10 REASONS to join the Chamber

248 Wilton Road, Farmington, ME 04938

207-778-4215 | franklincountymaine.org

the Franklin County

Chamber of Commerce

network

Relationship building is the key to any business success. Through involvement in Chamber events, trainings, programs,

and other opportunities, we provide a variety of environments in which to network with a myriad of other local area

stakeholders. Your Chamber membership will serve as the catalyst to foster your connections to the community and the

larger business world, making this the foremost benefit of membership. Events include the Home & Leisure Show, Business

After Hours, the Business Breakfast Series, the End of Summer Hoorah, golf tournament, area festivals, and more.

Promote

The Chamber offers numerous effective, low-cost opportunities to advertise. Members may choose to place an ad in the Area

Welcome Guide and on the FCCOC website at discounted rates, list specials and coupons for members only while participating

in the ‘Chamber Advantage’ program, and there are many occasions to sponsor events as well. However, we include all member

businesses in a complimentary listing in our local area guide and our on-line directory, equipped with links to member web sites.

Grow

From business start-up to expansion, the Chamber is here to meet your needs. Members enjoy access to the member database,

are eligible for discounted fees for events and seminars, and are entitled to the use of our Welcome Center meeting space.

Let us help you grow your organization and knowledge of our community- all while attracting more local business and having a

variety of resources available to you. All you need to do is get involved to realize the full potential of your membership.

Support

As a member of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, your business automatically becomes an affiliate of the Maine State

and US Chambers of Commerce, opening your business up to a variety of discounted services. Chamber BlueOptions health

plans are available to self-employed individuals and small businesses with 2-50 employees.

Advocate

Through the Chamber’s Legislative Committee, it serves as the collective voice of its membership in both local and state

government affairs. FCCOC focuses on areas of policy that are integral to the economic vitality of its region. We’ll work to keep

you informed about the issues, and will provide our membership with opportunities to offer feedback regarding the topics you

see as influential in achieving a healthy business climate.

Referrals

Annually, the Chamber fields thousands of requests from callers and visitors seeking information about local goods and services,

in addition to area attractions. The Chamber exists to promote its members and their services; therefore it is our policy to provide

referrals to members only. Both our locations provide a highly visible area for members to display business cards and brochures,

as well as the new 24 hour kiosk available at our popular Welcome Center in Farmington!

Recognition

Your Chamber acknowledges its membership and their accomplishments, and does so formally at the Annual Dinner with the

distribution of a variety of well-earned awards, ranging from volunteer service to small business of the year.

Visibility

Leadership in a Chamber of Commerce raises your visibility and credibility in the community. You will have the option to conduct

a workshop, serve on a committee, sponsor an event or program series, submit an article for the newsletter, or get involved in one

of many networking events. When you have news to share, we can help spread the word.

Credibility

Being a member of the FCCOC lets people know that your organization is committed to the stability and vitality of Franklin

County. Each member receives a decal which you are encouraged to display at your place of business. This serves as a ‘seal of

approval’ to those looking to do business at your establishment. It sends your customer the message that your company is

reputable and involved in promoting the local business community.

Sustainability

Being able to survive the hardships of the recent recession has shown us the need for strategies that are effective, efficient, and

sustainable. By joining the Chamber you will have access to resources that educate and enhance your own knowledge, and ensure

that your business is prepared for any challenge.

how TO JOIN

the Chamber

how TO use

your membership

2. Familiarize yourself with the events and information about our local Chamber. Ask yourself how your business

could benefit from being a member, and how the Chamber could benefit from having your business as a member.

3. Attend one of the gatherings hosted by the FCCOC. Familiarize yourself with our meeting structure and

discussion topics. Stay and talk with other members after the meeting to find out ways you can become involved.

4. Stop by our office, or call to make an appointment to meet with the Director. Ask any questions you may have

about our programs, or offer feedback about what you are looking to achieve through your relationship with the

Chamber. Come prepared! Present key information about your business- What do you do? Who is your key

audience? This will allow the team at FCCOC to better understand how we can work together to meet your needs.

5. Now that you’re ready to join, it’s just a matter of filling out the application. Once completed, you can begin

enjoying the many advantages of membership. Thanks, and we look forward to welcoming you to the family!

1. Visit franklincountymaine.org and check out the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce (FCCOC)

news and events bulletins, our programs and benefits, and view our current membership directory.ss as a member.

3. Another benefit of joining the FCCOC is that you’ll receive a master directory of members and their contact

information. This is handy if you want to approach particular members who might be interested in collaborating on

a joint venture or a co-marketing arrangement with you. Look for businesses that are complimentary with what

you’re offering and see if you can work out a plan for mutual promotion. Then, get in touch!

4. FCCOC also offers an inviting free conference space where you can host your own business meetings. If you run

a small business out of your home, this gives your business a more professional look. Simply give us a call or contact

us via email for a ‘Space Agreement’ form.

5. Some other benefits of membership include the opportunity to get health insurance at a discount, access to

a variety of small business resources to help you succeed, and free membership to the Maine and U.S. Chambers

of Commerce which offer a host of additional opportunities!

1. People do business with people they know! The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce (FCCOC) holds regular

Business After Hours meetings where members can network. You’ll be able to make new contacts, exchange business

cards and promote your products in a relaxing environment to other community stakeholders. We will be

implementing some creative and engaging new strategies to insure meetings are heavily attended and give you an

invaluable opportunity to interact with other entrepreneurs. 2. Check the calendar and mark which After Hours you’re able to attend. These events are already being scheduled

through 2013! Set a goal to make it to at least a few throughout the year and save the dates. Can’t make it?

Send a representative! When you attend these meetings, plan to bring along an ample supply of business cards and

literature to share with other interested business owners, and be prepared to describe your product(s) and/or

service(s). Let people know how you can help them achieve thier own business and personal goals.

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