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The Real Value of Joining a Chamber of Commerce
he Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is a privately funded non-profit organization dedicated to serving you, our 1,100 member businesses. The Chamber serves as a catalyst for economic growth by providing relevant business resources for members and facilitating strategic connections across business, education, and government. As the recognized voice of regional commerce locally for 120 years, The Chamber leverages its influence to advocate a pro-business agenda locally, as well as at state and federal levels while serving as a government watchdog to keep members informed of policy changes that will impact their businesses. By working in partnership with local stakeholders, The Chamber aligns the development efforts of the community to drive progress and promote economic vitality for the entire Southwest Washington region.
Table 1. How Effectively Business Strategies Communicate Specific Traits about a Company The percentages in Table 1 show just howStrategies effective of aCommunicate business strategySpecific being active in aabout chamber really is. For Table 1. How Effectively Business Traits a Company
example, consumers say that being active the local is 29% more effective that company The percentages in Table 1 show just how in effective of chamber a business strategy being activeforincommunicating a chamber really is.aFor uses goodconsumers practices than it is for making general statement about themore company. example, say that being activea in the local chamber is 29% effective for communicating that a company uses good practices than it is for making a general statement about the company.
Business Business Strategies Strategies
Services
Member
Greater Vancouver ChamberThe of Commerce Real Value of Joining a The Real Value of Joining a Membership Return on Investment Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce
Consumers Consumers Business Decision-Makers Business Decision-Makers
% Increase in %Favorability Increase in Favorability
% Increase in %Awareness Increase in Awareness
% Increase in %Reputation Increase in Reputation
44% 44% 37% 37%
51% 51% 51% 51%
57% 57% 58% 58%
Showing people about your company Showing people about your company that you are involved in Showing
• Member rate event entry savings: $200/year
the community Showing that you are involved in the community Showing that you care about customers Showing that you care about customers Showing that you have a good
• Complimentary ribbon cutting service: $500
6
Equally effective Equally effective
Community involvement Community involvement 12% more effective 12% more effective 24% more effective 24% more effective 15% more effective 15% more effective 36% more effective 36% more effective Equally effective Equally effective
% Increase in Future in % Increase Patronage Future Patronage 63% 63% 59% 59%
traits. The is graph shows that seven of ten consumers believe that conveys being actively involved each in theofchamber is ancompany effective This table a snapshot of just howout effectively chamber membership to consumers the specific strategy forgraph enhancing business’ and for demonstrating it uses good business practices. traits. The showsathat seven reputation out of ten consumers believe thatthat being actively involved in the chamber is an effective strategy for enhancing a business’ reputation and for demonstrating that it uses good business practices.
• Instant access to the Chamber of Commerce Brand: Priceless
Top Referral categories: - Restaurants - Banks & Credit Unions - Hotels & Other Accommodations - Insurance - Accountants
Equally effective Equally effective
Cares about customers Cares about customers 13% more effective 13% more effective 20% more effective 20% more effective 13% more effective 13% more effective 28% more effective 28% more effective Equally effective Equally effective
Table 3. What a Chamber Membership Shows Customers This table a snapshot of just how effectively chamber Table 3. isWhat a Chamber Membership Shows membership Customersconveys to consumers each of the specific company
• Free listing in the GVCC online business directory: $500/year
•
26% more effective 26% more effective 10% more effective 10% more effective 14% more effective 14% more effective Equally effective Equally effective
Reputable Reputable
benefits emerge. Forthat example, the tableare indicates know that a small business is a member ofgreat the This table indicates if consumers aware that thatifaconsumers small business is involved with its local chamber chamber of commerce, the business enjoys a 44%that increase in its consumer favorability rating. is a member of the benefits emerge. For example, the table indicates if consumers know that a small business chamber of commerce, the business enjoys a 44% increase in its consumer favorability rating.
Networking & Referrals: • Hundreds of direct GVCC-to consumer referrals for your business by phone, email and web: $2,000+/year
Web referrals: The GVCC’s online directory and member referral system generated more than 500,000 referrals in 2010.
Uses good business Uses good practices business practices 29% more effective 29% more effective Equally effective Equally effective 19% more effective 19% more effective Equally effective Equally effective
Table 2. The Impacts of Chamber Membership on Small Businesses This table that if of consumers aware that a on small business is involved with its local chamber great Table 2. indicates The Impacts Chamberare Membership Small Businesses
Following are just a few of the benefits members receive for their membership investment which far outweigh your annual dues.
•
Being active in the local chamber of commerce Being active in the local chamber of commerce Sponsoring events around the community events around the Sponsoring community Encouraging employees to volunteer Encouraging employees to volunteer Giving out scholarships to local students Giving out scholarships to local students Encouraging employees to donate to a charity Encouraging employees to donate to a charity
Specific Company Traits Specific Company Traits
59% 59% 63% 63% 64% 64% 69% 69%
reputation Showing that you have a good reputation Showing that you use good
70% 70%
business practices Showing that you use good business practices
Source: The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce conducted by the Schapiro Group, Atlanta Georgia Source: The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce conducted by the Schapiro Group, Atlanta Georgia
- Mortgage Companies, Brokers - Property Development, Management, Leasing - Attorneys - Real Estate Sales - Manufacturers
January/February 2011 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com
Members-Only Professional Services: • PR, Branding & Media training and consultation: $85 per hour • Press Release submission service for small business members: $400 annually continues on page 7