Hours: Monday -Friday 9am to 4pm 255 W 80th Place 219-769-8180 E-mail: geninq@merrillvillecoc.org Chamber Staff: Karla N. Ortegon Cheri Elser Wanda Postell-Terry |
2008 BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP We can accomplish collectively what no one business can do alone.
Every town and city has one. They are almost taken for granted. Yet, the Chamber's role is vital to the business community. The Chamber speaks for all businesses and is in business to help you. On all levels and issues–local, state, and national - our programs and activities are developed with your firm's profitability in mind.
There are many involvement options for participation. Below are opportunities on ways to promote your business through your annual investment in the Chamber. Networking/Promoting/Socializing Opportunities
Display your annual membership certificate prominently, showing your customers and employees your pride and support of the community. Gold members receive a Gold member plaque. Our web site www.merrillvillecoc.org, is working for you – even when you are unable to actively participate. The Web site is open 24/7/365 for your convenience! View current Chamber events and learn more about what the Chamber has to offer. Information is available regarding the community, economic development and hospitality, with direct links to many of our members. Current dues paying members are listed by: Company Name, Category and Representatives Name. Gold Members are entitled to an additional three (3) category listings.
Monthly Membership Meetings Average attendance = 100 members. Meet your fellow Chamber members and Board of Directors, share information on your business accomplishments and upcoming business events. Be informed and educated by our guest speakers.
*Member Orientation: Prior to the lunch, learn the networking & marketing opportunities the Chamber has to offer.
*30 Second Commercial: Promote your company/event to the membership in 30 seconds or less! Available to current members who have pre-paid reservations and registered for Orientation and/or Commercial by the luncheon deadline date.
*Get Promoted at Lunch: A networking table set up at the monthly membership meetings to showcase your business to members. Contact the Chamber for available dates and locations. Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours & Open HousesHost or attend. Welcome new members with the Board of Directors, Ambassadors and Chamber members.
*Ribbon Cuttings: Introduce your new business to the members and the community. The Chamber provides the ribbon, scissors and complimentary photo.
*Business After Hours & Open Houses: Host an “after hours” event showcasing your business, products, and services to your fellow Chamber members in an atmosphere with no programs or speeches.
Ambassador Program A vehicle for establishing quality business contacts/leads. Be the first to meet new members and introduce your company to them. Earn “chamber bucks” to pay for your membership luncheons and more!
Referrals The Chamber refers only members to prospects, clients and residents. Chamber members have the opportunity to place business cards and promotional material in the Chamber lobby.
Member to Member Discount Program Offer fellow members a discount on your product or service. Started in 2005, and updated monthly in our Focus on Business Newsletter, the total booklet is on line and available 24/7/365! You and your employees are welcome to take advantage of this program.
Bulk Mailing Program Place flyers in Chamber bulk mailing program that reaches over 1000 business persons! You provide the flyers; we package and take to the post office. Gold members receive a 55% discount!
Newsletter Articles and Advertising Submit press releases for the Chamber monthly newsletter and weekly local publications.
Chamber Membership Labels Advertise your business or special event to Chamber members, town, and community leaders. Mailing labels are $75.00 a set for regular members and $35.00 for Gold members. We do not sell our data base to non-members.
Government Liaison Service/Legislative Voice Your business interests are presented and protected by tracking legislative action of the local, state and federal government.
Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities Most events promoted through the Chamber allow member recognition through sponsorship and/or donation of gift items.
Annual Events *The Reality Store – March 5, 2008 Ross Township 8th graders experience life as a 28 year old with the help of Chamber member volunteers. *Spring Expo – March 27, 2008 Merrillville Chamber of Commerce presents leading businesses showing products & services *Golf Outing – Summer 2008 A day of golf, food, and fun! Golfers and non-golfer’s welcome, non-golfers are welcome to join us for lunch and/or dinner. Many opportunities to be recognized as a sponsor. *Business & Consumer Show – Fall 2008 A taste of the area’s products and services. *Town Ball – Fall 2008 A festive evening co-sponsored by the Chamber and Town of Merrillville. Be involved in the community and recognized as a sponsor.
Gold Membership
One way you can keep your business at the very forefront of the business community is by enrolling in our Gold Membership Program. This program is the cornerstone for our advocacy efforts to improve the business climate in the Merrillville/Ross Township area. The revenue generated from it will be used for support staff and activities as our Chamber grows to the next level.
As a GOLD MEMBER you would pay 150% of the scheduled annual dues for your business. In return for your additional support, we will recognize your contribution in many ways. They will include: * Gold Member plaque for display at your business * Your company name will appear on the Gold Member listing in our monthly newsletter "Focus On Business" * Recognition at all Chamber functions. A sign with your name will be displayed * A sign will also be displayed in the Chamber lobby with your name on it * A link on the Chamber Web site in our Gold member area * Free admission to all Chamber Business After Hours * Four classifications listings on the Chamber Web site membership section. Each classification links to your own Web site and e-mail address * 55% discount to promote your business using the Marketing Insert Flyer Program Here is an example of what your dues investment would be if you elect to "go Gold." If your scheduled dues are: $215, your Gold Member dues would be $323, if your scheduled dues are $235 your GOLD MEMBER dues would be $353 and so on. To upgrade your company status to Gold member, simply multiply your current annual dues investment by 1.5 and remit the total amount. We will do the rest! Our Mission Statment
The Merrillville Chamber of Commerce proactively serves the Merrillville/Ross Township Communities by promoting quality business practices, economic development, a voice in public policy and quality of life. The Chamber accomplishes these objectives though active involvement of its members by offering a forum for the exchange of ideas, business-to-business opportunities and social interaction. .
255 W. 80th Place * Merrillville, IN 46410 219-769-8180 - Fax: 219-736-6223 |
| © Merrillville Chamber of Commerce 2005 |
