Trusted. Respected. Connected.
Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce New & Prospective Member Orientation
What We Do & What’s In It For You
Sponsored By: January 26, 2015
Jobs: Thank You For What You Do
Introductions: Royce Hickman, President & CEO
How we can help you and and the community.
B/CS Chairman of the Board Rich White, HEB The Brazos Valley Small Business Development Center (BV SBDC), Jim Pillians Welcome From Our Sponsor: ABC Home & Commercial Services, Kate Berrington
This is not a sell…. it is a tell… How you can get the most out of your membership investment. We are going to talk about Advertising & Marketing, Promotion, Special Events, Professional & Social Networking, Committees, Professional Development, Leadership, and Volunteer Opportunities.
Questions & Answers – anytime.
History of Chambers
First Chamber – France, late 17th century.
Oldest in the British Isles - Glasgow 1783.
First American Chambers established in 1770 in New York. Tradesmen organized for the protection and promotion of commerce. They were comprised of volunteers. Our Chamber was established in 1918 – This is our 96th year!
Our Mission Statement
The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce exists to enhance the economic well-being of the businesses in the community it serves
Your B/CS Chamber of Commerce is… Community Owned and Operated
About 1,400 members that include Fortune 100 and small-to medium-sized businesses, civic and non-profit organizations, churches, Texas A&M University & System, Blinn College, and local/state/national government representatives. A volunteer driven organization that unites the business, government, and civic leaders in our community to strengthen and expand the local economy.
What Makes Us Unique?
We are the premier Business-to-Business (B2B) networking organization in Brazos Valley. We are the only organization in B/CS that represents local businesses in Austin and Washington D.C. We are the voice of local business.
What we do for you
“We Achieve Opportunity Through Unity”
We create a venue through which members can serve their business and community -- and accomplish collectively what no one business or person could do alone!
We are a membership group that supports other members.
We are a business owner and community support group.
We are one of the most active Chambers in Texas with regard to the attraction and utilization of volunteers – and one of the top three Chambers in the state from a government affairs activity standpoint.
What’s in it for you? The Chamber is committed to doing everything possible to provide an environment that gives your businesses the best chance for SUCCESS!
Our Value Proposition
How do we create that environment?
Validation -- 7 out of 10 consumers prefer doing business with a Chamber member. We represent and promote local businesses We are the human element of business-to-business We connect businesses to the community and peers to peers with over 50 networking events per year. And we all Have Fun Doing It!
Your Current Chamber Membership Investment…
Allows us to be a deterrent to anti-business laws and regulations. Allows us to be a magnet to businesses that want to start up, expand or relocate. Allows you the means to get advertising discounts with our local media partners that are valued above the cost of membership. Creates your admission to the arena that allows you to get on the field with fellow entrepreneurs to execute your word-of-mouth advertising agenda and get referrals. Food and beverage included. Improves your search engine optimization and results with internet search engines
Our Value-Added Proposition
We put the Unity in Community. We are simply – Better Together.
You are now part of a 10,000+ friends & family & employer & employee network of buyers, a valuable social and professional network, a very safe employee and client reward program with over 100 ways to promote, market and advertise your business.
Discuss ways we can help you
Achieve New Customer Acquisition. Cash in on the Lifetime Value of a Customer
Churn & Turn: About 20% of local consumers are new to the area and are seeking 1st time vendors or are looking to replace an existing vendor.
How We Work Together… …to get you new customers…
We Communicate: Plan, Execute & Promote Events You - Advertise. Sponsor. Network. Volunteer. Attend
We Educate: With our Professional Development & Leadership Programs and your Chamber Brand You - Advertise. Sponsor. Network. Volunteer. Attend.
We Advocate: In our Legislative - Transportation - Health & Wellness Committees You - Advertise. Sponsor. Network. Volunteer. Attend.
Snapshot of the Structure We Provide For You Electronic (Advertising)
Print (Advertising)
Event (Networking & Sponsorships)
InSider Weekly E-Newsletter
Connections Monthly Magazine
Monthly Business After Hours
Website/Facebook/Twitter
Membership Directory/Buyers Guide/Annual Report
Annual Banquet
Mobile Membership Directory
Newcomers Guide
Ag Breakfast
Chamber Programs
Networking & Professional Development
Celebrity Softball Classic
Leadership
Committees
Community Impact Awards Lunch
Leadership Brazos Alumni Association
Eight Chamber Event Committees
Crawfish Boil
Leadership Brazos
Legislative Affairs
Economic Outlook Briefing
Junior Leadership Brazos
Transportation
Economic Outlook Conference
Community Leadership Briefing
Chamber Day
Job Fair
Special Events
Health & Wellness
Ladies’ Nite
Wash. D.C. & Austin Delegation Trips
Ambassador Program
LobsterFest & Golf Classic
Inner Circle Luncheons
Education & Workforce Development
Local Candidate Forum
Member Lunches & Learn Presentations
Agribusiness Council
Taste of Aggieland: An Epicurean Extravaganza
Ribbon Cuttings
Media
Youth-to-Career Fair
Snapshot: Communicate -- A Two Way Street Electronic (Advertising)
Print (Advertising)
Event (Networking & Sponsorships)
InSider Weekly E-Newsletter
Connections Monthly Magazine
Monthly Business After Hours
Website/Facebook/Twitter
Membership Directory/Buyers Guide/Annual Report
Annual Banquet
Mobile Membership Directory
Newcomers Guide
Ag Breakfast
Chamber Programs
Networking & Professional Development
Celebrity Softball Classic
Leadership
Committees
Community Impact Awards Lunch
Leadership Brazos Alumni Association
Eight Chamber Event Committees
Crawfish Boil
Leadership Brazos
Legislative Affairs
Economic Outlook Briefing
Junior Leadership Brazos
Transportation
Economic Outlook Conference
Community Leadership Briefing
Chamber Day
Job Fair
Special Events
Health & Wellness
Ladies’ Nite
Wash. D.C. & Austin Delegation Trips
Ambassador Program
LobsterFest & Golf Classic
Inner Circle Luncheons
Education & Workforce Development
Local Candidate Forum
Member Lunches & Learn Presentations
Agribusiness Council
Taste of Aggieland: An Epicurean Extravaganza
Ribbon Cuttings
Media
Youth-to-Career Fair
Snapshot: Educate Electronic (Advertising)
Print (Advertising)
Event (Networking & Sponsorships)
InSider Weekly E-Newsletter
Connections Monthly Magazine
Monthly Business After Hours
Website/Facebook/Twitter
Membership Directory/Buyers Guide/Annual Report
Annual Banquet
Mobile Membership Directory
Newcomers Guide
Ag Breakfast
Chamber Programs
Networking & Professional Development
Celebrity Softball Classic
Leadership
Committees
Community Impact Awards Lunch
Leadership Brazos Alumni Association
Eight Chamber Event Committees
Crawfish Boil
Leadership Brazos
Legislative Affairs
Economic Outlook Briefing
Junior Leadership Brazos
Transportation
Economic Outlook Conference
Community Leadership Briefing
Chamber Day
Job Fair
Special Events
Health & Wellness
Ladies’ Nite
Wash. D.C. & Austin Delegation Trips
Ambassador Program
LobsterFest & Golf Classic
Inner Circle Luncheons
Education & Workforce Development
Local Candidate Forum
Member Lunches & Learn Presentations
Agribusiness Council
Taste of Aggieland: An Epicurean Extravaganza
Ribbon Cuttings
Media
Youth-to-Career Fair
Snapshot: Advocate Electronic (Advertising)
Print (Advertising)
Event (Networking & Sponsorships)
InSider Weekly E-Newsletter
Connections Monthly Magazine
Monthly Business After Hours
Website/Facebook/Twitter
Membership Directory/Buyers Guide/Annual Report
Annual Banquet
Mobile Membership Directory
Newcomers Guide
Ag Breakfast
Chamber Programs
Networking & Professional Development
Celebrity Softball Classic
Leadership
Committees
Community Impact Awards Lunch
Leadership Brazos Alumni Association
Eight Chamber Event Committees
Crawfish Boil
Leadership Brazos
Legislative Affairs
Economic Outlook Briefing
Junior Leadership Brazos
Transportation
Economic Outlook Conference
Community Leadership Briefing
Chamber Day
Job Fair
Special Events
Health & Wellness
Ladies’ Nite
Wash. D.C. & Austin Delegation Trips
Ambassador Program
LobsterFest & Golf Classic
Inner Circle Luncheons
Education & Workforce Development
Local Candidate Forum
Member Lunches & Learn Presentations
Agribusiness Council
Taste of Aggieland: An Epicurean Extravaganza
Ribbon Cuttings
Media
Youth-to-Career Fair
Snapshot: What we do for your Investment Electronic (Advertising)
Print (Advertising)
Event (Networking & Sponsorships)
InSider Weekly E-Newsletter
Connections Monthly Magazine
Monthly Business After Hours
Website/Facebook/Twitter
Membership Directory/Buyers Guide/Annual Report
Annual Banquet
Mobile Membership Directory
Newcomers Guide
Ag Breakfast
Chamber Programs
Networking & Professional Development
Celebrity Softball Classic
Leadership
Committees
Community Impact Awards Lunch
Leadership Brazos Alumni Association
Eight Chamber Event Committees
Crawfish Boil
Leadership Brazos
Legislative Affairs
Economic Outlook Briefing
Junior Leadership Brazos
Transportation
Economic Outlook Conference
Community Leadership Briefing
Chamber Day
Job Fair
Special Events
Health & Wellness
Ladies’ Nite
Wash. D.C. & Austin Delegation Trips
Ambassador Program
LobsterFest & Golf Classic
Inner Circle Luncheons
Education & Workforce Development
Local Candidate Forum
Member Lunches & Learn Presentations
Agribusiness Council
Taste of Aggieland: An Epicurean Extravaganza
Ribbon Cuttings
Media
Youth-to-Career Fair
From Free to Fee: We Have Created A Time & Place For Everyone to Sell January
July
Economic Outlook Conference
Ladies Nite
Junior Leadership Brazos (Dec./March)
Business After Hours
Business After Hours
August
February
Community Impact Awards Luncheon
Austin Legislative Trip (Every other year)
Economic Outlook Briefing
Business After Hours
Business After Hours
March
September
Chamber Day
LobsterFest/Golf Classic
Crawfish Boil
Leadership Brazos Program (Sept. to May)
Taste of Aggieland: An Epicurean Extravaganza
Business After Hours
Business After Hours
October
April
Youth-to-Career-Fair
Job Fair
Local Candidate Forum
Celebrity Softball Classic
Business After Hours
Local Candidate Forum
November
Business After Hours
Annual Banquet
May
Ag Breakfast
Washington D.C. Legislative Fly-in
Business After Hours
Business After Hours
December
June
Business After Hours
Community Leadership Briefing
Your Chamber is Always
Business After Hours
At Work For You
Membership Tools Help Us Help You
Website & Calendar
Information Brochure: Website Homepage Advertising & Sponsorship Opportunities Bookmark our Mobil Membership Directory from our website on to your smart phone or tablet. Please use it to select member vendors and tell others about it.
Current News & Events
Free InSider Report E-Newsletter: Website Sign-up more in your company.
Membership Tools Help Us Help You Sponsorship Opportunity Tool
Quarterly newsletter with current Sponsor & Advertising Offerings (30-60-90 Days) – comes with InSider sign-up.
Website Advertising & Sponsorship Opportunities Advertising, Sales & Marketing Packet
Committees
Get involved with Committees: Learn more, meet more, engage. Website Committees:
Business After Hours
Advertise. Sponsor. Network. Volunteer. Attend
Designed to allow our local businesses the opportunity to showcase their venue/product/service and communicate with peers, prospective customers and vendors.
Great professional and personal networking opportunity with attendance ranges from 200 – 400.
Come as you are, come and go as you please, casual or business dress, no RSVP and its always from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
1 or 2 times per month and its Free
Taste of Aggieland: An Epicurean Extravaganza Advertise. Sponsor. Network. Volunteer. Attend
Designed to allow our local restaurants to communicate to the public the quality of the food and service they provide Approximately 35 to 40 restaurants participate, provide scholarships to local high school culinary programs. Schools have cooking contests.
Attendance ranges from 1,000 to 1,500
Annual event since 1996 and dinner tickets are $25
LobsterFest & Golf Classic
Advertise. Sponsor. Network. Volunteer. Attend
The most important fundraiser for the Chamber. Designed to allow our members the opportunity to interact, reward clients and employees. LobsterFest 400 attendees, members submit silent auction items, fun casual event, sponsorships. Golf about 40 teams, prizes, awards, contests, shirts, sponsorships.
Job Fairs & Job Board
Designed to allow our local businesses to communicate to the public the opportunities they have for employment
Approximately 50 businesses with jobs available participate
Job seekers attendance ranges from 600 to 1,000+
Annual event since 1999 that is free for job seekers to attend and $200 for a booth for member employers
Annual Banquet Advertise. Sponsor. Network. Volunteer. Attend
Annual Celebration of your B/CS Chamber of Commerce Recognize volunteer of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Ambassador of the Year
Attendance normally 500+
$75 per ticket
Economic Outlook Conference Advertise. Sponsor. Network. Volunteer.
Designed to showcase economic development and future opportunity. Promote the local business community and show potential investors what they can expect in the future – particularly the coming year. Won the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executive’s statewide award in 2000. Attendance in excess of 425 the past three years.
Other Events & Programs Promote the Chamber Brand Trusted. Respected. Connected.
Economic Outlook Briefing (Legislative Affairs) Crawfish Boil (Youth Livestock Program) Community Softball Classic (Acknowledge 1st Responders &
Community Building) Ladies’ Nite (Recognizes Woman-Owned Businesses) Leadership Brazos (Adult & Youth Development Programs) Youth-to-Career-Fair (Youth/Local School Program) Newman Award (Recognizes Growing Businesses) Community Impact Awards (Recognizes Minority Owned Businesses) …You get out what you put in – but we also put in a lot on your behalf!
Print
Connections Magazine
Monthly Magazine goes to 2,000+ businesses. Rated the top publication of its type in Texas for two years in a row Promotion and education opportunity
Electronic
Website – www.bcschamber.org
Chamber Membership Directory Rated second best in Texas Chamber and Community Calendar R.S.V.P. Link for Event Registration Sign-up for the Free E-Mail InSider Report Newsletter Job Board Membership Applications and other forms. Advertising opportunity for members
Electronic
InSider Report – Free Weekly E-mail (2,700+)
Invitations to Chamber Events Community Calendar and other local event information Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings Business Promotion and Product Education Opportunity Expanding to include stories and other points of interest.
Social Media
Facebook:
Twitter:
Constant Contact Membership Survey’s: Legislation, transportation, health and wellness.
What’s Next?
reach)
https://www.facebook.com/bcschamber (2,500+ 5,000
https://twitter.com/bcschamber
Promotion and education opportunities
Linked In Other
Volunteer for Committees? One Hour Per Month
Educate. Advocate. Legislate. Volunteer
Legislative Affairs Committee Educate. Advocate. Legislate. You Must Be Present To WIN !!!
National
State
Washington D.C. Legislative Fly-in Luncheons Candidate Forums Legislative Delegation to Austin Luncheons Candidate Forums
Local
Council Meetings Candidate Forums
Legislative Affairs Committee
NATIONAL
Legislative Affairs Committee
Annual Washington D.C. Legislative Fly-in
Develop the Chamber’s Federal Legislative Action Plan
Organize & Prepare Delegation
Trip Planning & Appointment Setting
Stay In Touch with Elected Officials
Legislative Affairs Committee DC Fly-in (Cont.)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce briefing Visit entire Texas Delegation (2 Senators and 36 Congressmen)
Visit Federal Agencies
Visit other key elected officials
Legislative Affairs Committee: State
Legislative Affairs Committee
Delegation trip to Austin
Develop and present the State Legislative Action Plan in February in Odd Numbered Years. Feb. 3-4 2015.
16 teams had 181 Meetings
Reception and Breakfast meetings
Our Local Representatives are members and their staffs serve on our some of our committees
Legislative Affairs Committee: Local
Legislative Affairs Committee
Monthly Committee Meetings & Ongoing Representation Legislative Affairs Transportation Health & Wellness Media Economic Outlook Briefing
Local Oil & Gas Economic Development Activities
Local Candidates Forums Candidates for City Council, School Board, County Commissioners and State & Federal Elected Officials Broadcast live on WTAW 1620 Streamed on KBTX - TV
Legislative Affairs Committee
Legislative Affairs Committee Educate. Advocate. Legislate.
A few areas we have helped influence!
Prop 1 for Transportation Funding? Easterwood Airport? Game Day Transportation and Logistics? Saved sorting jobs at Bryan Post Office Support to continue our local Metropolitan Planning Organization for transportation. Deductibility of Sales Tax on Federal Tax Millions of Dollars in A&M Research Development of Highway 6 and other roads Designating as a possible corridor for High Speed Rail Opening of Barron Road Overpass & current construction on overpass at Old Reliance
Transportation Committee Educate. Advocate. Legislate.
Committee Mission Statement
Purpose
To understand and influence the process of improving transportation to meet the mission of the B/CS Chamber of Commerce.
Goals
Identify transportation challenges and advocate solutions that will create opportunities to enhance the economic well-being of the businesses in our area.
Educate and create harmony with the coalition of transportation stakeholders.
Objective
Collaborate and communicate with Chamber members and key influencers in the transportation sector.
Transportation Committee Educate. Advocate. Legislate.
Health & Wellness Committee Educate. Advocate. Legislate.
Designed to communicate the importance of health and wellness to our local businesses and their employees Professional Development Luncheons Impact of the Affordable Health Care Act Stress Management Workplace Wellness Chamber Fitness Challenge New -- Community & Business Preparedness: Influenza & Ebola
Ambassador Program
Communicate the Chamber’s mission and advocate for fellow member businesses. Leadership Team: Chair, Past Chair and 4 Team Captains. Comprised of 42 other volunteers Represent Chamber at:
Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings Business After Hours Chamber Day Luncheons, Programs & Other Activities
Media Committee
Media Committee
Promote the Chamber’s mission, events and sponsors with community outreach
Reach the public with TV, Print, Billboard, Social Media and Internet/Web-based media
Media Partners: New Members are eligible for Discounts on Advertising
TV: KBTX Morning & Afternoon Shows, SuddenLink, KAGS, Fox 28, ABC40 Radio: Bryan Broadcasting, Brazos Valley Communications, ClearChannel Print: The Eagle, Bryan Broadcasting Billboard: Lamar Outdoor Advertising
Shop Locally Campaign
Educate & Advocate the Co-Brand
Work in partnership with Bryan Broadcasting “Shop Locally: It’s where our jobs are” Chamber Annual Report Distributed by The Eagle Chamber Printed Membership Directory Distributed to all members, hotels, CVB and other organizations. New Chamber Mobile Membership Directory New product used for smart phones and tablets for finding products and services. Chamber Billboards Promoting Your Co-Brand in partnership with Lamar Advertising
Chamber Day
Educate & Advocate
Over 150 volunteers including government representatives of both cities including elected officials, police and fire. We visit ~600 businesses, both members & non-members Our purpose is to open a communication channel and conduct a “How’s Your Business” survey and to see how their business is doing and what we can do to help.
The New B/CS Economy is Well Positioned for the Future
Texas A&M Powered and Technology Driven
Bio-Corridor
Commercialization of Research = High Tech jobs Research Partnerships Entrepreneurial Programs SEC Game Day Factor
New Technologies Developing New Drugs and Fighting Bioterrorism
Medical Center
Three hospitals & Numerous Clinics New Mental Health Facility
New Oil & Gas Production
Retirees and a Growing Community
Health Care and Related Services
Your Future B/CS Economy
Ranked by Forbes 2nd nationally and first in Texas for small businesses and careers. We remain optimistic that we live in a “Pocket of Prosperity.” We have approximately 100,000 jobs and about half are reasonably safe! We have a great asset in our people and our business community! Our people and business community have an asset in the Chamber. We are indeed fortunate to live in this great community!
How To Leverage Your Membership & Our Local Economic Development
Participate: Network for knowledge, information exchange and new
Co-Brand your Logo with Your Chamber Member Decal: Door, vehicle, website, Facebook, and other promotions
Advertise: Website, InSider, Connections, Directory, Map
Promote: Attend and Sponsor Events
Marketing & Sales: Word-of-Mouth, Referrals, Knowledge of Your Products & Services by Others, Join a Committee, make a new friend.
relationships, credibility and validation. Sign up for the InSider Report, Facebook, Twitter, and attend events
Congratulations – You are…
Trusted. Respected. Connected.
Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Membership, Sponsorship & Promotional Opportunity Team (SPOT) Burl Haigwood, Director of Operations & Public Affairs,
[email protected] Carrie Archer, Manager of Member Services,
[email protected]
Please Sign-up for the
I nSider R eport
Newsletter
THANK YOU!
New Member Introductions
New Member Elevator Pitch (15-30 seconds) About You: Name, Title and Company
Tag Line Products & Services Start-up date, number of employees What makes you different, special, memorable, and what does an ideal client look like?
Guests Name & Company
