Chamber Member Handbook

For New Chamber Members

A Comprehensive Membership Handbook
What we would like to do in this brief handbook is discuss some of the things you ought to know about the White County Chamber of Commerce -- 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 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 your annual dues check is not a contribution. Rather, it should be treated as a necessary business expense (just like electricity, snow plowing 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; thus, 100% of your dues may be treated as business expenses.

The White County Chamber of Commerce is a business organization. We represent about 456 (and growing) businesses, professionals, associations, organizations and individuals. 

We communicate directly with our members through our monthly and weekly newsletters -- " They provide the essential information you need to know about business in the White County area. Our “Chamber Advocate” is produced here in the office and delivered electronically to the White County News. The White County News prints the newsletter in the paper on the last Thursday of every month. Our weekly newsletter the “ChamberGram” is sent out electronically through Constant Contact each Monday.  
 

1. We also routinely communicate with most of our members via three modern electronic communications tools -- the fax machine, e-mail and the Internet. You may also check information and calendar of events on our web site www.whitecountychamber.org.  The beauty of the web site 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 should have been delivered to you when you joined the Chamber.

This attractive black and gold membership plaque is our way of helping you signify to your customers, clients, friends and associates that you support the White County Chamber of Commerce. We hope you will display it proudly. If you did not receive a plaque, please contact the office at 706-865-5356.
 
For your information, the White County Chamber is a dues paying member of the U.S. Chamber and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.But, because we pay dues to these organizations does not mean that we are one in the same. We are not, and you are not a member of their organization because of your membership in 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 inform them of that.

If you are interested in getting involved on a Chamber committee we encourage you to call our Chamber staff to talk about options that may fit your interests. We will give your name to the volunteer responsible for the committee in which you are interested. He or she will be in contact with you to talk about your becoming an active committee member.
 
Over the years, one of the best ways for new members to get involved is with the Ambassador Committee; 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 performs customer satisfaction and customer quality checks for the Chamber. One of them will be calling you throughout the year to inquire as to "how the Chamber is doing." and to update you on events and special notices that you need to be informed about.  We hope you’ll share your thoughts with them. If you are interested, in becoming a member of the Ambassador Committee, please call our Chairperson Margo Allison at 706-348-4218.

·  As a bonus to your Chamber membership, if you need help with a business function like a grand opening, please don’t hesitate to call us. We are happy to assist you with as much help as we can. We have plenty of experience. 

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 to help you build your business. Every time you attend a Chamber function you'll be provided with numerous opportunities to meet new people who are probably just as eager as you are to make new contacts. Remember to always bring plenty of business cards.
 
·  Regarding Chamber membership meetings. The Chamber holds a monthly business meeting called our "Business Contact Meeting" this is a great networking opportunity that we encourage you to take advantage of. The meetings are held the third Thursday of every month. They are held at different locations and you will be notified of the location via a monthly postcard and our monthly newsletter. 
 
Chamber Eggs & Issues. 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 all our members.

The Chamber’s Membership List and Buyers Guide -- Your membership directory is a key benefit of membership and an important resource guide for all of our members. We encourage you to do business with those firms who are listed. 

Doing business with Chamber members is good business!

· You should also be aware that we sell mailing labels of all our members. As a member, you may purchase mailing labels for $25. Call the Chamber office if you are interested in purchasing a set of these labels.

· Our Member to Member Discount Program 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 New Residents Guide which we mail to families moving to White County.Included is a demographic profile of the county, a list sorted by services offered by our members, and other interesting information on our community. Additionally, an extensive and ever growing amount of information about the community is included on the Chamber’s home page on the World Wide Web, including a way for new residents to send us an e-mail requesting the New Residents Guide.

·  As a service to our members, we will email the list of names to whom we have mailed our newcomer packets to. If you would like to get on the list to 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.
 
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 place of business, on the third Thursday of every month. We think you’ll find these 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 PM and generally conclude no later than 7:30 PM. Don't forget to bring your 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 PM with a cocktail reception then a gourmet dinner. A presentation of awards and installation of new officers will take place followed by an evening of entertainment and dancing. Tickets are sold at the Chamber office. (Space is limited so get your tickets in advance)

·  Business Showcase is held at Yonah Bowl & Skate. This terrific program features many business member exhibitors. Hundreds of business owners and managers will attend the largest evening business to business trade show in all of White County.

·  Leadership White is one of our more visible and successful programs. It is styled after the numerous successful programs which have been developed by local chambers of Commerce throughout the country during the past fifteen years. Ours is now in its eleventh year. Every other year we accept up to 20 new and emerging community leaders into a program which runs from September to May. Once a month, the participants meet the current leaders in the community to talk about how our community works. They learn what is developing in and around White County, and how those developments will impact our community. It is a great program. Applications are accepted in late summer.
 
·  In April, your Chamber, White County Rotary Club and the Board of Education produces our acclaimed Salute to Education Program; saluting students with the highest grade point average. The Chamber also awards two scholarships to two selected high school seniors who demonstrate an outstanding aptitude.  This program is another event which is unique to this local Chamber. Call 865-5356 for information on how you can join us for one of our special moments.

·Although it may sound like pure fun, the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament is a major business networking opportunity. The tournament is held the end of July. 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 sponsorship opportunities are available.  Call the Chamber if you are interested. 

·The Chamber Leads Group, is a networking group that meets twice a month for the purpose of passing and gaining qualified business referrals. Each member educates the other members of the group about their 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 would ordinarily remain closed. You receive an opportunity to build trust and credibility with the other Lead Group Members. They will feel confident in sending their best clients to you as referrals.
The Chamber sponsors several activities each year. The following are a few of the Annual & Bi-Annual Festivals, and activities the Chamber is involved in.

·  Taste of the Town
·  Magical Easter Eggstravaganza
·  Christmas Tour of Homes
·  Festival of Trees
·  Lighted Christmas Parade
·  Golf Tournament 
·  Agrifest & Country Market & Cow Patty Bingo

We encourage you to become a regular participant in our Chamber activities. We think you’ll find we offer many outstanding opportunities. Please call us at 706-865-5356 if we can help get you started.

The Chamber: Doing the Things Most People Think Just Happen