The Chamber Weekly Blog

Most people see a Chamber of Commerce as offering standard perks—networking events, ribbon cuttings, maybe a business directory. But the real value lies in its "secret menu"—the behind-the-scenes benefits only members experience. Think referrals from competitors, early warnings on local policy changes, or exclusive supplier deals. These advantages aren't listed because they can't be promised or packaged—they happen through relationships, trust, and being present in the right rooms. Joining a chamber isn’t just about visibility; it’s about access, influence, and credibility. It opens doors to decision-making spaces, builds trust with your community, and connects you to opportunities you’d never find on your own. If you’ve only looked at the public-facing menu, you haven’t seen what really makes membership worth it. Read more

Attracting new customers is important, but building loyalty is where long-term success happens. Loyal customers spend more, visit more often, and refer others. According to business.com, they spend 67% more than first-time customers. Cultivating that loyalty takes more than just great service. It takes creativity, consistency, and value-driven engagement. Whether you run a retail store, restaurant, gym, salon, or professional service firm, there are many inventive ways to reward loyal customers and turn them into your best advocates. Read more

As summer hits its peak (yeah, it’s hard to believe) and the back-to-school buzz begins, this is the perfect time to refresh your marketing. It’s also a great time to connect with your customers in meaningful, fun, and creative ways. And you don’t have to be a retail shop to “sell summer” or “back-to-school.” No matter what your industry, aligning your brand with what your customers are already thinking about can drive real results. Read more

Facebook remains a powerhouse for businesses to boost brand awareness and drive sales with its 2 billion users and versatile tools like Reels and Groups. However, two major updates demand attention. First, Facebook is streamlining all video uploads into Reels, simplifying content creation and prioritizing short-form, mobile-friendly videos—a win for businesses but requiring a strategy shift for long-form content creators. Second, a shocking “technical error” led to the sudden deletion of thousands of Facebook Groups, even compliant ones, highlighting the fragility of platform access. These changes underscore the need to own your audience through email lists, which offer stability and direct engagement immune to algorithm shifts or glitches. Businesses must adapt by mastering Reels, launching email opt-in campaigns, and tracking analytics to secure customer connections. Keep reading to learn how to navigate these updates and future-proof your marketing strategy. Read more

Networking is a cornerstone of business success, as people prefer to work with those they know, like, and trust. While joining a chamber of commerce is an easy way to expand your network, we know that attending events isn’t always feasible for busy professionals. Fortunately, you don’t need name tags or stacks of business cards to forge meaningful connections. Some of the most impactful networking happens outside formal events—though our events are fun, and we’d love for you to join us sometime! As a business owner, your schedule is unpredictable, and fitting everything in can be tough. But even when events aren’t an option, networking is always possible. Here are 7 practical, real-world strategies to build relationships that can help grow your business: Read more