Serving the business community since 1916

Transcription

1 Serving the business community since North Chaparral Street Corpus Christi, Texas Phone: Fax:

2 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE 2012 Dear Friends of the Chamber, Corpus Christi has a long, successful tradition as a business-friendly community, and the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to maintaining that tradition and it has for 96 years. Your business is our business. The Chamber is the eyes, ears and voice to the business community. Our dedication is apparent through our work with local and state governments and agencies to protect the interest of our members and keep the economy strong and healthy. We pride ourselves in providing a variety of services from networking opportunities, ribbon cuttings/grand openings, professional development programs and other special events all of which fulfill our mission of serving our members and enhancing the business environment. Since its inception the Chamber has worked hard as the community prospered, advocating for small and big businesses. Today, the Chamber serves more than 50,000 individual members, helping them grow their business and ultimately making the city a better place to work, live and play. We hope you will join us in our efforts to grow the business community and improve the city s quality of place. Foster Edwards, CEO/President Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce

3 Mission: To foster business issues, enhancing the business climate and providing services to its members Vision: To promote and enhance business growth and prosperity What is the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce? The Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit Member-driven organization that advocates for local business issues to enhance the prosperity and economic development of the Coastal Bend. The Chamber offers networking opportunities for local business professionals and serves as a communication platform for government officials and community leaders to discuss issues pertinent to the business community. The Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce not only hosts quarterly Special Events, Monthly Business Meetings, Weekly Ribbon Cuttings/Ground Breakings/Chamber Mixers; but the Chamber interacts on a state-wide and federal legislative level to discuss matters that effect local business. The Chamber partners with area organizations and the military to promote economic growth for the area. What does the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce have to offer? Networking Opportunities Corpuschristichamber.org Recognition Sponsorship Opportunities Business Referral Service Brochure display in office and relocation materials Discounted Certificates of Origin Chamber decal to display at place of business Ribbon Cutting/Ground Breakings & Chamber Mixer Social Media Recognition (Facebook, Twitter, Chamber Blog) E-blast service distributed to 3,000 members and community leaders Discounted advertising opportunities Top 10 Reasons to Join the Chamber of Commerce Increase your visibility in the community As a new member you will be listed in the "Monday Memo", on Facebook and have the opportunity to be highlighted on the Chamber s blog. You also can grow your business by advertising with the Chamber and sponsoring events. The Chamber will promote your Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting and assist with any public relations. Networking Opportunities The Chamber offers members many ways to network including mixers, lunch and learn seminars, Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting ceremonies, and other special events. Advocacy The Chamber represents the local business community at City Hall and other venues, giving a voice to the membership s ideas and needs. Professional Development Each month, the Chamber has opportunities for members to attend training sessions, workshops and seminars that will help your business succeed, such as sales, marketing, social media, networking and more. Cost-effective Advertising With a Chamber membership you receive discounted advertising. You also can list any news, promotions or events in the Chamber s weekly e-blast, "the Monday Memo." Member Only Services You can receive member-to-member discounts, including discounted Certificates of Origin. The Chamber also provides assistance with Ribbon Cuttings including assistance with public relations, providing ribbon and ceremonial scissors. Access to the Chamber s Membership As a member you would have access to the database which has more than 900 businesses. This is a great way to reach out to other members, network and make referrals. Credibility Many members of the community consider Chamber of Commerce membership to be a sign of a reputable, solid business. When you join the Chamber, you will receive a Chamber of Commerce decal to display in your business window, so other businesses know you are a member. Access to community leaders and elected officials The Chamber meets regularly with city leaders regarding business issues. Every two years, the Chamber sponsors trips to Austin for the legislative session to lobby and advocate for the business community as well as a yearly trip to Washington D.C. Small business advocacy The Chamber focuses on the needs of small businesses, offering specialized training for small business owners and the opportunity to attend the Small Business Council meetings and Southside Business Council Meetings each month.

4 MEMBERSHIP LEVELS Small Business Member $300 Business with 10 or less employees or local non-profit civic organization Eligible to serve on councils and committees as a Chamber volunteer Discounted member pricing at Chamber networking events and access to Chamber member-only events Eligible to attend and sponsor Chamber functions including, - Ribbon Cuttings - Chamber Mixers (Hosting mixers are reserved for Priority, Bronze, & Silver Members as well as Corporate Sponsors) - Chamber Lunch and Learn - Ground Breakings - Grand Openings Eligible to HOST Chamber functions with Chamber marketing and public relations efforts (the Chamber will invite Membership, Ambassadors, City Officials, and the public to the event). - Ribbon Cuttings - Ground Breakings - Grand Openings Press releases will be distributed to Chamber's media contact list to promote your business' event Post events on Chamber Calendar, Member News, and Monday Memo (weekly e-blast distributed to 4,000 local businesses and community leaders Listing on online membership directory Professional brochure on display at Chamber office Business referral service including brochure information included in relocation materials, distributed to 3,000 people moving to Corpus Christi each year - Business materials included in welcome briefing each week to incoming pilot trainees at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi as well as a welcome brief each quarter to incoming military and their families moving to the area You will receive a Chamber decal that you can display at your business to demonstrate your partnership with one of Corpus Christi's oldest and respected business organizations. As a small business member, you will gain access to Chamber electronic correspondence including hot topics, upcoming events, special invitations and key issues that effect the business community Discounted health insurance policy service known as the Chamber Elite Series Plan offered by the Insurance Center Discounted workman s compensation package offered by Heavin & Associates, the Chamber Work Accident Plan General Member $500 Featured as "New Member of the Week," on three of Corpus Christi's most popular radio stations for the weekly, "Chamber Minute" $500 Radio Bonus from JAKE FM Other discounted advertising rates offered by local radio station media-partners Discounted certificates of origin Priority Member $1,000 Eligible to host a prestigious Chamber Mixer that includes promotion and public relations materials provided by Chamber communications staff - Marketing materials including invitation distribution to City Officials, Chamber membership, and the public - Press release will be distributed to Chamber media contacts to promote your business' event Designed for serious business members with a desire to gain access to the highest level of business and civic decision makers As a large investor, your company's name is listed on the "Founders" tab of the website with a direct link to your web page Bronze Member $2,500 Your business will be listed on the "Founders" section of the Chamber website as a large investor to the organization with a direct link to your website Discounted Chamber advertising, including one FREE dedicated blast each year (distributed to 4,000 business members Silver Member $5,000 This level is reserved for Corpus Christi's most prestigious and highly respected corporations Your company's logo will be placed prominently on the Chamber website's homepage Your company's logo will be placed on the weekly e-blast, "The Monday Memo," with a direct link to your website You will be invited to attend VIP receptions before Chamber Special Events with keynote speakers Discounted Chamber advertising, including two FREE dedicated blast each year (distributed to 4,000 business members) One table at a Chamber Special Event *Membership levels build upon each other. The greater the investment, the greater the benefits for Chamber Membership Packages.

5 COMMITTEES 2012 Help Set The Direction of Your Chamber The Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is a member driven organization. Therefore, the Board of Directors, and the various councils and committees set policy and direction for the organization. The Chamber is requesting that ALL members consider volunteering to serve and help set the direction of the Chamber. The list of committees, including a brief description of the duties and the names of the chairs, are as follows: Finance Committee-Oversees the finances of the Chamber, reviews the financial statements monthly, examines revenue expenses, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors. Finance Chair, Sharon Kollaja Governmental Affairs Committee-Monitors government on all levels (local, state, and national) and lobbies on behalf of the business community. Governmental Affairs Co-Chairs, Claudia Jackson & John Taylor Infrastructure Committee-Helps to promote business in the Coastal Bend and works side-by-side with government and various industries on their infrastructure issues. Infrastructure Chair, Ralph Coker Leadership Corpus Christi Executive Committee-Consists of past graduates of the LCC program. The committee plans and coordinates the Leadership program. Leadership Corpus Christi Executive Committee Chair, Debbie Wingfield Southside Business Council-The Southside Business Council is focused on the unique issues of Corpus Christi's Southside Business Corridor. Southside Business Council Co-Chairs, Bart Braselton & Alex Harris Military Affairs Committee-Interacts and advocates for local military needs. The committee promotes cooperation between military and the business community. Military Affairs Chair, Wes Hoskins Chamber Ambassadors-The Chamber Ambassadors Committee is a chosen member group who volunteer their time to provide a crucial link between the Chamber, its members, and the city at large. Ambassadors are in the center of the business activity of the community. They enjoy the rewards of making new contacts, strengthening business relationships, and accessing resources to further their own success. They represent the Chamber through referring new members, participating in events such as ribbon cuttings, and many more support activities. Ambassadors Chair, Shannon Mortenson If you are interested in serving your community, please call the Chamber at