THE BENEFITS OF CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Numerous benefits are available to members. Members will realize more from their membership by being actively involved in one of the areas designed through the Program of Work. Below are some examples of what the Greater Onalaska Chamber membership has to offer:

• Provides you with an association with other businesses
• Tremendous networking opportunities
• Provides you with the opportunity for leadership growth
• Distribution of sales and business brochures
  Ribbon Cuttings & publicizing business openings
• Contact with prospective customers at monthly Business After Hours events, New Member Luncheons and Quarterly Membership Luncheons
• Business education seminars
• Free exposure to customers in need of your services
• Member-to-Member marketing opportunity
• Access to chamber business inquiries
• Small Business Development Center Professional Consultation
• Monthly Chamber Newsletter
• Chamber member referral service

THE CHAMBER IS A DIVISION OF EVERY BUSINESS MEMBER!

The Chamber is your Goodwill Ambassador. It answers your mail. Yes, your Chamber answers thousands of inquiries and requests for information about Onalaska and does it in a manner as to create the favorable attitude you want to reflect on your city.

What Is The Greater Onalaska Chamber of Commerce?

It is a voluntary organization of local citizens who are investing their time and money in a community development program and working together to improve the economic, civic and cultural well-being of the area.

What Are The Purposes Of The Chamber Of Commerce?

To sponsor and encourage any activity that will lead toward the creation of more dollars for more people and improve the overall economic welfare of the area. To provide a clearing house for community ideas, activities and information. To translate community improvement ideas into action and to always be of the most service to the most people in the area. To work with other to improve the quality of life.

How Does The Chamber Of Commerce Work?

Are The Officers And Directors Paid For Their Work?

No. The Executive Director, staff, Officers, Directors, Committee Chairpersons and Committee Members all serve without pay.

Who Runs The Greater Onalaska Chamber of Commerce?

The membership. A Board of Directors, elected from the membership, consisting of six (6) members are elected for three year terms. Suggestions from members on projects, programs or other matters of interest are always welcomed and appreciated. All members, regardless of the dues they pay, have the same voice, same privileges and the same opportunity for service.

The Executive Director is responsible to the Board for carrying out the administrative functions of the Chamber.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT

The Greater Onalaska Chamber of Commerce welcomes and encourages membership involvement. Real productivity is gained when members volunteer to get involved in one or more areas designed through the Program of Work.

The Chamber?s fiscal year extends from January 1 through December 31, during which time various committees and task forces operate under several divisions: ORGANIZATIONAL AFFAIRS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, BUSINESS & INDUSTRY, TOURISM & SPECIAL EVENTS. Members select the committee(s) in which they wish to participate by completing a volunteer action form.

In addition to committee participation, members are encouraged to attend and participate in several events.

1. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Members meet at a local business to visit, share ideas, socialize, make important business contacts and learn more about their host?s business.

2. QUARTERLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEONS

These meetings are held four times a year as an opportunity for members to get together to learn about upcoming events, meet new members and enjoy a time of networking. An interesting program is always on the agenda.

3. NEW MEMBER BREAKFAST

These informal gatherings are designed especially for new chamber members. Not only do they get to meet members of the Chamber Board of Directors, Ambassadors and Staff but are also given an overview of the chamber and how they can benefit from their membership.

4. AMBASSADORS

Be a part of the public relations arm of the Chamber. Attend grand openings, ribbon cuttings, work at special events and serve on various committees.

5. ANNUAL BANQUET

The Annual Banquet brings members together to announce the upcoming year?s Program of Work, recognize new Officers and Directors and honor retiring Directors.

6. SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

Several seminars and workshops are held throughout the year providing valuable information to members.

7. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

A representative from Angelina College is available for persons needing assistance and information.

8. LEADERSHIP ONALASKA

An in-depth educational program designed to help the participants grow in their leadership abilities by means of personal development and hands on involvement.

What Actual Benefits Do Members Receive?

Numerous Benefits are available to members. However, the real benefits come indirectly through the continuous development of the community. Members will realize more from their membership by being actively involved in one of the areas designed through the Program of Work. An active, well-supported Chamber of Commerce program can provide programs and projects designed to better the area in which we live.