Chamber kicks off Membership Drive

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

May marks the start of our Annual Chamber Membership Drive. Established in 1937, the
Mission of the Chamber is “to acquire, preserve and disseminate statistical and business information and generally to promote the interest of trade and increase the facilities of commercial transactions.”
While the mission statement has changed a bit, the basic idea remains the same in promoting economic and community development in Alice, Jim Wells County and the surrounding trade area.
The Chamber’s objectives remain to encourage and advance the growth of existing industries and businesses, to provide assistance to any new firm, professional or individual seeking to locate in the Alice area, to serve as liaison with all government, civic and educational entities as well as law enforcement agencies, to increase our membership and provide quality service for our members, and to identify and assist in obtaining funding to accomplish our objectives.
One of the best benefits a member gains is in the number of referrals made by the Chamber staff. When calls are received, members will be referred first. This becomes a referral networking group.  
The Chamber provides a broad membership base within the city and the county. This kind of local membership could be of significant importance. Unlike a referral networking group, professional society or trade association, the Chamber does not limit the number of people who can join from any one profession or industry. Membership in the Alice Chamber of Commerce gives you an opportunity to meet more than one prospect for your word-of-mouth marketing team.
The Alice Chamber of Commerce conducts social and business events, such as our Mixers, where you can socialize and develop relationships.  Becoming a member of a Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities to give back to the community and capitalize on significant member benefits; serving in the leadership raises your recognition, visibility and credibility, as well as that of your business. Attend an event or two to see whether the membership is a good fit for you and your business.
Members have a business at stake in the community, which can be best safeguarded by working with others throughout the Chamber of Commerce to protect and advance all businesses. Listed below are some of our most popular events that allow the Chamber to operate:
•Chamber Mixers
•Annual Chamber Banquet
•Golf Tournament
•Old Fashion Barbecue
•Christmas Parade
As a member in today's global economy, we all understand the need for on-going training. With that in mind, the Alice Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of ways for you to further your education while getting involved with the local business community. Listed here are just a couple of the many avenues available to our members:
•Lunch and Learn Series during the summer
•Partnerships with the Small Business Administration
•Partnerships with the Small Business Development Center
•Customer Service Training
As a Chamber member, you will be able to take advantage of an array of services designed specifically for business owners:
•Advertising opportunities in our electronic newsletter and relocation guide
• Listing in our webpage with a link to your business
• Savings on your electric bill through the Electric Coalition
•Chamber Mailing Labels
•Access to Membership Databases
•Relocation/Visitor Inquiry Lists
•Support of a professional staff 
By joining the Chamber your support is “plowed back” to yield many benefits in new industry, increased payroll, health, safety, legislation, business protection and community advancement. Through the Chamber of Commerce you can best discharge your obligations to this community in which we live and earn a living.  I realize that every person owes a debt to the community that cannot be paid in taxes---a debt of personal service.
Membership is not free, but it’s far less expensive than traditional advertising.
Through Networking Opportunities we are all aware that "who you know" is often as important as “what you know.” As a member of the Alice Chamber of Commerce, you will have endless opportunities to meet other members in order to promote your business and develop long-term relationships.
So please join us during our Membership Drive this month and for more information, contact us at 361-664-3454.
 
2014 Alice Business Today - May 2014

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