Dear Chamber Members,

Despite the unseasonably warm weather we've experienced in Montgomery County, all of the other signs of 2011 rapidly coming to an end are apparent to me. I feel a hurriedness in my step-a need to get more done in less daylight! I have great plans for the New Year, too, that I cannot wait to implement! If you are expecting bigger and better results for your business in the New Year, then you understand the urgency to get something started now so that you can "hit the ground running" in January 2012.

As I prepare for our New Member Orientation Program scheduled for next week, I am reminded of the tremendous opportunities all of our members have to market their businesses through the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce's programs. I would like to highlight some of those for you so that if something catches your eye, you can put a plan in motion today to begin a new campaign in January.

First and foremost, the Montgomery County Chamber's website and the Chamber Master System should be a top priority for you! If you don't know your log in and password, please contact me. Why have your listings on the website appear as a simple business card listing when you can have: a description of services, a map to your business, links to Facebook, LinkedIn and your website, bullet points that differentiate you from your competitor, your logo, and a tag line to woo visitors to your listing?

There is an abundant amount of affordable marketing and advertising opportunities offered through MCCC. Have you considered an ad in the Quality of Life Magazine? This magazine is the primary piece of literature that the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce offers to all its members, all visitors to the MCCC office and visitors to the Montgomery County offices. We distribute it in our information packets. In addition to the hard copy, there is a digital copy on our website and a link for the magazine on Montgomery County's website. We are accepting ads now and the magazine will be published in February.

Every local event is a way for you to put a face with your name. The saying goes, "those that show up go up." Plan to attend the next Business After Hours scheduled for January 19th at the Courtyard by Marriott, Blacksburg. This is a free event and you will meet 200 or more people!

We offer a Quarterly Mailer Packet that asks our members to supply 1000 pieces of pertinent business literature to be distributed to all of our members. The cost is only $150 per mailing (plus your literature). This is a great value considering the rising cost of postage. If you want to be in the next mailer, your literature is due at the MCCC Office no later than Tuesday, January 3rd. If you want to advertise in each packet, you can do so for $500 annually.

Have you considered placing an ad in the bi-monthly e-newsletter? For only $50 we can send your electronic message out to our general membership! Keep your business top of mind.

Every MCCC member is also entitled to a one-time FREE Public Service Announcement that Cumulus Radio prepares on your behalf. This radio spot will run 20 times! So if you are a new member or a renewing member, please check with the MCCC staff to set up your Public Service Announcement.

I hope these advertising ideas sparks some great plans of actions for the New Year for your business. We value having you as a member of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and we want you to maximize your Membership!