Member Benefits
Benefits
The Chamber provides services to existing industries and business
firms. It provides a network for businesses seeking local suppliers,
rental car discounts and membership mailing discounts.
Special List Publications
The Chamber provides the following special
listings/publications/directories for visitors and members: Industrial
Directory, Civic Club List, Churches, Apartment Guide, Restaurant Guide,
Points of Interest Map, Governmental Offices, and Demographic
Information. There is a charge for some of these publications.
Monthly Newsletter
Members receive The Rock, the Chamber’s monthly newsletter.
This publication provides up-to-date information that is important to
businesses and notification of all Chamber activities. All members may
be featured in the articles and many volunteers will receive recognition
for their contributions to the organization.
Educational Improvement
Working with the Burke County Public Schools and local businesses
allows the Chamber to assist in producing first class schools for the
students of Burke County. The Chamber assumes the role in the
development of new ideas to meet the needs of students through
monitoring new initiatives in the state and nation which may be used in
Burke County.
Referrals
Chamber members are recommended in response to requests on the
availability of specific types of goods and/or services. Thousands of
people visit and phone the Chamber each year in search of reputable
firms with which to do business. Staff members recommend only Chamber of
Commerce members.
Brochure Display
Members are encouraged to display their business cards and brochures
that describe their goods and services in the Chamber lobby so they can
be picked up by visitors, newcomers and other members.
Chamber Directory
Every Chamber member receives two free listings in the community
image book/membership directory. Each member is listed alphabetically
and by business category with their address, telephone number and e-mail
address. Twelve- thousand copies are printed and distributed annually to
individuals who are visiting, considering relocating to the area, to
prospective employees of local business and industry and professionals
who are planning to open their own businesses or join the local health
care providers.
Mailing Labels
A listing of Chamber members can be purchased at a reduced cost
by members of the Chamber. The list contains the business name, address,
and name of the principal contact person for nearly 500 firms. Non-members
may also purchase the labels at an increased cost.
Business and Government Relations
The Chamber serves as the business voice in local government. It
also continually monitors state and federal legislation that affects the
business community. The Governmental Affairs Committee also sponsors
forums which allow members the opportunity to become more aware of the
candidates’ views and/or pertinent issues related to the business
community.
Economic Development
The Chamber works in a public/private partnership with others in an
effort to retain and recruit industry and jobs in Burke County. It also
promotes and expands tourism in a cooperative effort with the Travel and
Tourism Commission of Burke County.
Business Expertise
The Chamber and the Small Business Center at Western Piedmont
Community College cosponsor numerous seminars throughout the year for
business owners and employees. Topics range from how to start a small
business, time management, dealing with difficult people, crisis
management, cash flow, and identity theft.
Networking Opportunities
A free monthly Eye Opener Breakfast meeting is open to Chamber
members who want the opportunity to learn what is going on in the
community and to network with other Chamber members. New members are
introduced to the membership at the Eye Opener Breakfasts. Chamber
members sponsor the breakfast and are given time at the meetings to talk
about their business. Door prizes are awarded each month to winners of
the “business card” drawing.
With the exception of the summer months, the Chamber also sponsors a
Business After Hours program where members can interact with other
members at a Chamber host business. The mixers are held at different
locations each month. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet other
members, make friends and establish new business contacts in a relaxed
atmosphere. Door prizes are also awarded at the Business After Hours
“get- togethers”.
Another opportunity to network with fellow business leaders is at the
Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing that is held each May at one of Burke
County’s finest golf courses. There is friendly competition and numerous
door prizes and awards are given to each golfer who participates in the
event.
Leadership Programs
The Chamber’s Leadership Burke Committee conducts an annual
leadership training program for individuals aspiring to learn more about
Burke County and to take on leadership roles in the county with
non-profit and governmental organizations. Leadership Burke Graduates
have gone on to lead many of Burke County’s most active and respected
organizations.
The Chamber also sponsors a similar free program for teachers in Burke
County. Teachers are awarded continuing education unit credits for
attending the all day, week long program that is held the first week
after school is dismissed in the spring.
Vital Statistics
Business reports, demographic statistics, growth projections, survey
results, city directories and other informational sources are
accumulated for use by members. Economic indicators are also printed in
the newsletter when available.
Web Page
The Chamber maintains a wealth of information on the Web. A complete
listing of all Chamber members is also presented.
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