Leonard at Large

What's in it for me?

The active and enthusiastic Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce is one of the many great things this area has working in its favor. It is one of the best that can be found anywhere.

During the month of August a special membership drive is occurring.

Anytime is a good time to become a part of the chamber; however, the board of directors and the chamber ambassadors are making special effort to invite businesses, organizations and individuals to become members. These people are taking the time to invite new prospective members into the opportunity.

Even though these individuals are involved with day by day focus on their businesses, they are putting a focus on inviting those who can benefit from chamber membership to become a part of the organization.

When discussing the role of the chamber, Kathi Wysong, chamber director, said, "I feel it is the glue, the connecting link that creates the community atmosphere we have. We are the ones that bind it together. We are the energy of the community."

Each person asked to join the chamber asks the age-old question: What is in it for me? Here's one answer.

One of the considerations is that the chamber of commerce helps to build a better business and residential community.

A group of board members and ambassadors were asked to answer the same question. It was a brain storming session and the group came up with a large number of ideas listed -- and more that were not included. There are plenty of things on the list to meet the needs of the members. Some will be of more special interest among the members than others.

Following is the list this group came up with: business referrals, networking, Web site links and community information, special events, including Bushwhacker Days, National Night Out, other events, welcome baskets, newsletters and the chamber gram with weekly updates, new business contacts, ribbon cuttings for new businesses and announcements.

Additional items listed were: community beautification, Community Betterment, brochure display, cumulative exposures --builds for business exposures, relocation baskets, billboard marketing, visitor center/tourism bureau, recognition programs (pacesetters, community champions and others), Nevada Smiles, golf tournament, partners with others including economic development.

These answers -- this long list of what's in it for members -- make the investment in the membership well worthwhile.

Type of membership includes:

General Membership.

This is for all profit-making businesses, agencies and professional organizations and government related agencies or organizations.

Individual Membership

This type includes retired person and persons who pay their own dues and are employed by member businesses or organizations and governmental agencies which may or not be a member.

Non-profit and/or charitable organizations or clubs

Youth organizations

Annual dues may be paid semi-annually.

Several retired persons are joining the chamber. This is a good way of keeping active in the community and to be involved. Churches are joining, a good place to witness to others and to help promote the community. Their input relating to moral values is essential to building a better community.

At present there are not any youth organizations involved. A few years ago this type of membership was established at a low fee, giving youth the opportunity to become involved. Youth are a part of the community as much as any other sector of the population. It is good to have youth involvment to give them the opportunity to have impute in the organization and to obtain their ideas. It would be good to have youth organizations involved in the membership once again.

It's human nature to generally take things for granted. Perhaps for some this includes the chamber, but as result of the chamber it is a factor in building our community -- the glue. Dues of neew members will help to maintain the organization and help with the many endeavors.

Joining the chamber is like anything else that you get involved with, the more involvement you can have, the more you will benefit. Those belonging to the chamber are to be complimented for helping to build the community. May there be many additions to the Chamber during August during the membership drive.

For more information about the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce, contact any of the board members or ambassadors or call the chamber office at (417) 667-5300.