Tips from the Chamber: 6 ways to get more from your Chamber membership

With membership renewal season on the horizon, we have many members ask about the value of membership for their business. The truth is, not every business or organization joins the Chamber for the same set of reasons, but we've outlined a few of the most universal perks of Chamber membership for you below. 

The Chamber’s basic purpose is to advocate on behalf of business members to government bodies about issues that impact business in Lloydminster, and provide value and promotion for Chamber members to build a stronger business community, but often, a person might be unsure of exactly what else there is for his or her business in Chamber membership. Here are a few easy ways to make the most of your Chamber membership:

·     Use LloydJobs. We don’t need to tell you that Lloydminster has one of the hottest job markets in Canada with one of the lowest unemployment rates. It can cost a couple hundred dollars to post a job ad in a newspaper. Why not take advantage of a job search site that allows you to post for free? Lloydjobs.com is connected to several larger job websites, such SaskJobs, which means that when you post on Lloydjobs.com, your ad is searchable on these sites as well.

Network! Can’t make it to the golf tourney in April? Well, there’s also the Nine & Dine golf event and many other networking events throughout the year. Send your staff to Chamber Connect with some business cards and brochures; they’ll enjoy the networking, prizes, and great food at this monthly event. Come out to a few and even sponsor an event once you’ve experienced the value for yourself.

Take advantage of the discount programs. It would only take a few minutes to call our office to learn more about these programs, and even less time to look at the Value Added Programs list on our website. Beyond the Chambers Group Insurance Plan, there are programs like fleet fuel discounts, special credit card merchant rates, and an on-hold phone package rate! There might be something on that list that could be saving your business money.

Use your Chamber webpage. Despite the fact that you likely already have an online presence, be it a company website, blog, or Facebook page, your Chamber webpage makes your information easier to find and increases your online credibility. Add links to direct visitors to your own website, make sure your current logo is there, and upload product pictures.

Use the Membership Roster for good! Our membership list is available for all Chamber members to use in their business. Use the online directory or give us a call to get the membership list in a table form.

Talk to us. The Chamber is the Voice for Lloydminster Business, advocating on behalf of business members year after year. Make sure the issues you’re facing are being discussed. Some members are able to attend our Policy Development Roundtable in January to tell us about the things they’d like to see change, but others just call the office, or talk to a board member. Most business members have something they would like to change – transform that into a step towards constructive change by telling a Chamber representative about it.