Benefits of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce Membership:
Referral Service-As the first stop for potential residents, visitors and business owners who are moving into the community, the Chamber is a source of constant referrals to our member businesses. The Chamber responds to scores of inquiries about the county and its businesses by phone and mail, creating favorable first impressions and building esteem and customers for your business.
Inquiry Referral Service-This service can be purchased by Chamber members for a nominal fee. The inquiries are obtained by mail or telephone. Lists of inquiring potential vacationers or relocators to the area can be provided on paper and/or on peel-off address labels. This allows you to reach potential vacationers and residents with information about your business or service, and this list is available only to Chamber members. This inquiry list is mailed out to subscribers weekly.
Networking-Brunswick County Chamber members are part of the largest business organization in Brunswick County. Your Chamber encourages opportunities to share ideas and develop business contacts through our monthly Business After Hours, committee meetings, seminars, and special events. Members may sign up to host a Business After Hours to showcase their businesses and services.
Exposure-The Chamber provides numerous opportunities for members to increase their exposure to potential customers. Chamber members are invited to display brochures and business cards in the Chamber office. This service is free of charge. Once visitors and new residents arrive in the area, they seek information about things to do and see, places to shop, dine and enjoy recreational opportunities. By displaying material about your business, your message is at the fingertips of thousands of vacationers and newcomers annually. Members also receive free listings in 90,000 Visitors and Business Guides, on the Chamber website and the Chamber Resource Guide. Chamber staff will also assist with ribbon cuttings and grand openings at no charge to members.
Information Center-The Chamber can provide your business with facts about population, retail sales, state and federal laws and business trends.
Small Business Services-The Chamber, through the Brunswick County SCORE Chapter and the Small Business Center at Brunswick Community College, offers free specialized counseling to all Chamber members. Interested members should call the Chamber for an appointment. Counseling sessions and mentoring are confidential.
In cooperation with the Small Business Center at Brunswick Community College, a series of seminars are presented to help businesses prosper and to educate management and employees in ways of achieving success.
Government Affairs-The Chamber periodically hosts legislative receptions or briefings to give members the opportunity to hear, firsthand, from local representatives and senators. Topics of local interest are discussed and members get a chance to obtain answers to their questions. The Chamber also provides a vehicle for representing the concerns of business on legislative issues at the local, state, and national levels.
Visitors and Business Guide-Each year the Chamber produces 90,000 copies of our Visitors and Business Guide. Each member gets a free listing and the opportunity to purchase advertising space. This publication is relied on heavily by our vacationers who are planning their stays along the Brunswick Islands. The guide is distributed to people who contact the Chamber for vacation or relocation information, at travel shows, AAA offices, and welcome centers, as well as The Brunswick Beacon subscribers.
Tourism-The Chamber’s interest in developing the tourism sector of Brunswick County’s economy is evidenced in the $272.58 million in tourist dollars brought here in 2003. The Chamber promotes tourism through our website, advertisements, travel shows, publications, and special events. Each year, the Chamber staff assists thousands of visitors interested in vacationing in the Brunswick Islands. The Chamber also works in partnership with the Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority by providing administrative and staff support to the TDA on contractual basis.
Brunswick Bulletin-Chamber members receive a free yearly subscription to the Brunswick Bulletin, our monthly newsletter. Our newsletter keeps members and area officials informed on upcoming Chamber events, programs and activities, as well as issues that affect area businesses. The newsletter also includes member news and lists new members. For a nominal fee, members can include a one-page insert or an advertisement in the newsletter to promote their services and products.
Quarterly Breakfast Meeting-The Chamber holds a member breakfast at various times during the year for all Chamber members to attend. These breakfasts consist of a guest speaker on an issue of interest to the membership, an update on Chamber activities, and the opportunity to exchange ideas.
Annual Meeting-This meeting is held in February and is an opportunity for all members to hear the accomplishments of the previous year. Chamber members are also recognized for service to the Chamber and community.
Leadership Brunswick County-This program is designed to encourage business people to become involved in community leadership roles. The program meets once a month and includes sessions on government issues, education, health care, and economic development. Members of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce are eligible for reduced tuition.
Membership Address Service-A mailing list of Chamber members can be purchased by members for a small fee. The list is available on paper or peel-off labels. The Membership Address Service includes the member name, contact and complete address.
Oyster Festival-The Chamber sponsors annually, in October, the North Carolina Oyster Festival. This major event draws thousands to the Brunswick Islands for two days of spectacular seafood and a variety of exciting activities. This festival brings dollars to the community during the shoulder season and generates publicity which brings vacationers here during other times of the year as well.
King Classic-The King Classic King Mackerel Fishing Tournament is held Labor Day Weekend each year. Cash awards are given to the anglers catching the largest King Mackerel. Ads are sold to produce a brochure that is distributed up and down the east coast.
Brunswick Business Expo– The Brunswick Business Expo is held in the Spring of each year. The event is combined with the regular Business After Hours. Exhibitor space is available to Chamber members.
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