August 7, 2015

Active in a chamber means active business

The Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce needs businesses to grow, and the businesses need the chamber to grow.

Even though businesses have been through a rough time, the chamber is needed and valued more than ever for both small and large companies. Advocates of local chambers of commerce have long believed that when a company is active in its local chamber, it is doing the right thing not only for the community but for its own success as well.

Read what some of our members have to say:

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“ I started my company four years ago, and within that time the best business decision I have made was in joining the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce. My business has grown substantially due to my involvement with the Longmont chamber, and now at least 60 percent to 70 percent of my business comes from the connections I have made.” – Brian Berry, Merit Card

“As the owner of Twin Peaks Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric, one of our main goals is to build lasting relationships with our customers, vendors and community. The Longmont Chamber provides us with a superior vehicle allowing us this opportunity. We would not be as successful as we are today without the support of the Chamber and our community.” – Christopher Fannon, owner-operator, Twin Peaks Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Windward Electrical

“The Longmont Chamber is one of the most dynamic organizations of which I have ever been lucky enough to be a part. As a financial institution new to Longmont, we immediately joined the Chamber and were welcomed with open arms and unwavering support. Through their hundreds of events and specialized programs, we gleaned immeasurable opportunities to make connections, build relationships and support the Longmont community.” – Sunflower Bank

What does an active chamber membership say about your business? The Shapiro group conducted a survey to test the effectiveness of an active membership in a local chamber. The results showed that it is an effective way to convey that the company uses good business practices, is involved in the community, cares about customers and is reputable. This is true for both large and small businesses. When consumers know that a large company is a chamber member, they are more likely to patronize that company, express favorable opinions about it and buy its products. The results were even more powerful for small businesses.

The key word is an active membership. People need to know that a business is an active member. So if you are one of the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce’s new members, a valued seasoned member, or a potential member: jump in, get involved and let all your clients know that you are a chamber member and advocate.

The chamber offers more than 200 programs and events each year, all designed to help you expand your reach and promote your business in the Longmont area. Check out our calendar online at www.longmontchamber.org and find events that interest you and fit your schedule. Log in and click to RSVP – it’s that simple.

Business Before Hours: Get connected and get a great start to your day networking with other business professionals at member host locations each month over a light breakfast.

Business After Hours: This monthly Chamber favorite features a member host location and attracts more than 200 member businesses regularly.

neXt: Young Professionals Group: Providing our younger members an outlet for affecting change in the Longmont community, this event has a young professional-friendly atmosphere.

Ambassadors: A professional outreach program, our invaluable volunteer corps can be seen at chamber events and programs.

Chamber Advocates: Volunteers reaching out to chamber members through welcome phone calls and meetups at events, offering another opportunity to create new contacts.

Unity in the Community: Meet key leaders and legislators from the state, county and city that drive decision making at this business professional, communitywide event.

PEAK | 2015: Showcasing manufacturers and distributors in the Longmont area along with innovative programs at the St. Vrain Valley School District and Front Range Community College.

Commerce Cup Open Golf Tournament: Doing business in the great outdoors doesn’t get any better.

Membership Celebration and Awards Luncheon: Celebrate business in Longmont on a grand scale. Awards are given at this festive celebration of chamber member businesses.

How do you become active? Check out our website at longmontchamber.org for the calendar of events and sign up today.

Shelley McLeod is interim president and chief executive of the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce needs businesses to grow, and the businesses need the chamber to grow.

Even though businesses have been through a rough time, the chamber is needed and valued more than ever for both small and large companies. Advocates of local chambers of commerce have long believed that when a company is active in its local chamber, it is doing the right thing not only for the community but for its own success as well.

Read what some of our members have to say:

“ I started my company four…

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