Five ways you can leverage your chamber membership

Business leaders like to have reasons for doing things. Whatever we do, we like to base it on value: What value will I bring to this effort, and what will I get out of it?

Being a member of a chamber of commerce is no different. Whether you’re considering joining the chamber or already are a member, here are five ways you can leverage your membership for your own good and for the benefit of the community that surrounds you.

· Advocate for issues important to your business. One of the oldest and most revered tasks of the chamber is to serve as the voice of business for the greater Bellingham region, addressing the needs, challenges and opportunities for our community. Getting involved in the chamber gives you the chance to share your opinions on what needs to happen in Whatcom County to improve the business climate. More child care? Fewer B&O taxes? Answers to the housing crisis? Smoother regulatory environment? Fundraising for important community facilities? Workforce pipeline programs? Whatever you need, share it, and we’ll see what we can do to provide information or direct you to local leaders who can help. For more information on the chamber’s Bellingham area advocacy efforts, visit https://bellingham.com/advocacy/.

· Build relationships and share and receive recommendations. When we ask our members, they tell us consistently that networking at members-only events is among the best perks of chamber membership. Building solid relationships is key to business success in any community, and the chamber provides its members with ample opportunities to convene each year. Our monthly networking breakfast (traditional networking; bring your one-minute elevator speech) is Whatcom County’s largest networking event, and our Handshakes and Happy Hour socials at local businesses are a good way to meet follow members in a casual, more relaxed setting. Both networking events allow chamber members to connect and build relationships that can lead to new business or referrals. A full listing of upcoming chamber events is online. As a member, you can also share referrals and recommendations for fellow members (and receive them, too). Have you checked out the chamber’s online directory lately? It is chock full of companies that provide a wide range of services and products in Whatcom County. Get to know them, visit them and use their services if it makes sense. Membership comes with a listing in the chamber’s online business directory and in the printed directory and relocation guide. Make sure that your listing on the chamber’s website is always up to date. Members also can share their news, promotions and specials in the monthly Business Buzz newsletter.

· Learn and grow through exclusive training. Webinars, informal presentations and other development sessions shared with chamber members can be an effective way to boost efficiencies and learn new skills — both of which can make you a better businessperson. The chamber provides many business learning opportunities for its members throughout the year.

· Provide quality health insurance. Another important issue we hear about from members is health care. Working with Business Health Trust, we have made available for members of

the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce the opportunity to provide health insurance for you and your employees, even if your entire staff is a group of one.

· Advance the growth and resilience of Bellingham and Whatcom County. As they say, a rising tide floats all boats. Among the chamber’s roles is to help companies succeed. Membership dollars support programs that support the businesses — and the people who run them — in our community. Plus, did you know your membership fee is considered “bona fide dues” deductible from your federal business taxes?

We enthusiastically invite you to become a chamber member. Visit https://bellingham.com/membership/ to get started.

Guy Occhiogrosso

 

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