Benefits of a Chamber of Commerce membership

The Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce has been advancing “the civic, cultural, and social betterment and interest of the people of Howard County” since 1919.

If you aren’t a business owner or member of an organization, aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of how a chamber works, or simply new to the area, there are many benefits of being involved with your Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce.

With 300 plus businesses and group memberships, the Chamber is home to community leaders throughout the county that have one goal in mind, to improve the quality of life and business climate in the area.

While the Chamber’s staff of executive director Debbye Valverde and executive assistant Nancy Davenport are seen throughout the week hosting ribbon cuttings for new businesses and presenting signs for new members, the amount of work they do behind the scenes with their Board of Directors is massive.

Annually, the Chamber hosts Pops in the Park, the Health Fair, a Christmas toy drive, and the Ag Appreciation Luncheon. Additionally, the Chamber hosts Business Before Hours and Business After Hours, both programs designed to bring local merchants together to network.

The Chamber banquet is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, as members are recognized for their hard work and the Man and Woman of the Year are announced.

Past winners include Mamie Lee Dodds and Richard Atkins in 1993, Pat Simmons and Ben Bancroft in 1998, Linda Conway and Bobby Mcdonald in 2003, and Russ Mcewen and Verna

Davis in 2010, just to name a few.

If you find yourself asking, “What all can a Chamber of Commerce membership really do for me?,” look no further.

• Refers businesses to visitors and callers

• Helps promote businesses of the chamber

• Ribbon cuttings covered by local media outlets

• Website presence - online membership directory

• Host annual banquet, quarterly Community Series Breakfasts and Luncheons, Ag Appreciation Day, a golf tournament, the Health Fair, and other programs to to provide business information and networking

• Advertising incentives from local media outlets, email blasts, social media postings (Facebook and Twitter) and membership directory

• Invitation to Chamber events (ie: Alive After 5); member to member networking

• Works with the city, county, Big Spring Economic Development, and other entities for the betterment of the community

• Quarterly Member to Member Mailer where you can promote your business for $100 to over 360 members

• Chamber board room usage with reservations

• Involvement in the Ambassadors If you are interested in becoming a member, or just have a few questions about the things that the Chamber hosts or is involved in, call 432-2637641.

Information about the city, various civic groups, and businesses can be obtained at the local office, located at 215 W. Third Street.