The following reasons to join the Chamber are the results
of a recent membership survey.
1. Networking, Networking, Networking!
Take advantage of numerous networking opportunities by attending
Chamber-sponsored events throughout the year. Each event, committee
meeting and project is planned as an opportunity to meet fellow
members in an informal business setting. Whether you are looking
to buy, sell or just meet more professionals, the Chamber has
an event for you!
2. Visibility and Exposure
Business & Information Directory. Reach 5,000 potential customers in the pages of the Chamber’s
annual Business & Information Directory (BID), a handy desktop networking and business tool for professionals,
community leaders, newcomers, visitors and citizens that features
exclusive listings of current members in three categories: Membership
Roster, Who’s Who Listing and Products & Services
Guide. Reach for the BID the next time you are looking for goods
and services in the area.
Online Member Directory. Today, TIME not money, is our most valuable commodity. As a result, more and more people are choosing to do business via the Internet. So how do you insure that your website is getting more hits than that of your competitor? By making it as easy as possible to access. The Greater Chamber receives numerous requests for referrals on a daily basis, and like everyone else, we refer them to our website. With our searchable online database, information is literally just a click away. Not only that, but we offer extra features for a minimal fee which can give you the edge you need to keep your business growing. To check out the Member Directory, visit the Greater Chamber’s website at www.pwcgmcc.org.
News & Events Wire. Post your events on the Chamber’s community calendar and publish press releases in a timely fashion. When you join the Chamber’s News and Events Wire, you get a free media room that allows you to write and distribute press releases and event news instantly. Since your site may accessed through the Chamber’s site it is more convenient for the media and the public. Visit pwcgmcc.mymediaroom.com/wire for more information.
Business Promotion. Display your brochures,
flyers and business cards at the Chamber office. The high-traffic
reception area is a great place to promote your products and
services. The brochure wall conveniently holds your literature
and offers members the opportunity to advertise.
3.
Community Improvement
Speakers
Bureau. Area schools and nonprofit organizations utilize the Speaker’s
Bureau List as an ongoing resource of speakers for their programs.
Currently, more than 50 members are featured on the list prepared
to address topics ranging from marketing to motivation.
Committee Connections. Address issues from economic
development to membership recruitment by volunteering on a Chamber
committee. With well over a dozen committees to choose from,
members have many opportunities to impact the community and
the direction of Chamber programs. Involvement in committees
offers many leadership opportunities and networking in a small
group setting. Interested members may call the Chamber office
to sign up.
Intern/Shadowing
Opportunities. Offer an internship or job
shadowing opportunity to a student wishing to experience careers
in different industries as a means of workforce and community
development.
Shelley Krasnow Community Service Award. The Shelley Krasnow Award is presented to one or more deserving nonprofit organizations for outstanding community service. A one thousand dollar check is presented to each recipient along with a plaque commemorating their service at the Chamber’s annual Community Showcase Luncheon held each February. The recipients’ names are inscribed on the Shelley Krasnow Community Service Award plaque that is permanently displayed at the Chamber office. Visit www.pwcgmcc.org/news/news_shelly_krasnow.shtm for more information.
Scholarship Awards. Nine one thousand-dollar scholarships, three in each of three categories, are awarded annually to seniors from Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park public and private accredited secondary schools for educational programs of study leading to a degree or professional certificate. Visit www.pwcgmcc.org/news/news_chmbrscholarship.shtm for more information.
4.
Marketing/Advertising Opportunities
The Greater Chamber offers members a wide variety of sponsorships of and advertising opportunities.
All are detailed in our Marketing
Opportunities brochure. Hard copies are available by calling
the Chamber office.
Mailing Labels. Target your marketing efforts by purchasing Chamber mailing labels, which feature the names and addresses of all current member businesses and community leaders. Members may also purchase the membership mailing labels on disk at a special rate.
5. Help for Growing Businesses
The Chamber is the pathway to the business community and can help you navigate your way through the often confusing processes of starting your new business. Our Mentoring Program and quarterly New Member Orientation events help familiarize you with all the business tools and opportunities afforded you by virtue of your membership. Our Brown Bag Seminars often provide useful information to those just starting out as well. We will even help you conduct your ribbon cutting for no additional charge!
6. Great Events
The Chamber holds 5 regular events every month designed to maximize networking. One free Business After Hours, one free Business Before Hours and 2 free Brown Bag Seminars. A networking luncheon or breakfast is also held monthly. In addition to our regular events, many special events and programs are held throughout the year. For more information, check out our Calendar of Events.
7. Referrals
Requests for Information.Have your
business referred by the Chamber office just by being a member.
Each year, we receive thousands of requests for information
on businesses providing all types of products and services in
the area. The Chamber is pleased to respond to these requests
by exclusively referring the names and numbers of our members.
Member-To-Member Discount Program.Advertise your products
and services and increase your business within the Chamber.
Take advantage of tremendous promotional opportunities for your
business by extending a special offer exclusively for Chamber members. Fellow Chamber members save by taking advantage of
your special offers and in return, you gain business and recognition
in the community. Everybody wins! For more information, visit the Member-To-Member Discount Program on our website.
8.
Business Climate Improvement
Have your voice heard by participating in the Chamber's many
government relations projects including preparation of the joint
Legislative Agenda package. The priorities represent the concerns of
members in the business community and are presented at an annual
kick-off breakfast with our local General Assembly Delegation.
A wrap-up meeting is held to review the results of the General
Assembly.
9. Information
Member Directories. Locate members offering the products and services you need online through the Chamber’s searchable Member Directory. Or keep a copy handy of the Chamber’s annual "Business and Information Directory" listing members in three different categories: alphabetically, in a Who’s Who format, and by business category.
INPRINT Magazine. Keep informed of Chamber programs, business issues,
professional resources, member activities and new member listings
with our member newsletter. Each member receives a copy of "INPRINT
Magazine" on a bi-monthly basis. Copies are also distributed to subscribers
of the "Manassas Journal Messenger." Advertising and flyer insert
opportunities are available only to members.
Chamber Updates.Receive information
on the programs, projects and events offered by the Chamber.
Each member is kept up-to-date by distribution of regular mailings,
emails and faxes including the bi-monthly Calendar
of Events and at least ten electronic bulletins called “E-Bursts” per month. Every other Friday, the Chamber
distributes the What’s Happening electronic events
newsletter highlighting both Chamber and Chamber member activities
and events.
Street Map Book. The Chamber, in conjunction
with ADC “The Map People,” has produced a Street
Map Book of Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.
Each member is entitled to a free copy. Additional copies along
with discount quantity purchases are available by contacting
the Chamber office.
Brown Bag Seminar Series. Learn both professional and personal development skills by attending
the Chamber’s “Brown Bag” Seminar Series.
Open exclusively to members and their employees, these lunch-hour
seminars feature a wide range of topics presented by members.
Attendance is free of charge and previous topics have included
“Principles of Business Growth,” “A Guide to Leasing Commercial Space,” “Stretching Your Printing $$$ ” and “Bookkeeping 101."
10. Sign of a Responsible Business
Identify your organization as a member by displaying the Chamber membership plaque which you receive when you join. The public views membership in the Chamber of Commerce as a sign of a responsible business. Look for membership plaques at other area businesses.
