Re-envisioning the Chamber for Today’s Business World WRITTEN BY: KATHY CHARBONNEAU
Chambers of Commerce are not out-of-the-box, cookie-cutter organizations. Every chamber is unique, with different benefits, resources, and opportunities. However, the end goal is the same: to serve as a support system for the local business community, which in turn helps the entire community to thrive. Just as many businesses learned to adapt, grow, and survive during these challenging times, so must Chambers of Commerce. Since becoming Executive Director of the Orange Chamber of Commerce in May 2021, my overarching goal has been to re-envision the Chamber’s role to meet the needs of local businesses in today’s everchanging business world. We have been working hard to focus our energies on programs with measurable value and impact for our members and the greater Orange community. When assessing whether an event or program is the best use of the Chamber’s resources and time, it must check off these questions: Will it promote local businesses and help them grow? Will it connect Chamber members with community members? Will it cultivate relationships that will make our local businesses and community stronger? If we can check those boxes, then it’s worth moving forward. NEW PROGRAMS The Chamber is thrilled to announce two new programs that will help bring the community together with local businesses through the past, present, and future. The programs are called Bicentennial Bricks and the Shop Local Club. WINTER 2021
BICENTENNIAL BRICKS In 2022, the Town of Orange celebrates 200 years of existence with it’s Bicentennial. The Chamber is planning a beautiful installation of bricks around the Gazebo at High Plains Community Center. There will be a public dedication ceremony as part of the Bicentennial activities. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of Orange history and help support our local businesses by supporting the Chamber. Buy an engraved brick in honor of family, in memory of loved ones or pets, to recognize a volunteer, birthdays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries, or for your business or organization. What a great gift idea with the holidays right around the corner! To place your order, visit our website at orangectchamber.com/bricks.
A sample of brick sizes and colors offered.
OrangeLife
SHOP LOCAL CLUB Are you a member of the Club yet? If not, you’re missing the opportunity for EXCLUSIVE OFFERS at local participating businesses available to card carrying Shop Local Club members only. Best part about Club membership? It’s FREE! Go to orangectchamber.com/shop-local-club to sign up for your card and start accessing some of these great benefits: savings at monthly featured businesses, savings on community organization programs and events, discounted attendance at Chamber events, 10% off Chamber Bicentennial Bricks, and more specials added monthly. Just scan the code on your card and it will take you directly to the Chamber website featuring the latest savings. Bicentennial Bricks and the Shop Local Club are just two of the community-oriented programs the Chamber is launching to stay relevant and vital for local businesses and our community. Stay tuned for more in the year ahead. We are always looking for volunteers, engaged board members, and new ideas to strengthen Chamber ties to the community. If you would like to get involved in any way, contact me at director@orangectchamber.com or 203-795-3328. I would love to hear from you! | 43
