Outer Banks Chamber plans March membership drive

Outer Banks Chamber plans March membership drive

Are you opening a new business in 2016?  Have you been in business for a while but now seek new outlets to market your company and services?
 
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce says that it takes more than luck for a small business to be successful.  A company needs customers, resources, strong economic conditions, the right employees and training — all member benefits that the Outer Banks Chamber provides.

The Chamber of Commerce will conduct its annual membership recruitment drive March 14-17.  The Chamber’s Board of Directors, staff and volunteers will pound the streets and reach out via social media and phones to invite area business owners to join the area’s largest business organization.

“Membership in a Chamber means more than just paying an annual fee to be part of a group,” said Chamber President and CEO Karen Brown.  “Membership shows your customers that you are committed to the Outer Banks community and invested in programs and services that keep our area strong.”

Some of the benefits of membership include marketing and networking.  Members receive listings on the Chamber’s website at www.outerbankschamber.com, in the printed and virtual editions of the Outer Banks Experience magazine.  Members are invited to monthly networking events, such as Chamber Morning Schmooze, Business After Hours, General Membership Luncheons and expos, such as the Health Expo held last month and Outer Banks Technology Expo on March 3 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Kitty Hawk.  There’s also a OBX Success Job and Career Fair on March 12, 2016 at the Ramada Plaza, Kill Devil Hills.

Chamber members take pride in the community and work on events such as the recent Energy Panel at Jennette’s Pier  and the Economic Summit planned for March 22, 2016 at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Local issues — such as economic development, transportation  improvements, beach access, Oregon Inlet Dredging, affordable housing,  and others — are often the topics at board and member meetings.  The Chamber is also a founding and active partner of the Outer Banks Seafood Festival in October. Leadership OBX and the Outer Banks Young Professionals are Chamber programs that provide community leadership training.

“The Chamber connects businesses with their customers, customers with the community, and businesses with government officials and resources,” said Brown.  “We provide information and educational opportunities, increasing awareness of what is good about our community and things we could improve. “

In addition to regular benefits of membership, there are some incentives to join the Chamber during the March membership drive.  Added bonuses include choice of a free web link on the website or one month ad in the e-newsletter, and one e-mail ad blast to be used during the first year.  New members will also be entered into a drawing for other door prizes and gift certificates.

“We value the relationship that we have with the 1,040 current members of our organization and invite others to give us a try,” added Brown.  “Member rates are based on company size and start at just $265 for businesses or $175 for a non-profit.”

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is a regional, non-profit business membership organization with 1,040 members in Currituck, Dare and Hyde Counties.   Those interested in learning more about the Chamber are invited to call 252-441-8144 or send a note of interest to sara@outerbankschamber.com 

Additional details about upcoming programs and member benefits can also be found at www.outerbankschamber.com.