Top Ten Reasons To Join
Joining The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is a sound business decision that offers multiple opportunities for success. Follow this Top 10 list to learn more about what your Chamber can do for you.
- Improve Your Bottom Line
The Chamber's programs are designed to help your company 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. Additionally, The Chamber offers free business counseling sessions and seminars.
- Expand Your Networking
This is one of the most important benefits of membership. The Chamber provides networking opportunities such as Power Networking three times each week, Sarasota Prime Time, New Member Briefings and Chamber Partners. Annually, The Chamber not only recognizes its members at the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards; it also holds an Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon, Annual Kick-Off Breakfast, golf tournaments and more. Chamber task forces and committees are also ways to become an active member and receive recognition.
- Enhance Your Credibility
Chamber membership sends your customers the right message - yours is a reputable company that actively participates in the local business community. Members are encouraged to display The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce membership "Seal of Approval" at their business locations, on company materials, and in their advertisements as an integral part of their marketing.
- Receive Value-Added Benefits, including Discounted Health Insurance
Swipe and Save - a program that offers lower credit card processing fees is exclusive to Chamber members and saves thousands of dollars. Plus, through a strategic alliance with Sarasota Memorial Heath Care System, The Chamber helps provide affordable health insurance via the Charter Health Plan, a program designed for greater Sarasota small businesses that have been previously unable to provide this vital benefit to their employees.
- Publicity and Exposure
Advertising opportunities that boost exposure are available and affordable in several of The Chamber's publications. The Bridge (a bi-monthly publication mailed to members), ePoint! (an electronic newsletter that is emailed to members and posted on the Web site every Monday), Business Pulse (a quarterly news vehicle published as part of Sarasota Magazine's Biz941), and four other quarterly reports published by the Herald-Tribune Media Group, are just a few options. Plus, membership directory listings, display racks, no-cost Internet links and more are designed to increase members' exposure and recognition.
- Achieve Recognition
Your Chamber has several awards and programs to recognize members who provide exemplary service, including the prestigious Excellence in Customer Service Award, Chamber Partner of the Year, Premier Volunteer Award, Chair's Cup Award and more.
- Learn from Small Business Programs
The Small Business Council at your Chamber is a resource that can help you achieve your business goals. From guidelines for starting a new business to advice for getting an expansion loan, your Chamber can help. The Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Resource Center is also available online 24/7 at http://web.mac.com/sarasotabiz/iweb.
- Have a Voice in Issues Affecting Your Business
The Chamber's Governmental Issues Council (GIC) works on developing public policies to improve the general business climate of greater Sarasota. The GIC also educates and assists local candidates who will represent the business community on local issues.
- Participate in Local Economic Development
Join The Chamber's Commerce Sarasota Council, and play a vital role in growing companies across Sarasota and improving conditions for existing businesses.
- Give Back to Your Community
Be a good citizen - 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.
BECOME A CHAMBER MEMBER TODAY!
