Test Drive 2014 Welcome Home Magazine | Page 92

2 0 14 F O R S Y T H - M O N R O E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Tiffany Andrews CEO [email protected] The Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce is located inside the Welcome Center. T he Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce strives to help its members in many ways. We provide programs designed to facilitate business relationships and opportunities. This includes our monthly Eggs & Issues, Business After Hours, ribbon-cuttings to welcome new businesses and new members, and advocate on behalf of our members.  Our membership represents 300 diverse businesses, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. We have a dynamic, engaging, welcoming and interconnected business community, where the collective experiences of our members are leveraged for mutual advantage.  Investing in Monroe County’s communities through Chamber membership 92 supports a program of work that includes community development, education and workforce development, governmental affairs, membership development, as well as business attraction, retention, and expansion. A national survey of 2,000 people reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy because two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community. It’s no surprise that the Chamber’s mission aligns with these attributes - to promote Community, Commerce and Tourism. The study, conducted by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm, found consumer percep- tions of chamber members to be positive in many ways: • When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future. • Consumers show a 73% increase in awareness of a small business if it’s a member of a chamber of commerce. • Companies enjoy a 68% increase in its reputation when consumers know they are a member of the chamber of commerce. Small businesses represent the largest segment of the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce’s membership and the study indicates that chamber membership has Jennifer P. Brown Administrative Assistant [email protected] consistent and powerful benefits for small business members – if consumers are aware that the small business is involved with its local chamber. We have many ways that you can let consumers know that you are a member of the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce. One of the best things to do once you’ve joined the Chamber - or if you are a long-standing member who needs a refresher on all that your Chamber offers is to attend a member orientation. We host these multiple times each year to give our members a full overview of the benefits of membership. For more information, stop in the Chamber at: 68 North Lee Street, Forsyth, GA Or contact us at: (478) 994-9239 or toll free at (888) 642-4628. Welcome Home: The Forsyth-Monroe County Relocation Guide and Membership Directory