It’s a new year, heck, even a new decade, and with that many of us are setting new goals and intentions for ourselves and our businesses. Our Fayette County gym owners and managers have seen the typical increase in memberships around this time of the year as the post-holiday feelings kick in and the goals of living a healthier lifestyle or trimmer waistline overwhelm our thoughts. We all know why we join a gym or wellness center; the overarching goal of bettering yourself. Some even sign up for the whole year with the thought that this will motivate them to get active and stay fit, or get them washboard abs. The thing about the gym though is that no one can make us go. We can want the six-pack abs, but unless the time is put in effectively and strategically then that may never happen.
Why are we talking about gym memberships again?
Because a gym membership is a lot like a Chamber of Commerce membership – you have to use it to get something out of it. Not just use it though, use it strategically. You could go to the gym every day, all year, but if you only focus on squats, you will never hit your goal of washboard abs.
Just as every person has a different reason for going to the gym or going to yoga classes, every business in Fayette County has a different reason for joining the Chamber. Whether you’ve been a Chamber member for years, or you’ve opened a new business and are looking for ways to connect with the community and other businesses, it’s important to have goals and a strategic plan to achieve those goals.
How can the Chamber help?
Fayette County is an area with a variety of different types of businesses across various industries, and regardless of your industry, support is key. Support from like-minded people can help you find success. After all, if business is successful, then individuals are successful, those individuals put the money back into their local community, and the area as a whole thrives, and we all win. Overall, we as the Chamber are here for you, for support. The Chamber of Commerce in our local community is a huge untapped resource for many, and one of our intentions this year is to create opportunities for you to achieve your goals. You may be a sole proprietor or a company spread across the county with hundreds of employees, big or small, we want to see you develop and grow.
We assist in the hosting and promoting local events, to lobbying local representatives to charitable works for the overall betterment of the community. We encourage networking among companies and aim to present each of you in a positive light to the community.
What do you need to know about being a Chamber member?
Overall it’s pretty cost effective. If you are a sole proprietor we welcome you to join at only $50 for the year and you’ll be able to get your business out there within the county. For up to 25 year-round, full-time employees $175 would get you access to everything below. For full membership pricing, options for website advertising package, and more benefits see here.
Do you know what Chamber Master is? Think of this as your basic gym membership pass with us. It gets you into the door and all the basic equipment, print and online listings with a logo or photo and a website link. However, the staff at the Chamber and additional website packages are your personal trainers. We’re here to help you reach your goals. If you haven’t gotten into Chamber Master yet, 2020 is your time to do so. Here are some things you can do with it:
Included in your membership:
- Outreach. Now there are ways to have a little extra boost if you want it, but otherwise, if you’re a business in our beautiful Fayette County and are a member, we will do our best to promote you and your events on social media and our event calendar on the Chamber’s website.
- Health Insurance. The Chamber offers members insurance through The Health Plan by West Virginia owned and operated Bill Miller Insurance Agency. If you are interested in learning more about insurance please reach out to us here.
- Networking events. In 2020 we aim to have a handful of networking events. Some may be more up your alley and others may not be of interest at all. We understand that life is busy and you may not be able to make them all, but we hope to see your smiling faces as much as possible.
- Discounted Event space. We have this event every year on the third Saturday of October, you may have heard of it, Bridge Day. This is the largest single day event in West Virginia. When you are a member of the Chamber, we offer discounts to you on Bridge Day booth space. Who doesn’t love a discount?!
- Involvement. Be a part of the board, let your voice be heard. We want your input. To learn more about the board click here.
Beneficial upgrades:
- Job postings.* Every year, many of our local businesses struggle to get the word out and find talented and devoted help. Chamber Master can help with that. Don’t waste your time and money on costly ads with other platforms. Post your jobs with Chamber Master, applicants will go directly to you and we will share on our marketing platforms as best we can.
- Member to Member Deals.* Give a special deal other other Chamber members.
- Hot Deals.* Give special deals to the community.
- Map Pin.** Allow everyone to know exactly where your business is located.
- Market space.** Post real estate for sale, rentals in the area, etc.
- Priority Placement.** Bring your business to the forefront of people’s attention.
- Vacancy module for lodging.** Let people know what’s available tonight.
- Email outreach | $50. Exclusive to your business, these emails go to all Chamber members and are solely about your event or business.
*Additional $50 for the year (Silver package)
** Additional $100 for the year (Gold package)
Your personal trainers are here to listen to an idea, jump start a new event, and help grow your business in Fayette county and the surrounding areas. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or stop in to chat today!
