 Chamber Member Benefits
Joining the Glastonbury Chamber is the most solid investment a business can make. Membership with the Chamber gives local business owners and managers access to a variety of unique programs designed to help them network, promote and market their services. Benefits include:
1. Networking
2. Education
3. Visibility
4. Health Insurance
1. NETWORKING
Meeting other Chamber members and business leaders can open the door to many new business opportunities. The Glastonbury Chamber offers a variety of top notch networking programs including the following groups:
Business After Hours - This monthly gathering is designed to provide Chamber members with business-to-business networking opportunities. Each month a different Chamber member business hosts the event which is held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Guests have the chance to network and learn more about the host's business and its benefits. These gatherings are free for Chamber members and $10 for future members.
The Leads Exchange Group - This networking group is open to Chamber members and the general public and meets two mornings a month at Mt. Laurel Senior Community (formerly Laurel Gardens) at 7:00 a.m. All attendees have a thirty-second opportunity to introduce themselves, explain what their business has to offer and what lead they are looking for.
SPRING (for professionals under 40) - SPRING is a monthly gathering for successful professionals under 40 to meet and exchange resources and hear from some of Connecticut's finest. Hosted by Tribeca Café, 1001 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, registration is $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Guest speakers have come from ESPN, Hartford Stage and Travelers Championship Tournament.
The Business Forum - The Business Forum meets on the 4th Thursday each month from 8:15 - 9:30 am at Gateway Financial, 500 Winding Brook Rd., Glastonbury. A guest speaker shares information and insights to assist entrepreneurs, small business owners, independent contractors and home based businesses to become more successful. There will be a time of "Q&A" following the presentation.
East of the River Chambers of Commerce Association (ERCCA) - Upon joining the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce, all members are automatically registered for membership to ERCCA as well. This organization is a consortium of six area Chambers that offers scheduled events and meetings to expand resources and networking opportunities for Chamber members.
2. EDUCATION
The Chamber offers a multitude of different educational programs to its member throughout the year.
WOW (Women of the Workforce) - Women of the Workforce (WOW) is made up of a diverse group of women who gather to address relevant issues that equip, enlighten, empower and bring balance to a professional woman's life. All "women of the workforce" are invited to the monthly educational and networking programs which are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. They currently meet at Building 2 Café, 628 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury.
Health and Wellness Council - The Chamber Health and Wellness Program, launched in 2007, has taken on the goal to make Glastonbury the healthiest Chamber in Connecticut. A healthier, more fit workforce leads to a more efficient and profitable future for companies of any size. The Living Well in Glastonbury© Program will work to lower the enormous costs associated with lost productivity, absenteeism and the rising cost of health insurance premiums and co-pays. This group will offer quarterly educational programs centered on wellness.
Business Education & Training - The Glastonbury Chamber provides quality business education and professional development luncheons and workshops throughout the year. The topical sessions are based on the changing needs of the members and are often taught by local leading business leaders.
3. VISIBILITY
Chamber Directory - The Membership Resource Directory is the Chamber's annual membership resource guide. Chamber members receive a free listing in two sections: alphabetical and by business category. The directory is distributed to all members, area hotels and new residents to Glastonbury.
Website - The Glastonbury Chamber website includes an events calendar, news bulletins, feature articles, and an employment section. Member businesses are automatically listed in the Chamber's on-line business directory and can post job openings and internships for free.
Newsletter - All members of the Chamber receive a complimentary subscription to the Pulse on Business newsletter, a monthly publication designed to keep members abreast of the latest business news. A directory of new members, a listing of those who have renewed membership, Member News, a member profile and a calendar of upcoming events regularly appear in the publication. The Chamber also features business articles written by Chamber members. View past newsletters.
Referral Service - The Chamber receives phone and e-mail inquiries on a regular basis and makes a standard practice of providing the contact names and phone numbers of members to those looking for referrals to local businesses. The Chamber has made it a policy to refer the general public to member businesses only.
Membership Plaques - Plaques are distributed to all members when they join. The Chamber recommends that members display their plaques in a visible place to show their customers that they have ties to this community-based business association.
Advertising & Marketing Opportunities -The Chamber provides members a variety of creative ways in which to promote their businesses. Members have exclusive access to Chamber mailing lists, sponsorship programs, and promotion in the Pulse on Business newsletter and on the Chamber website.
Membership Labels - Computer mailing labels containing the names and addresses of Chamber member businesses are available for purchase to Chamber members only.
Ribbon Cuttings - The Glastonbury Chamber can coordinate a ribbon cutting ceremony for members opening a new business or relocating office or retail space. A contingent from the Board of Directors and Ambassador Committee will be on hand for a photo opportunity. The Glastonbury Chamber will then send the photograph with a press release to the local newspapers on behalf of the member business. Larger scale ceremonies can be coordinated at the request of the member business. View recent ribbon cuttings.
New Resident Program - An affordable way to promote your business. Each month the Chamber mails a packet of information about the Town of Glastonbury to those who have recently purchased a home. Members can include their coupons, flyers and promotional items in this packet for a small fee, based on the number of packets mailed each month.
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