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Member
Benefits/Value
Membership Benefits: The Value of Chamber Membership
Chamber membership
is one of the best
values in business
today. With dozens
of benefits
exclusive to
members, and more
being introduced all
the time, the
Chamber provides
value and positive
return on your
investment many
times over. Howard
County Chamber of
Commerce members
receive many
valuable benefits
throughout the year,
including:
Business Referrals
As the
foremost business
organization in the
region, the Chamber
receives thousands
of requests for
business referrals
throughout the year
by phone, drop-ins
and website
searches. Each such
inquiry is an
opportunity to refer
business exclusively
to Chamber members.
Representation and Advocacy
Members benefit from
the Chamber's role
as the collective
voice of business
when issues arise
that will impact
them in the Howard
County area. The
Chamber also
appoints
representatives to
serve on many local
and regional task
forces to address
public policy
issues.
Networking Opportunities
The Chamber hosts over 30 networking and other special events throughout the year. Online registration for events is available via the Chamber’s secure site, complete with the option for personal reminders. For the most recent event details,
click here
to check our events
page for the most
recent event
details.
Award Eligibility
Members are
eligible for the
Chamber’s ACE
Awards, that include
Large Business of
the Year, Small
Business of the
Year, Entrepreneur
of the Year,
Business Person of
the Year, Young
Professional of the
Year, Exemplar Award
and Chairman’s Award
for Volunteer
Service. In
addition, the
Chamber’s Business
Recognition
Committee recommends
recipients for many
awards given by
local, regional and
national
organizations.
Click here for more information on Business Recognition.
New Member Orientation
The members of the
Board of Directors
and the Chamber
staff offer an
in-depth look at
Howard County
Chamber of Commerce.
This is also another
opportunity for the
Chamber board and
staff to listen to
ensure members’
success and look for
ways to help members
achieve their goals.
Web Site Presence
All members in good standing receive a complimentary listing with a direct link and pre-programmed map link to their location. Additional opportunities for advertising on the site are available;
click here for more information.
Post the Chamber Logo on Your Web Site
Members have access
to the Chamber logo
for posting on their
website to show
their professional
affiliation.
Click here to request the logo for free.
Access to Elected Officials
Opportunities are
available throughout
the year to form
relationships with
local and regional
elected officials
through many Chamber
events, committees
and initiatives. The
Howard County
Chamber of Commerce
also produces an
Annual White Paper
for legislative
advocacy that is
presented to elected
officials at the
Chamber’s Annual
Legislative
Breakfast.
Click here for more information about Government Affairs.
Educational Opportunities
Throughout the year,
the Chamber provides
a series of
educational seminars
and workshops to
help businesses and
their employees.
Each educational
event draws upon
experts to give the
best educational
experience possible.
Click here to view more about our Workforce Development.
Business Directory
All Chamber members receive a free listing in the Chamber's Annual Membership Directory and Buyer's Guide. Members may also place advertisements in the glossy, full-color print version or the online version on this website. This valuable resource is distributed to all members and to business visitors.
Membership Discounts
Members receive preferred pricing to attend Chamber events as well as for selected goods and services offered by other members. Click here to view members who offer a standing discount to other members. Always ask merchants and vendors if they offer discounts to fellow members; many do without a stated policy.
Marketing Opportunities
Increase your
exposure through
becoming a Chamber
Sponsor. These
advertising and
marketing options
include annual
sponsorships, event
sponsorships,
website
sponsorships, weekly
e-newsletter
sponsorships, and
more. Members can
also purchase ads in
“Connect,” the
Chamber's quarterly
member newsletter.
Click here
for more information.
Ambassador Program
The Chamber's
Ambassador program
helps new members
navigate all the
benefits of Chamber
membership. In
addition to the
Chamber's impressive
staff, the
Ambassadors are here
for members at every
step. Have a
question or need an
introduction? Your
Ambassador is just a
phone call away.
Click here for a
list of
Ambassadors.
Energy Co-Op
Your Chamber
membership gives you
eligibility for
group buying to
achieve long-term
energy price
stability. Many
member businesses
have saved thousands
of dollars in energy
costs per year.
Contact Anne Darr at
410-730-4111 ext.
105 or
adarr@howardchamber.com
for more
information.
Mailing Labels
The membership mailing list is available to members only for one-time use mailing labels or through an annual subscription in an electronic format.
Click here
to request the list.
Employment Advertising
Members may post job openings on the Chamber's
workforce website, which is powered by one of the largest job-search engines in the country. There is special member pricing for this service.
Click here for more
information.
Business-Education Partnerships
There are a number of ways to participate in partnerships with the Howard County Public School System by bringing students into your business (such as internships) or assisting the schools with their programs (such as mentoring). The Chamber has a number of programs set up to link businesses with students.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer committees contribute their time and expertise to Chamber programs and initiatives, while developing new skills, leadership training and networking.
Click here for a complete list of Chamber committees.
Newspaper Subscription
Members receive a complimentary copy of The Daily Record for one year ($190 Value). Subscriptions are automatically processed upon joining the Chamber.
Howard County Maps
The Chamber publishes a detailed map of Howard County that is ideal to help newer residents or visitors in getting acclimated. Members can advertise their business on the map.
Click here to advertise.
Ribbon Cutting in a Box
Is your new business about to have a grand opening? Celebrate in style with the Chamber's Ribbon Cutting in a Box. The kit includes:
- Over sized scissors provided by Chamber Staff on
the day of the event
- Ribbon
- Mailing Labels
- List of Dignitary Contact
- Standard Press Release Form
- Chamber staff & Ambassadors at Grand Opening Ceremony
- Special advertising rates with the Chamber Media members
- List of all Chamber Members
The Chamber must have at least 30 days notice of Grand Opening to ensure a staff member will be present.
Please contact Catherine Bedolla, Director of Membership, for additional information at
cbedolla@howardchamber.com or 410-730-4111 ext. 114
Membership Recognition
Receive recognition as an involved member of the business community with a membership sticker/decal for the window of your business or your vehicle. Members also have access to a “Proud Member” logo for use on your website. Remember, Members like to do business with Members.
For questions or more information on these and other member benefits, please e-mail inquires to
info@howardChamber.com
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