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New Member Information:

A Comprehensive Membership Handbook

What we would like to do in this brief handbook is discuss some of the things you should know about the White County Chamber of Commerce in order to give you a feel for the organization. Although this memo will be a random walk through our programs and activities, it was designed to give you a good idea of how we operate, who we represent and to introduce you to some of the men and women who help make everything work. Hopefully, it will answer more questions than it generates.

  • First, the IRS requires us to tell our members that your annual dues check is not a contribution. Rather, it should be treated as a necessary business expense (just like electricity or office supplies) when you report the expenditure on your annual tax return.  Officially, that’s according to IRS Code 501 (c) 6. Although the IRS requires some local Chambers to reduce the amount, which may be deducted because of qualifying lobbying expenses, we fall outside those guidelines; therefore, 100% of your dues may be treated as business expenses.
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    The White County Chamber of Commerce is a business organization. We represent about 480 (and growing) businesses, professionals, associations, organizations and individuals. 

    We communicate directly with our members through our monthly newsletter -- "It provides the essential information you need to know about business in the White County area." Our newsletter is inserted once each month into an issue of the local newspaper, The White County News-Telegraph. 

    • We also routinely communicate with our members via the fax machine, e-mail and the Internet.  The beauty of the website is that the information is always available, unlike paper, which tends to disappear and get recycled.

    The Chamber office is located in downtown Cleveland in the former jail (built in 1901), which was renovated by the Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce. We encourage you to stop by to say hello to our staff. We know you’ll find the people who work for your local Chamber to be enthusiastic, energetic, resourceful and eager to be of assistance to you. One of the "best kept secrets" of the Chamber office is our conference room. As a member, you are entitled to use this conference room as an auxiliary meeting space, at no charge. If the room has not been previously reserved for a meeting, you are free to reserve it.

  • A membership plaque is delivered to you when you join the Chamber. This attractive black and gold membership plaque is our way of helping our members to signify to their customers, clients, friends and associates that they support the White County Chamber of Commerce.
    • For your information, the White County Chamber is a dues paying member of the U.S. Chamber and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Executives, but just because we pay dues to those organizations does not mean that we are one in the same. We are not, and you are not, a member of their organizations just because you are a member of the White County Chamber. Likewise, actions they may take on behalf of their members may or may not be taken by this Chamber. Sometimes, in fact, we disagree with the actions of those organizations, and when we do we tell them about it.

    If you are interested in getting involved on a Chamber committee (we currently have about 10), we encourage you to call our Chamber staff to talk about options that may fit your interests. We’ll give your name to the volunteer responsible for the committee in which you are interested. He or she will contact you to talk about your active participation in that committee.

    Over the years, one of the best ways for new members to begin to participate is with the Ambassador Committee, which includes business owners and managers who represent the Chamber at ribbon cuttings & ground-breaking ceremonies, grand opening functions and other important community/business functions. This committee also does customer satisfaction and customer quality checks for us. One of them will be calling you throughout the year to check on "how the Chamber is doing" and give you updates on events and special notices that you need to be informed about.  We hope you’ll share your thoughts with them. 

  • As a bonus of your Chamber membership, if you need help with a business function like a grand opening, please don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll give you as much help as we can. We have plenty of experience. 
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    Most of our new members tell us they join the Chamber to make business contacts.

  • Because business owners tell us they need to mix and mingle, your Chamber sponsors a variety of functions, such as the Business Contact Meeting (BCM), to help you build your business. Every time you attend a Chamber function we’ll provide you with numerous opportunities to meet new people who are probably just as eager as you are to make new contacts. Remember to bring plenty of business cards for these great networking opportunities!
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  • Regarding Chamber membership meetings-- The Business Contact Meetings are held every third Thursday of each month. They are held at different locations every month, and you will be notified about the location in our monthly newsletter. 

    • Chamber Eggs & Issues Breakfast. This is our public issues forum. It gives us a chance to bring in public officials to speak to our business community about issues which are or should be of concern. These one hour breakfast meetings are open to our members. 

     

    Doing business with Chamber members is good business!

  • You should also be aware that we sell mailing labels of our business members. As a member, you may purchase mailing labels for $20. The cost is $40 for non-members. Please call the Chamber office at 706.865.5356 if you are interested in purchasing labels.
  • Your Member to Member Discount Key Fob was delivered with your plaque. This entitles you to discounts with other Chamber members. This is a great way to encourage fellow members to do business with you. If you would like to be part of this program please contact the Chamber.
  • We also produce a popular Relocation Information Guide which we mail to families moving to White County. Services included in this guide are: statistical information on our county, a list of business members sorted alphabetically by business category and other interesting information such as things to see and do in our community. This is an excellent informational guide prepared by the Chamber staff. Additionally, an extensive and constantly growing amount of information about the community is part of the Chamber’s website, which is viewed all over the world.
  • As a service to our members, we will e-mail a list of the names of those people who have requested our newcomer packets. If you would like to be added to the list of members who receive the monthly and most current list of prospects, please call the Chamber office at 706.865.5356. It is a great source of fresh new leads and prospects for your business.
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    Benefits of Membership and Chamber Activities Available to You

  • Our monthly Business Contact Meeting program is specifically designed to help you meet the men and women who do business in the White County area. They are sponsored by members at their places of business, on the third Thursday of each month. We think that you’ll find them to be a significant benefit of Chamber membership, especially if you are outgoing, gregarious and like to meet people and make new business contacts! They always start at 5:30 p.m. and generally conclude no later than 7:30 p.m. Don't forget to bring business cards!

    The largest crowd of the year gathers at the Annual Membership Banquet in August. This sold-out event brings together business people from throughout the White County area. We start at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by a gourmet dinner. A presentation of awards and installation of new officers will take place during this evening of entertainment and dancing. Tickets are sold at the Chamber office. (Space is limited, so get your tickets in advance.)

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          Business  Expo is held at the White County Recreation Department. This terrific program features many member exhibitors. Hundreds of business owners and managers will attend the largest one day business to business trade show in White County.  

  • Leadership White is one of our most visible and successful programs. It is styled after the numerous programs that have been developed by local Chambers of Commerce throughout the country during the past fifteen years. Our program is now in its third consecutive year. Each year we accept up to 20 new and emerging community leaders into a program which runs from January to August. Once each month, the participants meet the current leaders in the community to talk about how our community works. They learn about developments in and around White County and how those developments will impact our community. Applications are accepted in the Fall.
  • In April, the Chamber and the Board of Education produce our acclaimed Salute to Education Program, which recognizes students with the highest grade point averages. The Chamber also awards a scholarship to a selected high school senior who demonstrates an outstanding aptitude.  This program is another of those events which is unique to this local Chamber. Call 706.865.5356 for information on how you can join us for one of our special moments.

    Our Education Committee is involved in the Adopt-a-Class program. This program allows local businesses to get involved with our school system and be a part of shaping our future leaders. Businesses have the opportunity to go into a designated classroom and read to the children, share information with them and show them that this community cares about their future. 

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    Although it may sound like pure fun, the Chamber’s Summer Golf Tournament is a major business networking opportunity. The tournament is held around the beginning of August. Both men and women are invited to participate. This is a very popular event and a day filled with good times and great food. Unique sponsor opportunities are available.  Please call the Chamber if you are interested. 

    The Chamber Leads Group is a networking group that meets on a weekly basis for the purpose of passing and gaining qualified business referrals. Each member educates the other members of the group about his or her  business and what would be a good lead or prospect for them. It is a way to have eyes and ears all over the area all of the time. With these types of referrals many doors will open that might ordinarily remain closed. You receive an opportunity to build trust and credibility with the other Leads Group members. They will feel confident in sending their best clients to you as referrals. You must be a Chamber member to join this group. The cost of joining is $20 per quarter. If you're interested in participating in one of our Leads Groups, please contact the Chamber at 706.865.5356. 

    The Chamber sponsors several activities each year. The following is a list of Annual Festivals and activities the Chamber is involved in:

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    Taste of White County
    Magical Easter Eggstravaganza
    Christmas Tour of Homes
    Lighted Christmas Parade
    Earth Day
    Festival of Trees
    Kids Fun & Farm Day
    Farm City Week Breakfast

     


    We encourage you to become a regular participant in our Chamber activities. You’ll find we offer many outstanding opportunities. Please call us today at 706.865.5356 so we can help you become a member of the White County Chamber of Commerce.