute on the Mic - $500 (exclusive, per episode) “Podcast brought to you by…”

60 second spotlight Recorded by staff or send your own in Pre-Chat and post-Chat mentions Social media mentions on Instagram, Facebook Promotional email mentions

Estimated audience:

24

Seasonal Podcast Presenter $750 (exclusive, per season) “This season of Chamber Chat is brought to you by” 10-15 second ad Featured full season (10-12 episodes) Recorded by staff or send your own in Pre-Chat and post-Chat mentions Social media mentions Logo presence in podcast promotions on social media (Facebook and Instagram), website, and promotional emails

Contact: Maggie Matuschka| 318-238-1941 | maggie.matuschka@natchitocheschamber.com

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ADVERTISING OPTIONS

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING

Our Chamber newsletter is sent out to over 1,100 business contacts monthly Banner Ad| $150 Monthly $350 Quarterly

1200px x 400px ad in the monthly newsletter

Block Ad| $100 Monthly $250 Quarterly

500px x 500px ad in monthly newsletter

Ad Design Fee| $50 Per Ad Flat rate, one-time ad design fee, per ad for all newsletter and website advertising

chamber email subscription rate has increased by 25% (net contacts) in 12 months Hiring? Let us help you promote your open positions!

Did you know that you can place categorical banner ads on our NatchitochesJobs.com page? This banner will appear at the top of the page every time someone searches our current job listings.

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Contact: Maggie Matuschka| 318-238-1941 | maggie.matuschka@natchitocheschamber.com

ADVERTISING OPTIONS

WEBSITE ADVERTISING Our Chamber receives an average of 84,000 visits annually Enhanced Web Listing | $100 Annual (Included with upper-tier memberships) 1,600-character web description

75px x 25px search

200-character results summary

results icon

100-character hours of operation

150px x 100 px logo

200-character driving directions

unlimited photo gallery

unlimited keywords

(500x500 px)

(6) 120-character linked text

Google Maps link

bullets

YouTube video link

Homepage Banner Ad| $250 Quarterly This ad appears in the center of the second most viewed page of the website

Categorical Ad| $350 Annually This ad appears in an ad rotation at the top of the page when your directory category is selected or searched

Landing Page Banner Ad| $100 Annually Landing pages are specialty features that are created as a resource landing page in response to a community need (i.e. a natural disaster).

Ask us for more information on current landing page opportunities

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