A chamber of commerce is a membership organization that advocates on behalf of local businesses. It is backed by a board that is comprised of business people from the local community. The chamber is a resource, advocate, and connector for business. Bowling Green is showing tremendous growth and it is vitally important that the businesses and organizations join together to help all of us to continue to be successful. Working together, we can make Bowling Green a great place for new businesses while stimulating the existing businesses.
Making an investment in the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce will help you maximize your opportunities for success. The following highlights will illustrate the advantages of your Chamber of Commerce investment. Contact the Chamber Office if you are interested in learning more about these benefits.
If you’re confused about whether chamber membership is for you or not, consider the following reasons to join.
Direct Community Involvement
Develop leadership skills and get involved with other business leaders in a variety of community initiatives and activities
Monthly Newsletter
Receive our monthly newsletter via e-mail with up to date events, business related issues and more. Let us know if you have special events coming up, are looking to hire or if you are interested in becominga newsletter sponsor!
Promotional Opportunities
Get your listing in all promotional print materials such as the Chamber Member Directory that is sent out to potential businesses & residents as well as the calendar business listing given to all chamber members each year. Promote your business by including literature and "goodies" for & about your business in the Chamber Welcome Packet, at the chamber office and at general membership meetings.
Events
Get your special invitation to our Annual Awards Banquet, and other events. Receive promotional goods for Small Business Saturday. Be the first to know about special sponsorship opportunities throughout the year, and be sure to let us know what special events you have coming up and we will add them to our events calendar & newsletter!
Grant Opportunities
Each year a Chamber Member is awarded our $500 Business Beautification Grant Award. This award can be used to put toward beautifying and/or upgrading your store front. As a member you will also be notified if there are any grant opportunities that your business or organization may be eligible for.
Get Involved
When you get involved with your chamber of commerce, you will become better connected to your community. You will become more aware of community and business issues. You can help solve problems, and members can help you solve your problems. Join a chamber committee and/or consider joining the board of directors.
Networking Opportunities
Networking opportunities at monthly Chamber meetings (second Wednesday of each month at noon, at the BG Community Center, free light lunch provided)
Consistant Referrals
People in, around and visiting our area are constantly calling the Chamber office to ask for referrals on places to eat, housing, a good mechanic and more. As we only refer to those businesses/organizations who are Chamber Members; you are guarunteed to be mentioned and suggested.
Social Media
We are always sharing your business. If we see it, we share it. Have a special event or offer coming up? We can help spread the word just tag us in your post or let us know!
Discounts
Ask about the Member-to-Member discounts, Skillpath educational services, Air Evac Emergency Services, 10% discount for a member referral. As well as any other discounts your business may be applicable for throughout the year!
Develop Your Business Skills
Utilize the Chambers Membership to Skillpath Seminars in many different ways:
- Receive a 20% discount on all skillpath seminars to help educate and grow your business, leadership skills and more to use at your leisure!
- Join us when we host a webinar at no charge. ($50 each for non-chamber members)
- Utilize our "Day Pass" to train employees at your location through our skillpath on demand webinars for $50. ($150 for non-chamber members)
Gain a Voice in Government
Chambers of Commerce take on the tough issues and may oppose new regulations, taxes, assessments and costs that will negatively impact small businesses. While you may not personally have the time to get involved, the Chamber will use its resources for the betterment of small business owners on local, state and federal levels. We will often share surveys and petitions from the Missouri & US Chambers of Commerce with our members so they get the opportunity to have their voice heard.
Members Only Advertising & Sponsorship Opportunities
Showcase your business by sponsoring a monthly Chamber meeting, with other great Members Only Sponsorship Opportunities Guide available; see how the Chamber can help promote your business even more with these cost effective advertising options.
Online Presence
Business listing on the Chamber website with a link to your website.
Ribbon Cuttings
Join the Chamber and let's plan a Ribbon cutting ceremony! We also love to celebrate open houses and anniversaries for existing members!
Small Business Insurance
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Missouri Chamber Federation have teamed up with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri to create a health program available to members of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce that has 50 or fewer employees. Download the flyer to get more information and to contact a representing agency of your choice for more information. Missouri Chamber Federation Small Employers Medical Plans
Community Support
By being a member of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce you are assisting our organization in funding community events, scholarships and so much more to help keep our town vibrant and an inviting place for businesses and individuals to be.
Business Credibility
When you’re identified as a member of a chamber of commerce, you increase the positive perception among consumers and business owners. Reports show that once consumers know that a local business is a chamber member, they are more likely to patronize that business. For example, people were 49% more likely to buy insurance from an insurance company and 40% more likely to eat at a restaurant owned by chamber members.