Recently I sent in an online application for my business to join the "Greater Angleton Chamber of Commerce” I wasn’t really expecting to hear much back to be honest with ya. I thought perhaps they would mail me some info in a few days.
Well I received a call last week from Tonya Visor who serves on the board of directors at the Angleton Chamber of Commerce. I was to be honest, impressed. In other circumstances when you fill out an online app you have someone from a "Call Center" call you and half listen to what you were "inquiring about" as they smack gum and file their nails.....So I was pleasantly surprised to hear from Ms. Tonya.
We spent a while on the phone talking about all the benefits to being a member of the chamber...it was a whole lot more than I was aware of. She was so helpful and patient in answering all my questions. What I appreciated the most was her "realness" and sincerity in talking to me, her interest in the kind of business i was starting, her excitement in telling me everything she thought I needed to know, her respect for the Chamber and our Community as well as the fact that she was NOT at all aggressive or pushy about me needing to "JOIN NOW NOW NOW". I felt like i was talking to a friend not a sales person or anything like that. FOR me that kind of thing is priceless!
We met today so we could go over some more info and sign some forms. I will share with you just SOME of the benifits to being a Chamber Member....
NETWORKING
Monthly Member Luncheons
2 listings in the membership directory
Advertising on their website
New members mentioned in their newsletter
Volunteer opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities
Committee meetings
Use of their conference room at discounted rates
Referrals from the Chamber and soooo much more!
This is how I have always seen it.... The Chamber is the heartbeat of any city, it is the first place new people call, the first place to get a vibe on what the city is all about and being a part of it gives the shopper a sense of accountability.
So Why join the Chamber of Commerce as a small business owner? The real question really is WHY WOULDNT you?
Till NExt Time,
Melissa
http://www.angletonchamber.org/
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