As a member of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, “your success is our business.”  Our goal is to provide a wide range of benefits and services designed to meet the needs of our diversified membership.  We warmly welcome all businesses, from small home-based entrepreneurs to international corporations.  We encourage you to take a look at the available member services, many of which are provided by your membership investment.   Member services include education and representation on current legislation as it pertains to local business, successful networking and advertising opportunities and effective cost management strategies.  You become an important member in your community as a member of the Chamber, joining our mission to “provide leadership in supporting and promoting the free enterprise system through business development, education and sound ethical values for the benefit of our members and our communities.” There is much to discover, so please take the time to learn all that the Chamber has to offer.  Please contact the Chamber staff, 301-932-6500, to get answers to any questions you may have.

Your Seven Keys to Chamber Membership

Your Chamber is the Voice of Member Businesses through the Legislative Committee which meets January – April and reviews legislative bills that pertain to Charles County and its business community. A Legislative Alert is published to keep the membership up-to-date on the Chamber’s position on legislative issues. This is distributed through the weekly Chamber publication Peek at the Week.

NETWORKING EVENTS
The Monthly Perk – Networking Breakfasts
Evening Mixers
Special Grand Opening Events
Special Events throughout the year
(Business Expos)

MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAM
This on-going loyalty referral program that enables Chamber members to offer discounts to fellow Chamber Members. It is a free program for you to advertise your business, product or service by simply completing a sign-up form to join. Your discount remains in the program until you notify us to remove or change your offer. You can’t afford NOT to participate.

ADVERTISING
Advertising opportunities are offered through a variety of options, both internally, though the Chamber directly, or through Chamber-partner companies. The Chamber has publications that are published as frequently as weekly, quarterly and yearly. There are opportunities for all companies, no matter the size or annual budgets. Please contact a Chamber staff member to obtain additional information on the advertising opportunities that are available to you as a Chamber member.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We believe that various sponsorship opportunities have developed into a great marketing tool and we are sure that your business will not only benefit from the value, but at the same time show your support for Charles County businesses and the community. We are always looking at new ways to promote our members business and are pleased with the value and benefits that all sponsorships offer.

TRAINING & EDUCATION
The Chamber offers training and education through its members – for its members, in addition to Chamber publications that are published as frequently as weekly. Business members are encouraged to promote their business knowledge through training efforts passed on to the membership. Chamber members have offered sessions pertaining to:
• Marketing and Advertising
• E-Commerce and E-mail Marketing
• Website Planning
• Search Engine Optimization
• Financial Services
• Public Speaking and more

In addition, the Chamber publishes many publications that are educational and informative.

If you are interested in offering your expertise through a training and education session, please contact a Chamber staff member.

YEAR-ROUND COMMITTEES AND INDUSTRY COUNCILS
Not only does participation on a Committee or Industry Council enable additional networking opportunities, it also allows you to participate in a forum that you have specialized expertise or are interested in learning more about to enhance your business. These Committees and Industry Councils range from Special Events throughout certain times of the year to very active, industry groups that congregate to share best practices, discuss or discover new industry trends, problem solve, etc. The Chamber offers six year-round committees: Economic Development Committee, Education Committee, Events Committee, Legislative Committee, Membership Growth & Retention Committee, and Transportation Committee; and seven industry councils: Architecture & Engineering Council, Financial Services Council, Hospitality Council, Marketing Professionals Council, Non Profit Business Council, Retail Business Council and the Small Business CEO Council; not to mention a plethora of special events committees thoughout the year. We are certain there is something offered for everyone – so get involved today and start promoting your business.

BONUS!
Becoming part of the Chamber’s Leadership program can be one of the most rewarding and beneficial ways to let your membership work for you! Talk to a Chamber Staff Member to get more information about our leadership program.

TIPS TO MAKE MEMBERSHIP WORK FOR YOU
DO’S
• DO NETWORK whenever possible
• DO ATTEND functions and participate
• DO READ Chamber publications
• DO ASK questions
• DO OFFER DISCOUNTS to other Chamber Members
• DO JOIN a Committee or Industry Council

DON’Ts
• DON’T EXPECT new business to come flocking to your door
• DON’T STAND on the sidelines during an event
• DON’T STAND BACK and let others speak for you

BE PROUD OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
If you are a member in good standing, we invite you to display the Charles County Chamber of Commerce “Proud Member” logo so that others in the business community recognize your support of and involvement in the Chamber. You may use the Chamber’s “Proud Member” logo on your company website, your business letterhead, publications, your company business cards, etc.

Many consumers think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is most effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and for communicating that a business is reputable.

When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are more likely to think favorably of it and purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

A national study reveals that membership in a local chamber of commerce can significantly boost a business image among consumers, as well as among other businesses. The study found that consumers are:

• 63 percent more likely to want to purchase goods or services from a small business that is a chamber member
• 44 percent more likely to rate the business favorably
• 40 percent more likely to eat at the franchise when consumers believed that a restaurant chain was a member of the local chamber of commerce

In addition to the “Proud Member” Logo, we encourage you to display your membership certificate, prominently, in your place of business as well as your Member Sticker clearly on your front door for all customers to see.