The Benefits of Onondaga East Chamber for Local Businesses

In this blog, I'd like to explore the numerous advantages that the Onondaga East Chamber (referred to as "OEC") offers to local businesses and professionals in our area.

First, let's clarify what a chamber of commerce is. Chambers of commerce are non-profit organizations, designated as 501(c)(6), consisting of local business owners and community members who collaborate to advance the interests of their local business community. Chambers function as independent entities and do not rely on government funding.

The Impact of OEC at a Local Level

A chamber's impact on the local economy can be difficult to measure. In an article from The Shapiro Group (cited:https://eldoradohillschamber.org/images/documents/ValueOfJoiningChamber.pdf)

• “Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable.

• If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.

• When a consumer thinks that a company’s products stack up better against the competition because the company is highly involved in its local chamber of commerce, it is because he or she infers that the company is trustworthy, involved in the community, and is an industry leader.

• When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.

• When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the Chamber of commerce, they are 43% more likely to consider buying insurance from it.

• When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.”

How OEC Functions

OEC operates through various mechanisms to sustain its operations and fulfill its mission. Here's a breakdown of its functioning based on membership tiers:

• Business Membership ($120): Dues are tailored for businesses looking to showcase their services.

• Not-for-Profit Membership ($65): Not-for-profit organizations benefit from discounted dues reflective of their status.

• Individual Membership ($65): Individuals, including local leaders and retired community members, can support the Chamber at rates similar to not-for-profits.
  

 Each member must contribute dues to OEC’s overall operating costs. In addition to dues, OEC can raise money to cover additional costs of the Chamber’s functions through fundraising, sponsorships, and charging fees to events.

Benefits of Joining the Onondaga East Chamber

OEC provides access to resources and relationships that establish connections, collaborations, and market their brand. Becoming a member of OEC can boost the sales, visibility, and credibility of a business.

• Networking Events
  

 As stated above, connections are the biggest part of OEC. Networking events give members a chance to host events that bring members from different industries to their storefronts and get the chance to develop mutually beneficial collaborations, business strategies, and marketing strategies.

• Membership Perks
  

 When your business joins OEC, the membership allows your employees within that store location to also join. This allows individuals within your company access to the same people and resources that benefit you and your business.

• Marketing
  

 Marketing Opportunities: OEC offers paid and free advertising opportunities on our website and newsletters. OEC maintains social media pages with Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. When you communicate with OEC on what events/promotions/milestones your business has happening it can be shared on all three platforms.

Sponsorships/Fundraisers: OEC offers sponsorship and fundraising opportunities for member businesses. These events can prosper OEC, another organization, a charity, and more! All the while showcasing your business name and how your establishment is helping these causes. Stand out in your local community!

New Business Opportunities: OEC provides business referrals, insights into new local businesses, and networking opportunities with like-minded professionals.

Credibility: “According to a survey conducted by The Schapiro Group, customers responded 63% more likely to use the goods of businesses that belong to a local chamber. Businesses may add further credibility by advertising themselves as chamber members on their storefronts or websites.” (cited:https://www.onlinemba.com/).

Blogs: OEC offers members to guest blog! These blogs are informational and are posted on our website.

This drives traffic to your business and showcases your skills in your industry area.

Community Involvement: Often OEC will partner with local organizations to bring awareness to local needs. Being a part of OEC allows businesses to get involved in their local community.

• Resources for Businesses
  

 Directories: Access to the OEC online membership directory helps business owners locate other businesses that might work with them.

OEC also partners with the Eagle Bulletin and offers discounted pricing to place an ad in their directory annually. Also, becoming a member of OEC gets you listed under our OEC membership in the Eagle Bulleting Directory (once a year).

Job Opportunities: OEC has an online page where all job opportunities that our members have open are displayed for people to check on a day-to-day basis.

• Education
  

 Lunch and Learns: Every so often OEC provides members with credible information on subject areas that may be helpful or of interest and educates business owners.

In Conclusion:

In conclusion, joining the OEC not only enhances your business's visibility and credibility but also opens doors to invaluable networking opportunities and resources. With access to networking events, marketing avenues, sponsorship opportunities, and educational sessions, OEC empowers businesses to thrive and actively engage in the local community, ultimately fostering growth and success.