10 Reasons You Should Be A Member

TEN REASONS FOR BEING A CHAMBER MEMBER IN 2009

You invest in your business & you invest in your market, too!

Channel Chamber membership is an annual commitment of funds, based on the size of business and number of employees. Members’ continued investment for the year ahead enables the Chamber to help you develop new customers and clients, new service providers, business skills, a skilled workforce, a more favourable business climate, peer and professional networks, and community presence.

1. Improve Your Bottom Line

Channel Chamber has a wealth of programmes and activities that can help your business prosper. All you have to do is get involved! Chamber members are encouraged to "Remember A Member" when fulfilling business and personal needs for goods and services. It's just good business.

2. Expand Your Networking

Annual Dinner - More than 300 business people attend the Chamber's premier event of the calendar year, and it's not unusual for deals to be made between starters and dessert!

Business to Business Show - this annual event exposes your business to more than almost a 1,000 visitors

Networking Breakfast - This structured networking opportunity has become a popular monthly Chamber event. Open to all members.

Update and Training sessions – offered free or low cost – a perfect way to meet fellow members and learn new skills.

New business openings – regular invitations to new business openings for members.

3. Enhance Your Credibility

Chamber membership tells your customers that you are a reputable company that actively participates in the local business community. Members are encouraged to display Chamber logos at their business locations, on company materials and in their advertisements as an integral part of their marketing.

4. Referrals

When contacted by the public or other businesses to suggest companies to fill a particular need, the Chamber refers only Chamber members. This happens several times a week!

5. Keep Up to Date

The Chamber newsletter – delivered monthly to your door – is packed with information on local companies, important legislative changes and local news stories.

Chamber members receive a weekly news bulletin by email and regular emails about exclusive member only offers and events.

If you want to keep in the know, you need to be a member.

6. Gain Increased Visibility through Cost-Effective Marketing

All members are listed on our web site's Member Directory. Each member receives two listings in the Kemps Kent Business Directory, which has a distribution of 2000+.

Members have opportunities to target their advertising to other members, who are the movers and shakers in the community.

Free display racks are at the Chamber for member brochures, business cards, and flyers on a first-come, first served basis.

Sponsoring Chamber events are opportunities for community recognition.

Newsletter advertising is another great tool to get your message out to the business community. Publication is mailed and emailed to members.

No-cost Internet Links - members can link their business web sites to the Chamber site, and it's Free!

Mailing Labels are an opportunity to promote your products or services to members

7. Tangible Benefits

Our FREE legal helpline, generous discounts on credit card processing machines, reduced rate AXA PPP and Westfield Health Care schemes, discounts on the AA Fleet Cover are just some of the nationally negotiated services available through our quality marked accreditation with the British Chambers of Commerce.

8. Have a Voice in Issues Affecting Your Business

The Chamber Board of directors have their finger on the pulse to help steer local and regional public policy to improve the general business climate in East Kent.

9. Receive Discounts available only to Chamber Members

Take full advantage of the Member2Member discount programme offering hundreds of pounds in discounts only for Chamber Members and their staff

10. Give Back to Your Community

Its not all take: get involved in Your Chamber and give back to the community by becoming knowledgeable about business issues and active in local projects. Your employees and your customers will thank you for your efforts.

If you can think of others, please feel free to comment below!