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The Chamber Weekly Blog
A collection of articles that we believe will add value to you and your business!Christina Metcalf and edited by Julie CarrollWednesday, July 6, 2022Hiring a grant writer isn’t cheap. Some charge a flat fee, while others base their fee as a percentage of the grant amount. If you’re a small business or nonprofit, you may not be able to afford to hire someone. But it is worth it. To take on grant writing yourself, you’ll miss out on the years of experience you’ll get with a professional and it will likely take more time. But if you’re looking for a DIY solution, you need to know the basics of grant writing. Follow the tips provided in this article. Read moreChristina Metcalf and edited by Julie CarrollWednesday, June 29, 2022If you’re interested in ways to reach more people, and you’re ready to start maximizing technology, it’s time to look at these business solutions... Read moreChristina Metcalf and edited by Julie CarrollWednesday, June 22, 2022In this challenging time, while you are dealing with your own concerns over stretching your paycheck, we want to share some things you might not realize. Read moreChristina Metcalf and edited by Julie CarrollWednesday, June 15, 2022We know you’re stressed and anxious, but we are here for you. Small businesses like yours are the backbone of our community and our country. You are not in this alone even though it can feel that way as a business owner. Read moreChristina Metcalf and edited by Julie CarrollTuesday, June 7, 2022If you’re a woman who owns a business and you’d like to apply for federal contracts, getting officially certified as a woman-owned business is essential. The federal government’s goal is to award at least 5% of its contracts to women-owned small businesses each year. While the certification process may seem daunting, it’s not that difficult if you know the basic application rules and materials needed. Read moreChristina Metcalf and edited by Julie CarrollFriday, June 3, 2022It’s that time of year again and many of us are preparing for a return to normal when it comes to the seasonal onslaught of tourism. Even with high transportation costs people are traveling and still—hopefully—buying. If you’d like to attract more tourists to your place of business, here’s how you can prepare. Read moreChristina Metcalf and edited by Julie CarrollTuesday, May 24, 2022If you’re a small business owner without the resources to hire a large full-time team, you can still meet your business needs through freelancing or turning to independent business professionals. This can be an economical way to accomplish your goals without having to cover the cost of full-time employees. Read moreChristina Metcalf and edited by Julie CarrollThursday, May 19, 2022Does your town host a Wine Walk, Holiday Stroll, First Friday, or other downtown event where they close off streets and encourage people to get out and support business? If so, you may know that those events often bring the crowds but also bring “tire kickers,” people who are just out for a stroll, not really interested in what you sell. They’re just going into each business, poking around, and usually leaving empty handed. Here are a few suggestions on how to transform your looky-loos into looky heres. Read moreChristina Metcalf and edited by Babs KnowlesWednesday, May 11, 2022Every business is convinced they offer stellar service, but if you can’t think of a company in your area that offers bad service, it might be you. It’s statistically impossible, not to mention an abuse of a superlative, for every business to offer “the best” service. One is better than the other. We aren’t all 5-stars all the time. Read this quick article to see how to improve your customer service. Read moreChristina Metcalf; edited by Babs KnowlesWednesday, April 27, 2022Mother’s Day is an ideal way to honor the women in your life who have helped you become the person you are today. In recent years, it has surpassed the celebration of one’s own mother and encompassed a broader range of women who have made a positive difference in the lives of others. Keep that in mind in your marketing. Read more