Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Chamber?
We have over 1,300 members, 16 staff people, a budget of
$1.8
million, several committees and task forces, and over 400
active volunteers. We are proud to be recognized as one of
the most progressive Chambers in the country.
Who runs the Chamber?
A Board of Directors of 25 men and women, representing all
segments of our membership. Some serve three-year elected
terms, some one year appointed terms.
Click here for a list
of Directors & officers,
click here for a list of staff.
When are meetings held?
Meetings of our committees and task forces are held at
varying times each month. There are three general membership gatherings that
occur on a regular basis. These are:
If I'm busy and can't attend an event, are my employees
eligible to come?
All of them are welcome to attend, either in your place or
with you. In fact, many of our seminars and workshops are
aimed at employees and not necessarily at employers. So watch for flyers in
your newsletter, advertisements on this web site or This Week in
Chamber and pass along to them the programs
which might be of interest.
What's the best way to get the most out of my membership?
Our most satisfied members seem to be those who attend
meetings, join committees, participate in Chamber program
and who use us as a source of information. We've long
believed that business is a full contact sport, and the
Chamber is the perfect place to gain strength by growing
contacts for your business or profession. Your contacts are
limited, however, if you stay in your office or store all
the time.
How do I advertise through the Chamber?
All Chamber members receive a variety of free advertising
benefits. Your business is listed in the Business
Directory on this web site and can be found by category or
key work search. In addition, each member business
receives two listings (one alphabetically and one by
category) in our
Membership Directory. Finally, each member has
the opportunity to display brochures at our Visitor
Information Center.
Other advertising opportunities include:
What's the Chamber's relationship with City Hall or City
Government?
While not directly connected with local government, we work
closely with City Council members, our State Legislators,
and various state and local officials in a number of ways.
Most of this is coordinated by our Public Policy Committee
and our Public Affairs Manager. This Committee is particularly active
when the legislature is in session during the first quarter
of the year. We also provide advice and options on a range
of issues, including taxation, land use, area growth, and
public safety.
Does the Chamber endorse candidates?
No. Our policy is to study and take action on nearly every
issue that affects our members and the community but to
leave the election of the candidates to the citizens.
Whoever is elected, we want to be able to work closely with
them, and that can not be accomplished if we make
endorsements.
How do I get on a Committee?
You are
welcome and encouraged to contact the committee chair or staff member
assigned to any committee that interests you and let them know of your
interest. You will be invited to the next meeting to
observe, and if interested, to continue to attend as a regular
member. (Please note that the Commodores and CVB have additional membership
requirements. Please contact the Chair or staff person for
details) Click here for a list of our current committees.
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