10 Ways to Get the Most from Your Chamber Membership
Some people think chambers of commerce work magic—and in many ways, they do. But to see real results and get the most from your membership, you need to be involved. Joining is a smart move, but the true value comes when you actively engage.
If you’ve been wondering whether you’re making the most of your membership—or if you’re just starting out and you’re not sure how to get the most out of it—here are ten practical ways to tap into the value your chamber offers.
1. Show Up and Be Seen
The simplest way to maximize your membership is to attend events. Networking mixers, ribbon cuttings, educational workshops, and signature luncheons put you face-to-face with other members, community leaders, and potential customers.
Visibility builds trust, and trust builds business.
- Looking for a Chamber event? Visit our calendar and filter by “Chamber Event”! See you there!
2. Introduce Yourself Online
Most chambers offer a member directory, website listing, or social media shoutout for members. Take advantage of it! Ensure your business profile is up to date, includes a compelling description, and links to your website and social media.
- Unsure of your company login? Contact us: Office@LLChamber.com
If your chamber tags members online, engage with their posts to boost visibility. Not sure what they’ll do for you on social—ask. Some chambers have tiers that give more social media and marketing exposure, while others are happy to give you a shoutout.
- Want another place to share your company news? Visit our Facebook group! Open for all to join, but only open for Chamber Members to post their news.
Speaking of…
3. Use Member-Only Marketing Perks
Chambers often provide exclusive opportunities to advertise in newsletters (or on their website), sponsor events, or be featured in business spotlights. These are often far more affordable than traditional advertising and directly reach a targeted local audience. Ask about low-cost or free ways to get featured.
- We have two emails – a job search (Working Wednesdays) and an announcement email (Community News). To submit your open hiring positions or upcoming event/company announcement, please send the information to: Office@LLChamber.com
- We also have a community job board we’ll add your open positions on!
- Our online calendar is open to submissions! We feature our member events and (attempt!) to feature all events in Leavenworth County. You can submit your event here!
4. Host or Sponsor Events
Sponsorships aren’t just about logos on banners—they’re about association and visibility. Whether you sponsor a lunch and learn, co-host a networking mixer, or provide space for a meeting, you position your organization as a local leader and supporter of the community.
Not into event sponsorships? There may be other opportunities such as naming conference rooms, sponsoring giveaways, or in-kind donations. Many chambers are doing some innovative and fun events with creative sponsorship opportunities. They may even be open to you suggesting your own.
- Check out our speaker/host proposal form on our website!
- Want to know about upcoming sponsorship opportunities? Just ask: Office@LLChamber.com
5. Participate in Advocacy Efforts
Your chamber is your voice at city hall and beyond. Stay informed about local legislation, zoning issues, and economic development initiatives that affect your business. Many chambers host candidate forums, legislative briefings, or policy committees—get involved to shape the future of your local economy. Additionally, voice your concerns and opinions so your chamber knows best how to advocate for you and your industry.
- We are constantly working to do our best to advocate for our membership community. Join our Government Affairs Committee! Second Thursday of every month, 9-10AM, at the Chamber Offices.
- Or, visit our YouTube channel and watch some of the fantastic videos from events hosted by our GAC!
6. Leverage Learning Opportunities
From business planning to digital marketing to hiring best practices, chambers often host workshops, webinars, and panel discussions to keep you abreast of trends and best practices. Use them.
These sessions can save you hours of research—and sometimes thousands of dollars. Plus, you know the products, services, and companies presented in these learning ops are vetted and (usually) chamber members.
- Again, see our playlists!
- Check out our Leadership program!
7. Connect with Other Members
Chambers are a goldmine of potential partnerships. Need a CPA? Looking for a nonprofit to support? Want a trusted supplier? Look to your fellow members first. When you do business with others in the chamber, you contribute to a stronger, more connected local economy. These new partners may also send business your way.
- Visit our Directory!
8. Tell Your Story
People want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Share your milestones, success stories, or community impact with the chamber staff. Many chambers are happy to highlight member achievements in newsletters or on social media—it’s great exposure and helps build your reputation.
- We’ve mentioned our newsletters, but you can also submit your stories to our Press Releases! This can be done in your membership login, or send it to us at: Office@LLChamber.com
Get personal. If your chamber asks you for a new member writeup for your business. Give it some thought. What do you want people to know most about you? How can you make them more curious about you so they’ll sample your offerings? Don’t just copy and paste your website’s about page. You want to give people moments where they feel connected to you. Ask yourself what is it about you and your business that people will identify with or find interesting.
9. Get Your Team Involved
Your membership isn’t just for you—it’s for your whole team. Encourage staff to attend networking events, professional development events and leadership programs, or industry roundtables. It can boost morale, expand your reach, and help with talent retention.
- We’re always glad to see our members! Whether you’ve been with the organization for decades or just started an internship, we appreciate seeing you, meeting you, and having you participate in our events.
10. Ask Questions and Offer Ideas
Finally, know chambers are member-driven organizations. If you’re unsure how to plug in or have an idea for a new program or service, speak up. Chamber staff are usually eager to help and love hearing member feedback. Your input could lead to new initiatives that benefit the whole community.
Your Chamber is a Partner, Not Just a Provider
Chamber membership benefits your business even if you don’t partake in all its offerings, but you’ll get a lot more if you’re an active member. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a nonprofit director, or the CEO of a growing company, your chamber is there to support your success. Get involved, build relationships, and use the tools available. You’ll not only grow your business—you’ll strengthen your community in the process.
- Other benefits include:
A. Medical Plans (For companies with 2 – 100 W-2 employees)
B. Advertising Value Report (As long as you have a Chamber Membership, your directory listing is getting views)
C. Low Cost Merchant Account (Looking at credit card processing?)
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Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.
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Medium: @christinametcalf
Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking
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