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Benefits of Membership! Membership has its privileges at the Queen Creek Chamber; and numerous benefits are available to you immediately when you join. Here are just a few:
· Instant Credibility - Businesses who belong to the Queen Creek Chamber gain instant credibility and build their name recognition among consumers who “shop local.” Moreover, Chamber members who get involved in their community increase their presence in Town, build their businesses faster, and strengthen their staying power (our research tells us this is especially true in a down economy).
· Marketing & Advertising – Membership in the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce is absolutely the lowest cost marketing and advertising opportunity for your business. Your annual membership dues afford you the opportunity to advertise at the Chamber office, on the Chamber website and through various Chamber publications like our map or printed business directory. In addition, we send out new member, relocation and renewal packets weekly, so when you drop off marketing materials to us, they go in the packets for all to see.
· Referral Business – Our surveys confirm that Chamber members prefer do business with other Chamber members. Not only does your membership allow you to offer member to member discounts and grow your product / service territory quickly; but working with other members strengthens the aggregate business community which benefits everyone.
· Website Presence - We know many customers shop online first, so don’t miss out on sales opportunities. With your membership you get a free webpage, the ability to track your site’s performance, Google search functionality; and a listing in the Chamber’s online business directory.
· Business E-Newsletter – Each week you can receive an e-newsletter from the Chamber. It contains up to date information on the Queen Creek business community; and will keep you “in the know.” The most current newsletter is also posted on the website.
· Political Representation & A Voice for Business – When you join the Chamber you automatically receive statewide political representation via the Chamber’s membership in the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA). Rest assured that all state legislation that has a direct impact on business is thoroughly evaluated and lobbied for or against with business interests in mind first. In addition, the Queen Creek Chamber is THE voice of the business community in Town. When issues arise that affect our membership, when you petition us, you will be heard both in the community and in Town Hall.
· General Meeting Once a Month – Queen Creek Chamber members (and prospective members) are encouraged to attend our general membership meeting the 2nd Tuesday of each month at noon. For 2009, all of these member meetings will be held in the Zane Grey Conference Room at the new Queen Creek Library. Speakers and topics vary each month; and these meetings provide you with an excellent opportunity to make introductions with other business leaders in Town.
· Networking Mixers Every Month – On the 3rd Thursday of each month beginning at 5:30 PM, the Queen Creek Chamber holds a networking mixer. These monthly events offer members the chance to promote their businesses, drive referral business and offer member to member discounts on products and services. Typically a member will offer to host the mixer, providing added recognition, marketing and exposure to the business.
· Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting Services – Whether you’re starting a brand new business or just expanding with a new location, when you join the Queen Creek Chamber, we’re happy to support your special ceremony!
Here’s what you need to do:
1) Contact the Chamber and tell us the date and time of your grand opening/ribbon cutting.
2) Provide invitations and mail them to your guests (if desired).
3) Arrange for local advertising (if desired).
4) Provides refreshments.
Here’s what we’ll do:
1) Advertise your ceremony on the Calendar of Events and in the weekly e-newsletter (during the month in which it is scheduled) and invite all members to attend.
2) Invite the Mayor and Town Council to your event.
3) Provide traditional oversize scissors and red ribbon for cutting.
4) Provide photography services.
5) Arrange media coverage to ensure photos are placed in newspapers.
· Business Planning and Advice – We work with S.C.O.R.E. and Arizona’s SBA in an effort to provide you top notch recommendations for your business. And while we cannot guarantee our recommendations will work for you, our goal is to help your business succeed! We’re here to help!
· Free Government Documents – We have tax forms, license applications, vendor registrations, etc. And if we don’t have it, we’ll help you find it.
· Office of Tourism – The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce also operates a Visitor’s Center for new residents and tourists and is designated as the Office of Tourism for Queen Creek. Again, when you bring your collateral marketing materials to the Chamber Office, you benefit via another free advertising channel to the general and traveling public.
· Official Membership Certificate – This certificate is suitable for display in your office or place of business and comes with your paid application.
· Display Space at the Chamber office – We encourage all Chamber members to bring their marketing and advertising materials to our office for public display. Business cards, brochures, flyers, cups, magnets, pens, if it’s designed to promote your business, we’ll showcase it for you.
· Trade Name and Trademark Assistance – We can assist you with both state and federal applications.
Other Benefits
· Fax Machine – We have a machine for your limited use. You may receive faxes for 25 cents per page, or send them at no charge, for local calls. Long distance faxes cost 35 cents per page.
· Copy Machine – The copier is available for very small print runs. At this point the Chamber does not have the capability of running large batches of copies but a small number can be made at the office for 15 cents a page.
· Computer – Our computer can also be made available for membership use. Computer time shall be charged a fee of $10.00 per hour (this fee will defray the cost of staff backing up and scanning for viruses).
· Online Navigation – Chamber staff are always available to help you find what you need from both the Chamber and Town websites. Help finding information regarding the Town’s General Plan; or the Chamber’s Policy Manual are also available.
· Membership Plaques – Wall plaques to supplement the certificate you receive with your membership may be purchased at a discounted rate. These plaques let your clients know that you are an active and respected part of the business community; and they are easily displayed. They plaques are metal on wood, and do not need picture wire. Your plaque can include your name, your business name, and even your company logo. (NOTE: your plaque may not appear exactly as shown below).
· Name Tags – Be easily identified with a magnetic name tag! Wonderful to wear at mixers and other events, a name tag makes you more approachable to other business leaders. Your company logo can also be added for a nominal charge.
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