Fight slump with chamber benefits

Friday, Sept. 19, 2008

Foreclosures, government takeovers, job losses. It’s enough to give everyone — especially business owners — nightmares.

There is good news, though, and I ’m happy to report it’s as close as your local chamber of commerce. By banding together and working as a collaborative member, businesses have an advantage over those going solo. From networking opportunities to discounts, our members benefit from the support of other local businesses that are equally invested in weathering — and prospering — during the current economy.

The benefits of chamber membership have always existed, but we’re stepping up efforts to make them even more recognizable. The goal is simple, really: Get more people involved in a more active manner and watch more businesses in Southern Maryland thrive. So while you think you know the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, I hope you’ll take another look.

Our monthly new member breakfast is a shining example of the benefits we bring to our members. For years, those who have just joined the chamber were invited to get together and meet each other. We figured, why limit such a great opportunity to spark more business? As of August, we opened the breakfast up to all members and had our biggest turnout in recent memory.

The new and improved networking breakfast provides the opportunity to mingle and network while learning more about the business that’s hosting the event. Other improvements include a printed networking guide featuring the attendees, which should make future contacts easier. We also used an icebreaker game this time that really encouraged mingling, ensuring members had every opportunity to get to meet each other. We’re even offering a discount for those who register early as a way to help members save more.

Check out the next networking breakfast, hosted by Christine Parker of Parker Financial, at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Sleep Inn & Suites in La Plata.

We also plan to revitalize our member-to-member discount program, which has worked successfully for years but has not been a top priority recently. Offering discounts to other chamber member businesses not only saves money — key in these economic times — but encourages additional business, which is also critical right now. Stay tuned to see how we inject new life into this valuable program.

Our free ribbon-cutting ceremonies are also a terrific benefit of chamber membership. Our photographer ensures the moment is captured for posterity, and inclusion in the chamber publications ensures extra visibility. It’s a smart and inexpensive way to market a business — all at no cost to the owner.

Finally, our monthly mixers give members an opportunity to get together, enjoy some food and drink, and network in a relaxed environment after a long day of work. We are working hard to make these events more successful and an even better place for members to make the most of their networking opportunities. Find out what the buzz is about at the next mixer, Oct. 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Maryland Business Center on Old Washington Road in Waldorf.

I hope you’ll take a new look at the myriad benefits to becoming a chamber member. They are as helpful and varied as our membership and only promise to get better. Working together we’ll get through this economic slump and emerge on the other side ready to do even bigger and better business in Charles County.

Ken Gould Jr. is the executive director of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce. The chamber may be reached at 301-392-6500 or 301-870-3089 or by e-mail at info@charlescountychamber.org.