Will Joining the Chamber Help My Business?
A Recent Study performed by the Shapiro Group says its a DEFINATE YES!!
Consumers respond favorably to a business AND its image when that business is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, according to a recent study conducted by the Shapiro Group. “We discovered that informing someone about a company’s chamber membership opens the door to substantial increases in positive perceptions of that business,” said Alex Trouteaud, Ph.D., senior strategist for The Schapiro Group. “There clearly is a feeling by our respondents that chamber membership is synonymous with quality and desirability.” Consumers are 40% more likely eat in a franchise in the next few months, are 43% more likely to buy insurance from a Chamber member, are 44% more likely to think favorably of a small business that was a Chamber member, and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from that business in the future. Consumers were 12% more likely to think a business’ products stacked up better against it competition and businesses had a 12% better perception if they were heavily involved with their Chamber.
“I have been involved with the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years and served on several committees. This association with the Chamber has led to most of my business contacts and has been instrumental in helping us grow our business. The networking opportunities and informational resources the Chamber offers are excellent and have contributed significantly to our success.”---Scot Barrett, BDO Seidman, LLP
We Don’t Just Talk- We Have An Impact:
The Greater Gardner Chamber offers programs and services to members that can save resources like time and money. In addition, through our committees and programs, the Chamber is having a positive impact on the bottom line of business and the entire business climate. Our legislative program saves your business money as we work on legislation that helps business and our communities, against unfunded mandates, and work to provide more favorable tax policies. Free and confidential business counseling is provided to hundreds of businesses and prospective business owners each year, helping build and fuel our local economy.
“As I have become more involved with the work of the Chamber, I am amazed at the benefits and services that are available to both member businesses and the community as a whole, from networking on topics of concern related to business operations to supporting positive legislation from our Legislative Affairs Committee. I am impressed with the professional manner by which the Chamber functions, from the officers through the Board Of Directors to the dedicated full time staff. This organization is a positive force in the greater Gardner community.”--William Blais, Templeton
Legislative Advocacy
The Chamber gives you information and a voice concerning key issues and legislative actions that affect your business:
- We keep you informed about the latest local, state and national
issues; - We stay current on topics with our memberships in associations such as the US Chamber, MACCE, and the Massachusetts Council of Chambers;
- We conduct regular meetings and discussions with our legislators
and elected officials to address your concerns; - We provide Legislative Calls to Action;
- We conduct regular Legislative Programs to educate you about important issues and initiatives.
“I have been a participating member of the Legislative Affairs Committee of the Greater Gardner Chamber for several years. The information we cover and the national, state and local issues we discuss are consistently pertinent and timely to the work I do. Anyone present who has an opinion on a given topic has the opportunity to be heard and to vote on the stand that the Chamber takes on a particular issue. The discussions are often lively and there is definitely no rubber stamp involved. I believe our group has a significant impact on political decisions that affect us all.”----Roger Myers, BaldwinvilleNursing Home
Helping Businesses Stay Healthy- in so many ways
The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce has taken a leadership role in healthcare issues and works to find new solutions for your business and its bottom line:
- We worked to defeat Question 5, a ballot question that would have eliminated Managed care in Massachusetts and drive your costs up;
- We market and promote the Insurance Partnership Program, a program for
Massachusetts businesses and employees who sponsor and who elect to enroll in their business sponsored health insurance; - We lobbied for and won increases in the maximum income limits to participate
in the Insurance Partnership, increasing eligibility, helping more employees
AND their families, and helping save businesses money as they provide health
insurance to their employees; - We are an active participant in the “We Care” initiative at Heywood Hospital;
- We provide access to AFFORDABLE AND COMPREHENSIVE health
insurance for small businesses with up to 10 full-time employees.
“Frustrated over the increasing cost of medical insurance, I set out to research all the possible options that met my business/medical responsibilities and kept costs to a minimum. After attempting other “low cost” medical plans and calculating all of the “out of pocket” expenses, I quickly realized that medical care is just plan high, even for the bare bones wellness visits. That is why I made a decision to return to the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber helped me tailor a plan that met my medical responsibilities with lowest cost possible, as well as providing a sense of personal security. We are fortunate to have a local organization such as the Chamber so readily available to our business community,” ---Steven Landry, Owner, City Barber Shop