Opportunities with the Midstate Chamber of Commerce
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
i
Midstate Chamber of Commerce Ad
ii
Who We Are
iii
Membership Benefits
1
Groups & Committees
2
Events of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce
4
• Events Throughout the Year
6
• Events Year Calendar
7
Promotions & Sponsorships
8
Member Benefits: In Depth
12
i
WHO WE ARE
At the Midstate Chamber of Commerce,
we work tirelessly in the community to support local businesses like yours. This includes creating business mixers, educational events for entrepreneurs, and advocating for your business by petitioning local politicians. Our members include solopreneurs, non-profit organizations, and large com- panies with over 1,000 employees. However, we all share a common goal: creating a better space for business in our local community.
Not only that, but our Officers and Board Members are integrally part of our local community , and are also business owners themselves.
We pride ourselves on not just representing businesses, but also linking them in a more defined way.
Our members receive resources and opportunities for growth, promotions, discounts, and so much more. As a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, we are dedicated to supporting businesses in Meriden, Wallingford, Southing- ton, Berlin, Cheshire, and central Connecticut .
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
As a member of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce,
you gain access to a host of benefits that help you and your business succeed. Not only do you receive access to exclusive events, but you and your employees will be able to attend educational training that makes your business better.
Below, we’ve listed a few of the benefits of joining the Midstate Chamber of Commerce
• Your business is promoted through the Midstate Chamber’s website • You and your business are featured as a new member on our home page and our Facebook • Ribbon cuttings are free. We even handle inviting the mayor, advertising with e-reminders, and submitting pictures to the Record-Journal. • You and your employees receive immediate access to events and programs that help you grow as a business. • You have use of the Midstate Chamber Board room , upon reservation.
Over the next few pages, we’ll go over these benefits in more depth, and also go over a few of the committees and organizations that you can join.
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GROUPS & COMMITTEES Within the Midstate Chamber of Commerce, there are several committees that help direct and support our work. These are groups that all members can join, and focus on several key areas that we support.
Health and Wellness Council
This group identifies and promotes best practices in health and wellness through advocacy for healthcare access, policy review, and community programming.
HOLA Committee
The Hispanic Outreach Leaders in Action (HOLA) committee aims to engage the local, Hispanic community and businesses in the area. The goal is not just to develop relationships with them, but also help them with growth, advertisement, and involvement in the community.
Marketing and Publicity Committee
This group aims to develop and direct the Chamber of Commerce’s marketing efforts through print campaigns, email marketing, website content, and social media. They also assist with developing relationships with the media and share industry knowledge of best practices.
Membership & Ambassador Committee
This group works tirelessly to retain current members and recruit new mem- bers to the Chamber of Commerce. Not only do they participate in membership drives, but they also gain valuable insight from prospects that they discuss to improve member benefits.
Young Business Leaders
The Young Business Leaders of CT (YBLCT) is geared toward entrepreneurs and business professionals between the ages of 21 and 39. This group engages the local community, while also working to expand profession and social opportuni- ties among members.
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Education and Technology Committee
This group supports educational and cradle-to-career initiatives for students of all ages, educators, and businesses. Not only does this group plan career fairs, but it also reviews member workshop programming, and promotes partnerships with outside organizations, such as SCORE.
Education Awards Committee
This group reviews applications for the Sanford S. Shorr, HOLA, and the Young Business Leaders education awards.
Finance Committee
This committee creates the annual budget for the Midstate Chamber of Com- merce, and provides a quarterly, detailed review of the Chamber’s financial statements.
Golf Committee
This group organizes our annual golf tournament, which raises funds for the annual Sanford S. Shorr Education Awards.
Government & Business Development Committee
This committee monitors local, state, and federal legislative issues impacting the local business community and its growth. It also plans programming in collabo- ration with the CBIA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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EVENTS OF THE MIDSTATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
January
Pizza, Pasta, Politics - Legislative Breakfast
Join us to meet with our legislators to address your issues and questions. This is a great opportunity to meet with elected and appointed officials in your area. Food and beverage is provided.
April
Annual Meeting, Dinner, and Silent Auction
Join us for the business event of the year! Attended by entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Connecticut. We award a “Person of the Year” with our Community Partnership Award, and recognize member businesses with the Large and Small Business Leadership Awards. Join us for food, drinks, and a silent auction.
Business Expo at the Annual Daffodil Festival
Our Business Expo at the two-day Daffodil Festival is something you don’t want to miss. We host 60 businesses (or more), who all show off their products and services beneath our tent over the weekend. The Daffodil Festival attracts more than 50,000 guests from all over New England each year, so it’s an event that we’re proud to be able to be a part of.
June
Annual Golf Tournament
Our annual Chamber golf tournament includes 18 holes of golf with lunch, din- ner, amazing prizes, and awards. Proceeds from the tournament help support Chamber activities, including the Chamber’s Sanford S. Shorr Education Awards. There are also wonderful sponsorship opportunities included with the tourna- ment, including cocktail hour, pin & tee signs, golf carts, lunch, putting contest, golf balls, and sponsor a veteran.
4
Annual Summer Outing
A fun, casual business mixer for all. Our annual summer outing includes food, beverage, games, raffles, music, and networking in a relaxed environment. Many of our Chamber members use this event for their employees or key staff members to enjoy a fun day!
August
Business Showcase at Meriden Farmer’s Market
Over 20 vendors gather together on the Meriden Green during the late summer Farmer’s Market to showcase their businesses. Artists, non-profit organizations, and businesses alike create a fun, festive atmosphere, which includes special activities and a craft station for children.
December
Annual Holiday Business After Hours
Ring in the holiday season in early December with food, drinks, raffles, music, and networking. This event is a great way to meet other, like minded entrepreneurs and business owners before the holidays begin!
Business Expo at the Annual Daffodil Festival
Annual Holiday Business After Hours
Annual Golf Tournament
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Events Throughout the Year
Health and Wellness Expo
The Chamber’s Health & Wellness Committee create an event taking place at the Westfield Mall that showcases over 20 vendors. Not only that, but there are several special demonstrations that occur throughout the event on the stage in Center Court. This event normally occurs in the winter months.
Health and Wellness Council Seminar
This seminar highlights timely health and wellness topics presented by local experts. Not only does it inform you about health issues that may affect your employees, but also gives you information about how health impacts productiv- ity. This seminar is presented by the Chamber’s Health & Wellness Council and normally occurs in the fall.
Monthly Breakfast Club Celebrates
Each month, the Chamber hosts a breakfast that has speakers that present on a wide array of topics. Past speakers have included Governor Dannel Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Meriden Superinten- dent of Schools Mark D. Benigni, and Songwriter of the Year Gary Burr.
Business After/Before Hours
Each month, the Chamber hosts both morning and evening networking oppor- tunities that occur at various establishments in Connecticut. These events are great to meet local business owners, make new contacts, and develop leads.
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January
February
• Pizza, Pasta, Politics - Legislative Breakfast
March
April
• Annual Meeting, Dinner, and Silent Auction • Business Expo at the Annual Daffodil Festival
May
June
• Annual Golf Tournament • Annual Summer Outing
July
August
• Business Showcase at Meriden Farmer’s Market
September
October
November
December
• Annual Holiday Business After Hours
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PROMOTIONS & SPONSORSHIPS
With each and every event we host, we don’t just support and advocate for local businesses. We also aim to expand our reach in our local community.
With that in mind, we have various opportunities to expand your own reach with your business. Not only can you sponsor our events, but you can also expand your reach with some of the options below.
Website Advertising
Our website averages 40,000+ unique visits per month. We work with you to place your business and advertisement on our website for 6 months to a year. • Top of Page Banner Ad (290 x 49 pixels) $550 • Bottom of Page Banner Ad (290 x 49 pixels) $200 • Left Side Home Page Banner Ad (175 x 95 pixels) $925 • Left Side Internal Page Ad (175 x 95 pixels) $995 • Web Image in Directory Section of the Website (175 x 130 pixels) $150
Newsletter Advertising
Our monthly newsletter is distributed to all chamber members and affiliates, which includes about 1,700 individuals. It’s also downloadable from our website. Our newsletter includes a monthly article by President Sea W. Moore, a Mem- ber Showcase, the Chamber Calendar, New Member news, flyers for upcoming events, and advertisements placed strategically throughout the publication.
• 12 Consecutive Months Quarter Page Ad $900 • Six Consecutive Months Quarter Page Ad $540 • Three Consecutive Months Quarter Page Ad $315 • 12 Consecutive Months Business Card Ad $450 • Six Consecutive Months Business Card Ad $270 • Three Consecutive Months Business Card Ad $158
Monthly Newsletter Insert
• Single 8.5 x 11 (Chamber Member provides copy or file) $185 • Full color Outside Back Cover (includes minimum of two e-minder spon- sorships) $395
Pizza, Pasta, Politics - Legislative Breakfast $500 Includes Signage, Website Ad, Print Ad, and a Display/Table at the event
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Health and Wellness Expo
• Presenting Sponsor $950 » 1 table, large logo on banner, and a home page website ad for 3 months. • Event Co-Sponsor $500 » 1 table, large logo on banner, and a top banner website ad for 3 months. • Booth at Expo $200 » 1 table, signage.
Annual Meeting, Dinner and Silent Auction
• Title Sponsor $1500 »
Reserved table of 10, banner, full page ad
• Premier Sponsor $1000 » Reserved table of 10, banner displayed, half page ad • Silver Sponsor $495 » Reserved table of five
Annual Daffodil Festival Business Expo
• Title Sponsor $3975 » 1 table, large logo on banner, and a home page website ad for 3 months. • Presenting Sponsor $2775 » 1 table, large logo on banner, and a top banner website ad for 3 months.
• 2 Day Prime Location Booth $1195 • 2 Day Prime Location Booth $995
Annual Golf Tournament
• Title Sponsor $5000 »
Reserved table of 10, banner, full page ad
• Presenting Sponsor $2500 » Reserved table of 10, banner displayed, half page ad • Diamond Sponsor $1350 » Reserved table of five • Gold Sponsor $950 » Reserved table of 10, banner, full page ad • Silver Sponsor $575 » Reserved table of 10, banner displayed, half page ad • Other advertising and sponsorship opportunities available from $150 to $850
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Annual Summer Outing
• Gold Sponsor $5000 »
Reserved table of 10, banner, full page ad
• Silver Sponsor $2500 » Reserved table of 10, banner displayed, half page ad • Bronze Sponsor $1350 » Reserved table of five
Annual Membership Directory
This is the “Chamber Book” with 3,000 copies (minimum) • Full Page Ad $2,885 » Includes 12 panels and online advertisement • Half Page Ad $1475 » Includes 6 panels and online advertisement • Quarter Page Ad $770 » Includes 3 Panels and online advertisement • Many other options available from $300 to $3095, including outside back cover
Business Showcase at Meriden Farmer’s Market
• Presenting Sponsor $750 » One table, large logo on banner, homepage website ad for 3 months • Event Co-Sponsor $500 » One table, logo on banner, top banner website ad for 3 months • Booth at Expo $200
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Health & Wellness Council Breakfast Seminar
• Exclusive Premier Sponsor 1,250 » 6-foot display table, full page ad, 10 tickets, recognition • Gold Sponsor $500 » Display table, 5 tickets, full page ad, recognition • Silver Sponsor $2500 » Shared display table, 2 tickets, half page ad • Bronze Sponsor $1350 » 1 ticket, listing in program
Annual Holiday Business After Hours
• Premier Sponsor $1100 » 20 tickets, on mic commercial, banner, display table, website ad • Co-Sponsor $555 » 12 tickets, full display table, website ad • Sponsor $400 » 8 tickets, shared display table • Tabletop Sponsor $225 » 4 tickets
Breakfast Club Celebrates
• Gold Sponsorship $500 » • Silver Sponsorship $250 » 3 tickets, shared display table • Bronze Sponsorship $100 » 1 ticket, shared display table
Reserved table for 6, banner, display table
Monthly Business After Hours/Before Hours
• Promotional Flyer (host covers the expense of refreshments and entertainment) $155
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS IN DEPTH
Your membership to the Midstate Chamber of Commerce not only gives you access to a community of like minded entrepreneurs and business owners, but also helps support and promote your business.
Below, you’ll learn more about how the Chamber works for you, and how you can get the most out of your membership.
Online Advertisement of Your Business
As soon as you join the Chamber of Commerce, your business is advertised in various locations online. Online advertising is the perfect way to help generate backlinks to help the SEO on your website. This includes: • Featured as a New Member on the Midstate Chamber of Commerce home page, and as part of a New Member spotlight on the Midstate Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram. • Mentioned in Member E-Minders (1600+ distribution)
Health Insurance
As a member of the Chamber, you’ll gain access to our small business health insurance program. Even if you just started or renewed your current plan, we can still help! With a potential savings of 30 % or more, this plan is perfect for small- er businesses. It’s a great way to leverage the numbers of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce to receive additional benefits.
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Ribbon Cutting
As a member of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce, you’ll gain access to free ribbon cuttings. This is a great way to gain press and notoriety in the local com- munity. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the anniversary of your business, or launch your new business. This program includes: • Your event is included on the Chamber’s web calendar (40,000 unique visits per month) • Your event is also included in our printed newsletter, as long as it’s planned prior to the 15th of the month preceding the event. • Your event is included in E-Minders leading up to the big day. • We invite the mayor and other important individuals from the town. • We provide you with a ribbon for your event. • We provide photos of your event, though do recommend that if you want specific shots you may want to hire your own photographer.
While we help organize your event, there are some portions that you are responsible for doing:
• Providing food, beverage or entertainment to ensure your event is a success • Inviting your contacts, including vendors, clients, and guests • Promoting through your own channels, such as your personal social media, email, and other means. • Optionally doing a gift or prize drawing • Potentially having a photographer on hand that you know will take great photos of you and your business.
Using the Midstate Chamber Boardroom
As a member, you’ll be able to sign up to use the Midstate Chamber of Com- merce’s boardroom. This is a great way to have meetings with clients, have a space to conduct business, and have regular brainstorming sessions with your employees. The boardroom also includes a projector for presentations.
Member to Member Deals
While our member to member deals change each year, there are always dis- counts and opportunities for members from other members. This includes dis- counts for certain local services or at stores.
Educational Workshops
Your membership gives you access to workshops that include various experts speaking about their respective fields. This is a great way to continue your and your employees’ education as you grow your business.
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