News From Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce

What does your Chamber membership means to you and your business? It is a good question to ask when small businesses across the country have been impacted by the economic downturn. However, there are positive signs as we begin to see a leveling-off and business owners are feeling more optimistic. This is particularly encouraging as they have been the leaders out of past recessions for our economy. We truly encourage everyone to do all they can to help support small businesses in our community.

And for businesses - both large and small - their Chamber membership can help. For a majority of small businesses, their Chamber invest is less than $25 per month and the returns far outweigh this minimal amount. These are just a few of the benefits to our business members:
YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE BROUGHT TO YOUR DOOR

Online member directory at www.burlingtonchamber.org is always available and so are you with your business link
Chamber member referral program recommends member businesses to visitors and residents.
Chamber member brochure rack and bulletin board conveniently located at the BACC office; our outside brochure rack offers choices anytime.
Burlington BACC gift certificate program helps directs shoppers to your door - over $35,000 last year.

YOUR BUSINESS IS PROMOTED ALL DAY/EVERY DAY

Customers can find you through our updated website www.burlingtonchamber.org.
Our website is linked to numerous other state and local sites - e.g.www.travelwisconsin.com, www.burlington-wi.gov.
The Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce is staffed full-time Monday through Friday, and Saturdays 10:00-2:00 to provide information, answer emails and phone calls, and generally represent our members to the public.
Our relocation and information packets are sent to hundreds of individuals each year and are available on our website as well.
Our "Focus on Burlington Business" monthly newsletter provides advertising opportunities for members.
Burlington and Chamber businesses are promoted through publications such as Burlington Discover the Treasures, Historic Burlington guidebook and more.

YOU CAN SAVE MONEY AND HAVE ACCESS TO BACC RESOURCES

Members can advertise economically through our email blasts.
Members can send employees to educational business seminars at no cost.
Members receive reduced participation fees for Chamber sponsored expos and shows that showcase area businesses.

YOU CAN STAY INFORMED

"e-Focus on Burlington Business" is written weekly with our members in mind, and includes news, advertisements, community calendar, and information important to our community and businesses.
The weekly BACC email lets you know at a glance what is happening in the community and updates you with timely information and announcements.
BACC has Community Fact Sheets and Labor/Employment information for members and consumers available on our website www.burlingtonchamber.org.
BACC provides information on available training/education for the needs of our members.

YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK WITH AREA PROFESSIONALS

Through Legislative Breakfast Meetings you are able to meet and work with other business leaders.
Business After Hours gives you the opportunity to show off your business to the community.
Working on Chamber committees gives you the chance to work with side by side with other members of the business community.
Attending Speed Networking or Networking at Noon provides many opportunities to build those relationships with other business people.

YOU CAN SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF AREA GROWTH, VITALITY AND TOURISM

You can support BACC promoted events such as the Farmers Market, Chocolatefest, Browns Lake Water Ski Club/Aquaducks, Hope Walk, Haylofters, Burlington Blue Devils, and more.
You can be a part of a group dedicated to improving the quality of life through Chamber-sponsored charitable events and volunteer efforts.

Being a Chamber member adds credibility to your business or organization. Chamber members gain respect for their role and contributions to the community. Because the Chamber supports the well-being of the community and economy, your membership shows that you and your business also support community improvement. If you know a business neighbor who is not a Chamber member, why not invite them to join us now?