Membership Benefits

Members
  1. Chamber Plus Insurance - As a member of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, you may be able to save $$'s on your medical insurance. Many small business Chamber members have been able to obtain Blue Cross & Blue Shield coverage through the Chamber Plus insurance program.
  2. Tax Deductible - Your membership investment in the Chamber of Commerce is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a necessary business expense and is totally deductible.
  3. Business After Hours - As a member, you can host a Business After Hours reception at your place of business. The Chamber will mail out invitations to the entire Chamber membership. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business and it provides an excellent networking opportunity.
  4. Seminars/Workshops - Business seminars and workshops are offered that address issues to enhance the operation of your business. Most seminars and workshops are offered FREE to Chamber members, or at a nominal cost for instructor fees.
  5. FREE Business Counseling & Consulting Services - Do you occasionally need help and/or advice on your business operations? We can help! The Monroe County Chamber of Commerce's Tony Green spent seven years as a small business owner and has over 16 years experience as a commercial banker. He can meet with you to discuss any issues you may have, with the exceptions of tax and legal matters. He is knowledgeable in the areas of selling a business, buying a business, record keeping, financing, marketing, creating a business plan, what your banker needs, accounting, getting the most out of your advertising dollars, and developing cash flow projections and financial statement analysis. Also, the Chamber's partnership with the University of Mississippi Small Business Development Center is available to help you get your new and start-up business off to its best possible start.
  6. Special Event Promotion - If you are planning any type of special event for your business, such as a business open house, employee retirement reception, business anniversary date, business after hours, etc., the Chamber staff will be very happy to mail your prepared invitations with the postage at our cost and contact by e-mail your invitees and all Chamber members.
  7. Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings - If you are a new business or you have a new product line or location, the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will conduct a grand opening or ribbon cutting for you. Ambassadors are volunteers from different businesses in the area who act as the public relataions arm of the Chamber of Commerce.
  8. Business Referrals - The Chamber of Commerce office receives many, many calls requesting recommendations for businesses or services in our area - we recommend our Chamber members!
  9. Membership Directory Listing - When you join the Chamber of Commerce, you are automatically listed in our Membership Directory. Newcomers to the community, industrial prospects and other Chamber members utilize this directory when looking for reputable companies to conduct business with.
  10. Brochure Listing - Your Chamber maintains brochures on "special interest" groups that are Chamber members. Brochures include restaurants, realtors, apartments, contractors, medical, architects, engineers, motels and education. These brochures are included in all relocation packages that are sent, as well as being displayed at the Chamber of Commerce office for visitors. You are always welcome to bring a supply of your brochures and business cards that we will also keep on display for you.
  11. Newcomer Inquiry List - Your Chamber maintains a list of all inquiries from people requesting moving information. Utilize this list to invite them to relocate to your community. Let newcomers know that your business is located here and ask for their business when they arrive. This list is FREE to Chamber members and can be mailed to you monthly.
  12. Committee Participation - Your Chamber has a proactive Program of Work. Have a voice in your community! We need volunteers to get the job done. Serve on a committee of your choice. Quality of life is primarily what your Chamber of Commerce is all about. A good quality of life in a community attracts and maintains more residents and businesses. Quality of life affects everyone. It directly affects the bottom line of your business. Get involved! We need you! Monroe County needs you!
  13. Chamber Luncheons - Quarterly Chamber luncheons are offered on community interest topics: Legislative Updates, City and County Government and Education issues and a variety of community interest topics. Join us for these monthly updates, ask questions and stay abreast of what's happening in your community.
  14. Exclusive Sponsorship, Recognition & Publicity - If you provide a service or a product for a specific Chamber event or function, you will receive inclusion in event publicity and verbal recognition for doing so. Opportunities include governmental and state receptions, annual meetings, quarterly luncheons, and business after hours, etc.
  15. Community Image Publication - Your Chamber of Commerce publishes a full color publication that addresses livability and quality of life issues in our community. It is distributed to newcomers, residents, businesses, partners and visitors. This publication contains a business guide listing on all members/partners, advertisements, editorial stories, and pertinent information about Monroe County. As a Chamber of Commerce member, you are encouraged to advertise in this publication - it creates visibility for your business, enhances your credibility and establishes your business identity.
  16. Bulk Rate Mail - Many small businesses do not have bulk rate permits. We can help! If you have a mailing of 250+, you can insert your copies into our bulk rate envelopes, bring them back to us and we will use our bulk rate permit and deliver your mail to the post office for you. We will bill you for the cost of the envelopes and postage (___ each compared to 42 cents).
  17. FREE Mailing Labels - For marketing your business to all Chamber members.
  18. Internet Visibility - The Chamber's membership directory is published on our website. If you have a website for your business, we offer a free hyperlink to your business website.
  19. Membership Plaques - As a Chamber member, you are given a membership plaque to display in your business. This shows your customers that you are involved in your community and that you are a Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.
  20. Information Source - Examples include community demographics, area phone directories, a list of organizations, contact information for all events or government officials, local and state maps, cross directories, major employer industrial directories, traffic count information, statistical information, census information, etc. are all available to you upon request. If we don't have the information that you are looking for, we can tell you where to find it, the organization name and/or internet address.
  21. Research & Business Development Resource - Promotion of available sites and buildings, demographic analysis, labor analysis, and wage and benefits surveys. In-depth demographic analyses of any location in the U.S. and site selection, detailed data available on a wide range of variables, including population and labor force, consumer expenditures, occupational and industry summaries, crime statistics and more. Assistance with site selection, market analysis, competition analysis, customer profiling, trade area definition, and target marketing.
  22. Advocate for Business - Representation to the business community in problem solving, promoting economic development, etc. The Chamber serves as an advisor to government on numerous community issues and projects such as sponsorship of numerous networking meetings with city, county, state offices, businesses and industry leaders.
  23. Relocation Packages - Comprehensive package including the Images Publication of Monroe County, Mississippi, demographic information, cultural attractions, school listings and much more. Mailed upon request or picked up by commercial and residentail newcomers, as well as visitors to the area.
  24. Networking Opportunities - Your Chamber affords you many opportunities for interaction in the community that will help you build your customer base by developing friendships and relationships that could last a lifetime.