Being a member of your local chamber is an asset to your business strategy. In fact, 63% of consumers are more likely to do business with chamber members, according to research conducted by the Shapiro Group in Atlanta.
The Columbia County Chamber offers many benefits to our members, from networking to resources to opportunities to serve our community directly. Your investment of membership affords many ways to increase business contacts, gain referrals, advertise in our quarterly newsletter and annual Resource Guide, and a meaningful voice in government affairs.
The Chamber is a membership driven organization that is focused on the success of the business community. Through the commitment of our volunteers and staff, we are dedicated to ensuring the growth and development of our business community.
Benefits of membership include business referrals, ribbon cutting ceremonies, as well as free listing in our annual Resource Guide and on the web-base member directory. Others include.
BUSINESS CONTACTS
- After-hours networking events
- Committee participation
- Issue-related meetings
- Events, seminars and presentations
PERSONAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
- Ambassador Committee
- Education and Workforce Development Committee
- Legislative Breakfasts
- Representation for business and industry
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
- Business directory
- Searchable online member directory
- Weekly email blasts to members
- Discount programs
- Business showcase and sponsorships
- Networking event sponsorships
- Access to membership contact information
- Advertising in quarterly newsletter
Events / Committees / Benefits / Promotional Opportunities
MEMBERSHIP 101
Alternating monthly program held at 4:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month to learn how to get the most out of your Chamber membership. Members explore how to use their login to make contact with other Chamber members, add their one minute commercial, and post a Hot Deal, Event, or Job Posting. In addition, information is shared on about committees, advocacy, and networking opportunities. This is great for new members and renewing members who might have new employees or have not been taking advantage of the Chamber's website.
CHAMBER AFTER HOURS EVENTS
Network with dozens of area businesses and generate many new prospect contacts. Find out what your competition is up to. Bring plenty of business cards to these quarterly events.
PRE & POST LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS AND GREATER AUGUSTA DAY AT THE CAPITAL
Keep abreast of the political challenges and activities that affect the County and your business. Network with many of the County?s best business and political leaders and expand your business contacts. During the legislative session, join other Chamber members at the Capitol in Atlanta to meet and showcase Columbia County.
STATE OF THE COMMUNITY
Join members of the community for an update from local officials. Everything from growth at the Fort to what road improvements are next. Event includes Business Showcase/Expo event for businesses to showcase their services and wares to the community. Buffet dinner and plenty of networking.
ANNUAL MEETING AND BUSINESS SHOWCASE AWARDS BANQUET
A night of celebration for the year's accomplishments with awards, recognition of the Board Members and Committees and the State of the Chamber Address are all part of the night's festivities. Network with Columbia County's elite business community, entertain key employees, corporate guests and valued customers, by attending this Annual Business Dinner and Awards Ceremony.
EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON SERIES
Programs provide professional development for business individuals on topics such as leadership, sales and marketing, social media, and finance.
LEADERSHIP COLUMBIA COUNTY AND YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Both the adult and youth 10-month leadership development programs offers participants a broad look at civic issues, including education, history, media, healthcare, local government, economics and community service.
RESOURCE GUIDE AND MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
The Chamber distributes a professionally designed resource magazine and membership directory that lists members by main business category and alphabetical. Advertising opportunities are available.
CHAMBER WEBSITE
All members receive one complimentary listing on the Chamber's Online Membership Business Directory. Be sure to post Hot Deals, job openings and company events on the site.
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Our newsletter keeps members and the general business community up-to-date on Chamber activities, new member listings and "member-only" advertising opportunities.