Dear Chamber Members,
Welcome Fall! It's time to sweep the sand off the floor and pack up the summer clothes. Fall is a time to get back into the swing of business and begin planning for 2010. I think many of us will bid 2009 a fine farewell. While it's been a difficult financial year for everyone, we'll look back and remember the time we took to realign our priorities and center our businesses in the community.
The strengthening of the major business organization in Farmington means the strengthening of your "voice" in Farmington. One way to strengthen your chamber is to refer other businesses to join. Our organization gets it strength from the quality of members we have.
The Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce has announced its “Grand Slam” Membership Drive, beginning September 1st and running through October 31st. Any NEW FIRST-TIME MEMBER who joins the Chamber in the next two months will receive the following bonuses, worth over a $200 value: two tickets to any Bristol Chamber Eggs & Issues Breakfast, an email blast to over 1,500 members (must be used by 12/09), four tickets to the Central CT Chambers of Commerce 2010 Bristol Expo, four extra months free on 2009 Chamber Membership (a $50 value). Teams are forming now, so contact Vice President of Membership, Ray Gagnon, at 584-4158 today! The team that brings in the most new members will receive some great prizes!
If your solution to surviving the recession is to cut costs and lay low, think again. Capitalizing on contacts and expanding your network can help grow a business in any economy. With more than 30 networking events every year, the Farmington Chamber of Commerce is a good starting point in expanding the reach for businesses of any size. There are countless opportunities to market and grow your business through the Chamber, the Chamber strives to be your business partner.
In addition to monthly networking events and business programs, a membership in the Chamber offers numerous benefits or return on investment. A chamber business membership extends chamber opportunities to all the business’ employees, who can then take advantage of seminars, focus groups and special events. In addition to providing valuable business tips and information, chamber programs enable employees and business owners to build helpful contacts.
We work to be an effective marketing partner for our members. Chamber staff and volunteers only refer our members, and the Chamber office gets a lot of traffic by phone, email and those who physically stop-by for specific information. The Chamber website also offers members exposure, business resources and referral opportunities. Plus, members can secure reasonably-priced advertising in chamber programs and publications.
Membership in the Chamber offers lots of perks to both large and small business owners. Remember… Refer a fellow Chamber business and they will refer business to you!
In Chamber Spirit,
Lisa Whitney
| 
