Prince William County-Greater Manassas 

Chamber of Commerce

Marketing Opportunities Menu

Note:

This brochure contains information on promoting your business, but does not include costs to attend events such as luncheons, breakfasts, Annual Dinner Dance or Hoe Down! That information is contained in individual event brochures, flyers and the Calendar of Events.

 

Prices included are subject to change and vary each year.

 

New sponsorship opportunities may be created during the year and are not necessarily included in this brochure. Members will be notified on an as-needed basis about any late-breaking opportunities!

All sponsorships are sold on a first come, first serve basis!

CORNERSTONE CONTRIBUTORS:

 

The pinnacle of sponsorship opportunities is the Chamber's Cornerstone Contributor Program. Members are recognized for their continued support of the Chamber and its mission. Limited to six participants, Cornerstone Contributors are listed as sponsors of the Chamber Annual Business Plan with a special logo showcasing all six members that is included on all printed and electronic communication including the Calendar of Events, INPRINT, and the Chamber's website for the year. A poster featuring all six logos is displayed in the Chamber office and at all events. A plaque is updated on an annual basis and is displayed in the Chamber office.

Staff contact: Debbie Jones, ext. 11, or [email protected]

Cost: $5,000 (Limited to 6)

 
EVENT SPONSORSHIPS:
Hoe Down at the Fairgrounds: 

This event brings our members, their employees, families, clients and colleagues together for food, music, fun and entertainment for all ages.  Held in September, it attracts approximately 400 people each year.  Sponsors line up to have their logo included on a variety of items that have included in the past:  tee shirts, stadium cups, frisbees and golf towels.

Staff contact: Kris Welsh, ext. 15 or [email protected]

Cost:  $3,000 for Main Sponsor and $350/$400 for logo sponsors.

Connections ETC 2004:

This newly configured event combines the best of several previously successful events: the Business to Business Expo; Prospective Member Reception; Techpo; and the Consumer Sell-A-Bration. It highlights several focus areas of the Chamber including: Education, Technology & Communication (ETC) in a blockbuster event scheduled for October at the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center at George Mason University. This formal 'pipe & drape' trade show is destined to become a Chamber trademark event!

Registration is available online at www.pwcgmcc.org.


Staff contact:  Kris Welsh, ext. 15 or [email protected] 

Cost:  $3500 Main Sponsor (Limited to 4); $350 to exhibit

Economic Development Update and Reception:

The Chamber invites representatives from the four major local jurisdictions to make presentations on the status of regional economic development. This annual event, scheduled for February, is held at the Verizon Auditorium at George Mason University 's Prince William Campus. Sponsors for this event are listed in the Calendar of Events and on all pre- and post-event publicity, as well as a display table at the event. This event is widely publicized to the membership and community.

Staff contact: Debbie Jones, ext. 11 or [email protected]

Cost: $300 (Limited to 7)

NOTE: This event is currently being revamped. Please contact Debbie Jones for details.

Polar Bear Scramble:

Members and their guests enjoy the kickoff of the golf season at this event traditionally held in March and consisting of an afternoon of Nine-Hole Captain's Choice golf and lunch. A portion of the proceeds supports the Chamber's scholarship Program.

Staff contact: Debbie Jones, ext. 11 or [email protected]

Cost: $1,000 Main Event, other sponsorships range from $150 - $500

"Pat on the Back"

This is the Chamber's annual membership "thank you." Each and every member is contacted on St. Patrick's Day and presented with a token of the Chamber's appreciation for their support. Items, bearing the logo of the sponsoring member, are hand delivered by member volunteers. Spnsorship of this event is a great way to get your name out to the entire membership!

Staff contact: Kris Welsh, ext. 15 or [email protected]

Cost: $1000 (varies each year)



M.A.P. Your Success Breakfast

 

Using marketing, advertising and P.R. to drive your business! Marketing, advertising and public relations are three elements to a successful communications plan and imperative to growing a successful business. Do you really know your message and market? Are you communicating it effectively? Do you know the difference between marketing and advertising? Get answers to these questions and more at this breakfast seminar. Sponsors will have their logo on cover of handout, on the invitation and in all pre- and post event publicity.

Staff contact: Laurel Vaughan, ext. 14, or [email protected]

Cost: $250 (Limited to 5)

Annual Dinner Dance:

 

The Annual Dinner Dance is a formal yet festive evening in June that acknowledges the conclusion of the existing Chamber year and launches the new Chamber year with the installation of officers. Sponsors' names are included on invitations and programs, on a display board and projected on screen at the event itself. Sponsors are also featured in all pre- and post-event publicity and on the Chamber's website.

Staff contact: Kris Welsh, ext. 15 or [email protected]

Cost: $3,500 for Main Sponsor and other levels range from $250 - $2,500

Business Before Hours & After Hours:

As the most popular networking events, attending these hour-long morning and afternoon functions is an excellent and convenient way to make valuable contacts. Event hosts personally showcase their businesses to attendees. Hosts/sponsors are listed in the Calendar of Events, on the Chamber's website and in all pre- and post-event publicity. Hosts/Sponsors are required to send out their own invitations and are provided a complimentary set of mailing labels. OR the Chamber will create and send an E-Invitation via email and fax to all members three weeks prior to the event at a nominal fee. Opportunities to host are limited and are routinely booked 6 - 8 months in advance.

Staff contact: Michaelene Ressler. ext. 21 or [email protected]

Cost to Sponsor: None   Cost for E-Invitation: $200.00

New Member Orientation:

This quarterly event is an opportunity for all new - and veteran - members to learn about the Chamber and how to utilize their membership for maximum benefit. The sponsors name appears on invitations, Calendar of Events, pre- and post-event publicity and on handouts distributed at the event. The sponsor is also encouraged to provide a flyer to be included in the handout, provided a display table at the event, included in the agenda and eligible to make a 3-5 minute presentation about their company or organization as well as hand out brochures to all attendees.

Staff contact: Kris Welsh, ext. 15 or [email protected]

Cost to Sponsor: $350

 
LUNCHEON & BREAKFAST SPONSORSHIPS:
Monthly Luncheons & Breakfasts:

The sponsor is included in the luncheon agenda and has an exclusive opportunity to speak for three minutes to the attendees and to put brochures at each place setting. The sponsor is also offered a display table near the Chamber registration table at the event on which to promote their business or organization. The sponsor is listed in the Calendar of Events, on the Message-on-Hold on the Chamber telephone system; in all pre- and post-event publicity. Scheduling is on a first-come first-serve basis. Only 12 luncheons/breakfasts are held each year.

Staff contact: Laurel Vaughan, ext. 14 or [email protected]

Cost to Sponsor: $400

Some luncheons/breakfasts have an established theme and are held around the same time each year. Here is just a sample:

July Networking Breakfast:

 

"A pure networking opportunity" describes this breakfast.  Members and prospective members gather at a 'summery' location to exchange information and leads.  This breakfast has gained popularity every year and is now much anticipated annual event.

Cuisine de Commerce:

 

The Cuisine de Commerce is a tasty annual event held in November. Member restaurants, caterers and specialty shops donate entrees, appetizers, desserts and much more. The event attracts more than 200 attendees each year. Proceeds from this event support the Chamber's annual Shelley Krasnow Community Service Award that is given to a non-profit organization at the Chamber's Community Showcase Luncheon.

Silent Auction Luncheon:

The Silent Auction luncheon in December with it's holiday shopping theme, has become one of the most popular luncheons of the year with approximately 200 'happy shoppers' in attendance. Donated items ranging from signed lithographs to golf outings help 'shoppers' get a head start on their holiday shopping. Members are encouraged to donate items.

Legislative Kick-off or Wrap-up Breakfast:

 

Twice each year the Chamber invites local representatives of Virginia 's General Assembly to breakfast. In January, the Kick-off is held to present the Chamber's Joint Legislative Priorities as elected officials head down to Richmond . The Wrap-up is held at the conclusion of the session, typically in March to brief members about political issues of interest to local business. These events are jointly sponsored by the Prince William Regional Chamber; typically one chamber hosts the Kick-off, the other hosts the Wrap-up.

Community Showcase Luncheon:

The Chamber of Commerce is proud of its support of non-profit members. The Community Showcase luncheon is held annually in February to provide non-profits the opportunity to exhibit and inform the membership about their mission and programs. More than 20 non-profits eagerly participate each year. The Shelley Krasnow Community Service Award is also presented at this event.

Education Honor Roll Breakfast/Luncheon:

 

Honoring the contributions of local education leaders was the inspiration for this event. Invited representatives from the three school districts include school Superintendents and award-winning teachers. The Chamber also invites its annual college scholarship awardees.

Annual "Excellence in Business" Awards Luncheon:

 

The Chamber membership recognizes the outstanding contributions of its peers each year in May. With numerous awards presented, including "Business of the Year", "Member of the Year" and "Rookie of the Year", many member organizations opt to bring their entire staff to share the suspense as the winning name is revealed and the honor of being recognized.

 

Arts Alive! Luncheon:

 

The Arts Alive! Luncheon is an event designed to provide member arts organizations the opportunity to showcase their work at a membership luncheon. Performing and visual arts members alike are all included in this entertaining event.

 
PRINT OPPORTUNITIES:

Calendar of Events Inserts:

 

The calendar is published six times each year. Only one insert is included in each issue. The Calendar is mailed to more than 1,000 members and their representatives and is included in all prospective and new member packets. The Calendar includes all scheduled Chamber events for a two-month period.

Insert: Member provides 1,200 copies of 8 ½ x 11 flyer on 20 lb. paper (may be two-sided)

Staff contact: Kris Welsh, ext. 15 or [email protected]

Cost: $500 per issue

Calendar of Events Display Ad:

Published six times each year, the calendar features only one ad per issue. The 5" x 7" ad is located on the outside back cover of the calendar for maximum exposure. Ads must be submitted either via email or on a disk. 1,200 copies are produced with more than 1,000 copies mailed to members and their representatives and a copy is included in all prospective and new member packets. The Calendar, including ad and insert, are also downloaded onto the Chamber's website to further maximize exposure. The Calendar includes all scheduled Chamber events for a two-month period.

Staff contact: Kris Welsh, ext. 15 or [email protected]

Cost: $500 per issue

Business & Information Directory:

 

All members are listed in the directory as a benefit of membership. This is the Chamber's most-requested publication and is produced annually. Additional advertising opportunities are also available and ad rates are determined with each issue. Ad sales begin in the spring and printed directories are distributed around mid-summer.

Staff contact: Anita Duecaster, ext. 13, or [email protected]

Cost: Advertising rates vary each year. Historically they range from $400 to $2,750

INPRINT

INPRINT is published bimonthly as a supplement to the Manassas Journal Messenger. The tabloid is the Chamber's newsletter and is distributed to members and newspaper subscribers. Advertising is limited exclusively to members. For information on advertising rates, contact the Manassas Journal Messenger directly at 703-368-3101. Inserts, however, are sold through the Chamber office and are limited to 6 per issue.

Staff contact: Kris Welsh, ext. 15 or [email protected]

Inserts - Member provides 1,200 copies of 8 ½ x 11 flyer on 20 lb. paper (may be two-sided)

Cost: $300

Membership Brochure Wall:

 

This impressive wall located in the Chamber's foyer contains 16 premium advertising spots around the perimeter that are available to rent on an annual basis. In addition to ad space, sponsors also receive reserved space for an 8 ½ x 11 brochure and a reserved slot for business cards. Participation runs annually from July 1 - June 30. Space is limited and fills up quickly. (See below for more information about using this unique advertising opportunity.)

Staff contact: Kris Welsh, ext. 15 or [email protected].

Cost: $595 per spot

Brown Bag Seminar Series Brochure:

The Brown Bag Seminar Series is held twice each month and consists of informative seminars on a variety of topics of interest to business and organizations and are free to our members. The program is compiled for a six-month period and printed in a brochure that features the sponsor's name and is distributed to more than 900 Chamber members, prospects and is listed on the Chamber's website. The sponsor is also listed in the Calendar of Events, on the progam brochures and all pre- and post-event publicity.

Staff contact: Michaelene Ressler, ext. 21 or [email protected]

Cost: $750 per six month issue

 
ONLINE & MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

E-Burst:

One of the Chamber's most effective and newest forms of communications is the E-Burst. This communication simply and succinctly delivers information regarding upcoming Chamber events, news or opportunities. The Chamber sends out ten E-bursts and E-faxes per month to our members. The sponsor is mentioned in the opening headlines of all ten.

Staff contact: Laurel Vaughan, ext. 14, or [email protected]

Cost: $300/month

What's Happening:

The Chamber's new electronic newsletter is transmitted every other Friday to the entire membership. It contains information supplied by members about their upcoming events. It also serves as a timely reminder about future Chamber events. The sponsor's information appears at the top of the transmission on each issue. The sponsors are also listed in the INPRINT for one full year.

Staff contact: Laurel Vaughan, ext. 14, [email protected]

Cost: $100/two issues, $125/three issues

 
ADDITIONAL PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

Mailing Labels:

 

Mailing labels of the entire Chamber membership are available for purchase in peel off format. 

Staff contact:  Michaelene Ressler, ext. 21 or [email protected]

Cost:  $100 per set

Mailing Labels on Disk:

 

Mailing labels of the entire Chamber membership are available on floppy disk.  Disk purchasers are entitled to one full year unlimited usage.  Updates are available during the year.

Staff contact:  Michaelene Ressler, ext. 21 or [email protected]

Cost:  $150 per disk, $25 per update

Membership Brochure Wall:

 

As a benefit of membership, members are encouraged to display business cards and promotional materials on the brochure wall located in the front office at the Chamber.  The Chamber receives walk-in traffic throughout the year at our convenient Center St. location.  Chamber members attending meetings on a daily basis, as well as the general public looking for relocation information browse through the materials with interest.  Just drop off your cards and brochures to Michaelene Ressler and she'll add them to the wall.

Staff contact:  Michaelene Ressler, ext. 21, or [email protected]

Cost:  None

Searchable Online Database:

Today, TIME, not money, is the most valuable commodity. As a result, more and more people are choosing to do business via the Internet. So how do you insure that people reach you? By making it as easy as possible to get to it. The Chamber receives numerous requests for referrals on a daily basis, and like everyone else, we refer them to our website. With our new searchable online database, the information they are seeking is literally just a click away. Not only that, but we have added extra features which can give you the edge you're looking for to keep your business growing. Visit the Chamber's website at www.pwcgmcc.org and check it out!

Staff contact: Anita Duecaster, ext. 13, or [email protected]

Cost: $125 - $500

Brown Bag Seminar Series:

This program provides Chamber members the opportunity to make a presentation on a topic that is of general interest to the membership. This free, one-hour, informational session is intended to help members improve their businesses. Two sessions are offered each month and are free to members or their staff to attend. This series is a winner for everyone: Attendees profit from the invaluable information that derive from this series, while presenters benefit from the exposure.

Staff contact: Michaelene Ressler, ext. 21, or [email protected]

Cost: None

Speakers Bureau List:

 

Members are encouraged to submit their names and areas of expertise to the Chamber for inclusion on our Speakers Bureau List.  This list is requested by groups and organizations looking for speakers and can also be downloaded off the website at www.pwcgmcc.org.

Staff contact:  Laurel Vaughan, ext. 14 or [email protected]

Cost:  None