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MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
The Chamber prides itself on its member engagement, offering a wealth of opportunities for members to become involved in the Chamber’s activities and engage with other members in events and activities, both big and small. Held on September 22, 2022, Rochester Area Chamber’s Kickball Tournament featured over 130 participants from a variety of area businesses. The Chamber team wanted to create a new, unique event that would give the Chamber’s members and their staff an opportunity to spend time together as a team and connect with others in a new engagement experience. “It was a way that we could get members involved that wasn’t a golf outing,” says Ally Sheehan, Events and Program Director at the Chamber. “Members were able to have 10 staff members on their team. It was a fun day filled with a little competition!” The Chamber’s Economic Summit is an important annual program that provides insight into the
“We’ve recently expanded the panel discussions to include small businesses and entrepreneurs, as a way to highlight those sectors,” says Ryan Parsons, President of the Chamber. “As part of the Economic Summit, we conduct the Business Outlook Survey that we share with all members in the fall. In the last year, we’ve seen strong growth and response to the survey, which is helpful for us as it can be a useful tool for us moving forward, especially as we look to identify the challenges and opportunities for the area business community.” The Annual Celebration is our annual gala that helps to celebrate our members. It is a time to get together and reflect as a Chamber group. Held at the Mayo Civic Center, the Annual Celebration provides networking opportunities, great food, and a keynote speaker. “It was great to have over 570-member employees join us to celebrate the success of the past year,” Sheehan says. “The Annual Celebration is our biggest event of the year and has the added element of a keynote speaker to provide an engaging experience for attendees.” Looking to engage members who traditionally do not attend Chamber events, the Chamber Weekend Kickoff was introduced in 2021. This networking opportunity includes a classic summertime BBQ meal and views of the Cascade Meadow while connecting with others in the business community. “Last year, we saw new faces and a variety of different businesses participate,” says Kali Aldrich, the Chamber Membership Director. “The Weekend
local, regional and national economy. Despite its annual nature, the Economic Summit varies each year with unique keynote speakers and panel discussions that highlight the variety of industries in the Rochester area.
Kickoff is a great way to get out of the office for lunch and meet others. It’s a relaxed atmosphere at the event and is a creative way for people to start their weekend during the summer months.” With over 1,100 members throughout the Rochester region and beyond, the Chamber team works to ensure businesses and organizations are informed, featured, and more. The Chamber’s communication channels include the Advantag e magazine,
Economic Summit
Advantage Magazine | 5
February 2023
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