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THE CHAMBER
The basic objective of the West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce is to assure progressive, orderly community development; to promote effective government at all levels; and maintain a healthy business climate for an expanding economy.
Organizational Structure for Community Initiatives - the Chamber of Commerce staff and corps of volunteers are ready and able to tackle the big projects, which make our area a better place to live and do business. We have a strong record of accomplishment of getting the job done for our members. The Chamber of Commerce is involved, in one way or another, in most every community initiative in West Branch. The West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce was born into existence to give expression to the natural instincts of business and its community. Our strength lies in attracting and holding the greatest number of firms and individuals into voluntary memberships, thereby creating a pool of resources for drawing ideas, talents, energies, and finances. These resources are used as a whole throughout Ogemaw County.
Pro-Business Influence on Local, State and Federal Legislation - your Chamber is the lobbying champion for business interests. The voice of one business is a soft one - the voice of 300 successful business people is always listened to in Lansing and Washington. We are that voice. The West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce enables businesses and professional people to accomplish collectively what no one could, or would do, individually. It gives you a voice in civic affairs and government, and provides a united effort to improve the overall well being of the community.
The West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the business community; building a better economic future for the entire Ogemaw County area; and serving business whenever possible. These are provided, in addition to the many beneficial services performed, as a part of continuing divisional functions.
WEST BRANCH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
"WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT DOES"
The West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of the business community. The Chamber is not a civic club, charitable organization or department of any government. The Chamber is a private, non-profit corporation. It unites hundreds of business and professional firms, thus creating a unique central agency working to improve business and build a better community. The majority of the membership is composed of small businesses interested in prospering and creating a healthy environment in which to conduct business.
However, most important, the Chamber is people; people just like you. People who realize through the Chamber, they can accomplish collectively what no one can do individually. The strength of the Chamber lies in attracting the greatest number of members, creating a pool of resources from which can be drawn ideas, energy and finances.
Also, the Chamber is…
•Over 300 business and professional firms working together to make Ogemaw County a better place to live.
•A voice for the business and professional community on critical issues.
•A clearinghouse for plans and proposals affecting the West Branch Area's future.
•Setting and achieving goals that will assure the West Branch Area of reaching its full potential as a community.
•Working to increase prosperity, by encouraging growth of existing business and fostering new ones.
WHY SHOULD YOU BELONG TO THE
WEST BRANCH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
Because - You are a citizen doing business in the area, and sharing in its prosperity. The obligations of business citizenship challenge every man, woman, and institution to subscribe actively to the advancement of the community/area, of which he or she is a
part.
Because - You prosper as the area prospers. By helping to build a thriving community, your investment is strengthened and your opportunities are broadened. You have a personal interest in these objectives.
Because - Progress and prosperity depend on the development of a sound economic and social structure. These result from vigilant aggressiveness and continuing program of activities designed to cultivate opportunities and capitalize on advantages.
Because - The support of all business and professional men and women is necessary to bring about the civic and business development demanded by our modern standards of living.
Because - The Chamber of Commerce is the only organization consistently and exclusively engaged in promoting the civic and economic development of Ogemaw County.
The greatest value of Chamber membership is derived from its successful programs to solicit new business and to improve the economic climate and quality of life in Ogemaw County. These programs lead to a healthy, expanding economy, which creates more demand for goods and services and ultimately benefits every business and professional person in the area.
THERE IS NO BETTER INVESTMENT TO FURTHER COMMUNITY/CIVIC DEVELOPMENT.
WE ARE THE PARTNER EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS!
The West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce has proven itself the single most effective volunteer, non-profit organization, committed to helping solve today's complex business and community problems. You, as a business or professional person, have a stake in this area and you can best safeguard your interest by working with others through the Chamber. The Chamber promotes an environment that can maximize your business potential and profitability.
At the Chamber, we don't just talk about the future; we shape it. And, we believe you want to help shape Ogemaw County's future, too. That is why we need you, and you need us. Together we can blend out talents to insure a better community for all.
A professional staff and a host of volunteers will work with, and for you, to see your community dreams turn into reality. Chamber activities will assist you, your business, industry or practice, in tackling today’s problems, and grasping tomorrow's opportunities.
With this memorandum, we invite and challenge you to join with us in developing our community. Let's work together to make it the best it can be! Membership in your Chamber is a blue chip investment in Ogemaw County's future - one that is sure to grow and pay dividends many times over your initial investment.
THERE ARE ALSO DIRECT SERVICE TO MEMBERS TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF BUSINESS
These include:
GAINING STRENGTH OF MEMBERS - for support of activities in behalf of business. At the Chamber, you will find many like-minded business people, as yourself, who are ready to work for what they feel will benefit our community.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE - by conserving our natural resources, improving education, working for adequate housing, recreation, and other important community needs.
BEING BETTER INFORMED - through the Chamber Times newsletter, special interest bulletins, monthly meetings, informational programs and timely mailings on subjects vital to your business interest.
GAINING INCREASED BUSINESS CREDIBILITY - through your customer's assurance that you are a reputable business working to make Ogemaw County a better place in which to work and live.
ATTENDING BUSINESS AFTER HOURS - provides time to meet fellow business people, and network in a social setting.
INSURANCE PROGRAMS - by becoming a dues paying member of the Chamber, you may be qualified to participate in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance Chamber Pool. Plus, you may participate in other programs which provide various insurance at discounted rates to Chamber members.
BULK RATE STAMP - Chamber members are allowed to use our bulk stamp for bulk rate mailing through the United States Postal Service. Your business does not have to purchase a bulk stamp permit, thus, saving your business at least $160.00, per year.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES – the Chamber office is continually asked for referrals, everything from antique dealers to petting zoos. If your business or service is a Chamber member, people making requests from around the state and around the country know about it.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS – Many Chamber members extend discounts and special services to fellow members.
THE CHAMBER - is the promotion service for Ogemaw County. The Chamber office uses and provides others with a multitude of promotional tools and vehicles in the marketing of Ogemaw County to tourists, business representatives and dignitaries.
WEB-SITE- listing, your business listed on the Chamber’s web page, with a hot link to your web-site if appropriate.
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