Dear Friends,
 We're nearing the end of another year. It's time to assess where our businesses and organizations are to date, and to start planning for next year! One item to put in the plan for next year is to make a commitment to "get involved" in the Chamber. I mean really get involved, not just paying your dues. Chamber membership has proven to be not only good for the community, but has also proven to be a good business strategy.
A nationwide study commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives sought to determine the real "value" to companies and organizations of joining and being active in their local chamber of commerce. The following results may surprise you---
- Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable.
- If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.
- When a consumer thinks that a company's products stack up better against the competition because the company is highly involved in its local chamber of commerce, it is because he or she infers that the company is trustworthy, involved in the community, and is an industry leader.
- When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.
- When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 43% more likely to consider buying insurance from it.
- When consumers know that a small businesses in a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
In a nutshell, your membership in the Oak Cliff Chamber tells consumers that your business or organization is reputable, that you care about your customers, that you're involved in the community, and that you use good business practices! There are still ways to GET INVOLVED before the end of the year. Click here to visit the Chamber's online calendar to see the upcoming events and committee meetings you can be a part of. We hope to see you soon! Sincerely, 
Yolanda F. Gills, CPA 2012 Board of Directors Chair |
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Nominate Someone for the 2012 Chamber Annual Awards!
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 It's that time again! Nominate your favorite Oak Cliff business, volunteer, event, and project for 2012 to be honored December 7th at the Chamber's Annual Awards & Membership Meeting.
You may nominate one business, organization or individual per category. Nominations must be submitted to the Chamber by 5:00pm on Friday, November 9th.
Click here to nominate someone!
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