Chamber Vision March 2014 | Page 5

Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau Major Impact on Small Businesses Small businesses represent the largest segment of most local chamber membership rolls, and the study indicates that chamber membership has consistent and powerful benefits for small business members. If respondents know that a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business enjoys: • a 49% increase in its consumer favorability rating • a 73% increase in consumer awareness • a 68% increase in its local reputation • an 80% increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future. March 2014 Date 5 • 29% more likely to report knowing a lot about the company • 36% more likely to think favorably of the company it. • 36% more likely to consider buying insurance from • Among consumers who hold less favorable opinions of the insurance company, those who are aware that the company is a member of the chamber are 25% more likely to consider purchasing insurance from it. Among those who have not considered purchasing insurance there in the past, chamber membership increases that likelihood by 37%. * The study was conducted by The Schapiro Group, Vertical Market Impacts: an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm. It was commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Automobile Manufacturers Executives (ACCE), in cooperation with the Western When consumers know that an auto manufacturer is Association of Chamber Executives. The study was a member of the chamber of commerce, they are: sponsored by Insperity, a Houston-based company that • 21% more likely to have a favorable opinion of provides human resources and other business services that company to more than 100,000 businesses nationwide. • 31% more likely to consider purchasing their next Vertical Market Impacts: car from that company Restaurant Franchises When consumers know that a national restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are: Among those who have ever considered buying a car from a particular auto manufacturer, chamber membership leads to a 44% increase in consumers’ likelihood of purchasing a car there in the future. • 68% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months • 15% more likely franchise • 58% more likely • 37% more likely Established in 1914, ACCE is the only national association serving the professional development needs of executives and to report knowing a lot about the managers of chambers of commerce throughout the U.S. and Canada. Representing more than 7,300 chamber employees, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and to eat at the franchise more often management effectiveness of chamber professionals and their to think favorably of the franchise. staffs through its education, research, publications, certification, trends analysis, benchmarking, and promotion of best practices. who do not eat at the franchise Among consumers so often, those who are aware that the franchise is a member of the chamber are 33% more likely to hold favorable opinions of the franchise. Among consumers who hold less favorable opinions of the restaurant franchise, those who are aware that the franchise is a member of the chamber are 65% more likely to eat there in the coming months. Vertical Market Impacts: Insurance Companies When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are: The Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) is a premier organization for education and professional development for more than 800 chamber executives and staff in 15 Western states and Canada. RIBBON CUTTING!!! Please “JOIN US!” for the following RIBBON CUTTING Tuesday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m. Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill, 23 E. Sixth Ave.