Benefits of being a member of the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of programs and opportunities to help you and your business grow. It is the Chamber’s mission to serve its members and community by providing services that promote the economy and protect the environment, making this region a better place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Referral Service
The Chamber fields thousands of inquiries each year about our community, these may be by phone, fax, or personal visits. The Chamber volunteers answer inquiries about all types of businesses suggesting only Chamber members.

Monthly Newsletter
The Chamber publishes a monthly newsletter to inform our members of upcoming events, Chamber functions, new members, creative promotional ideas, advertising opportunities, and business related articles.

Monthly Business After Hours
The monthly Business After Hours is one opportunity to interact with other area business people like yourself, swap secrets of the trade, and to meet decision makers of our community, Remember, “Word of Mouth” is the most cost-effective way to advertise.

Member-to-Member Discounts
The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of resources and opportunities to help you and your business grow. It is the Chamber’s mission to serve its members and community by providing services that promote the economy and protect the environment, making this region a better place to live, work, play, and raise a family.
The Member-to-Member Benefit Program is designed to provide all Chamber members with exclusive offers, discounts, and value-added opportunities through other chamber members, not available through any other program. It is also designed as a marketing tool and a way to use your Chamber to help grow and develop your business. These programs are promoted by the Chamber, but are not endorsed by it and are not category exclusive.

Listing in the Annual Elk Rapids Area Visitors Guide
The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce was recognized by the Michigan Chamberof Commerce Executives with the “Outstanding Membership Directory CommunityProfile Award” in Recognition of Developing a High Quality Content-Rich Publicationfor the Purpose of Promoting Your Chamber of Commerce. This guide available upon request.

Chamber Ambassador Program
Chamber Ambassadors serve as a liaison between the Chamber and its members. They continually strive to improve the level of personal customer service Chamber members receive, and assist members in fully recognizing the benefits of Chamber membership.
Ambassadors assist the Chamber in gaining a better understanding of members’ business needs and in developing services to meet those needs. This program provides a mutually beneficial experience for the Chamber, Chamber members, and the Ambassadors themselves.
Interested in Becoming Involved with the Ambassador Program?
Contact the chamber for more information.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
We are as excited as you are as you open or update your existing business. You have the opportunity to have an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Representatives from the Chamber and your community will join with you as you celebrate your business. Photos will be posted on the Chamber Web Site as well as in the Chamber Newsletter.  To schedule a ribbon cutting contact the chamber office at 231-264-8202 for more information.

Health Insurance/Group Rates (Priority Health)
Members of the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce are eligible to participate in one of several plans designed to meet your needs.

Internet Access
The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has it’s own web site. This is the link to all happenings in the Elk Rapids area. We are proud to maintain an extensive database which provides for up-to-date information on our members, the Elk Rapids Area Calendar of Events, details on special events, applications for several events such as our three Arts and Crafts Shows, and much more. Visit us at www.elkrapidschamber.org.

Free Listing in Traverse Area Pages Online Business Directory
Traverse Web Hosting provides web hosting to the Chamber at no cost; will be donating 25% of all web hosting revenue received from their clients who are members of the Chamber as part of our internet fundraising program. An additional benefit is providing a free listing in the Traverse Area Pages Online Business Directory. Phone 231-929-7978 x 202 nd identify yourself as Elk Rapids Area Chamber member.

Brochure Display
Promotional literature such as brochures and business cards are used for visitors as well as mailing in response to specific inquiries. The Chamber office features several brochure racks that display promotional material. The Chamber office maintains the racks. You will be notified when your brochure supply is running low.

Antrim County Calendar of Events
The Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce maintains the Antrim County Calendar of Events. Chamber Members – You Can Now Post Your Own Calendar of Events!
Members are encouraged to submit electronic calendar of events highlighting items of interest for inclusion on our Web Site.  Simply click on the Events Calendar at the top of the homepage.  Choose the add icon at the top of the page and fill in the blanks.  You may include a 50 word or less description of the event and a photo (2Kbyte max).   Items submitted that may be in conflict with the Chamber’s mission or planned events will not be considered.   info@elkrapidschamber.org

Radio & Television Advertising Program
Each year the Chamber negotiates and maintains cooperative radio & television advertising program for our members.  This program offers you more affordable advertising on the selected radio and television stations and will highlight our community to listeners and viewers.
Each plan provides affordable advertising on radio and television while also promoting the Elk Rapids Area as a customer destination.  If you would like to hear more about this advertising savings plan, call the Chamber at 264-8202.

Full Time Staffed Office Year Round
The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is open all year. While the summer season is more active, the Chamber responds to requests through out the entire year.

Small Business Counseling
Available for new and existing businesses. Advanced appointments are necessary. Affiliations with Northwest Michigan Small Business Development Centers, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Michigan Works, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, etc.

SCORE
The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has formed an alliance with a northern Michigan SCORE Chapter.  SCORE provides free counseling services for small business entrepreneurs, including advertising, accounting, computers, financing and much more.
SCORE’s members are made up of men and women who have had successful careers and are willing to share their knowledge and experience at NO CHARGE.  SCORE has been advising small business owners in Northern Michigan for over 20 years and spends over 5000 volunteer hours per year supporting business clients through counseling and related activities.
If you would be interested in taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to gain some insight and advice for your existing business or starting a new business, please contact the Chamber at 231-264-8202 or email us at info@elkrapidschamber.org to set up an appointment to speak with a SCORE counselor.

Chambers’ Entrepreneur Focus Program
Entrepreneur (en-tre-pre-neur): One who organizes and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise.
Our area is rich with those fitting the definition of Entrepreneur. Your Chamber embraces this business style, educates existing entrepreneurs, and encourages those who may be considering a risk into a new business venture. We are doing so with a monthly focus group designed to celebrate new ideas, bring local resources and specialists to the table to make your dreams become a reality.  For further information, contact Bob Streit, Committee Chairperson, 231-264-0123.

Chamber Champions Community Awards Program
2007 marked the beginning of this program which is the Chamber’s way of thanking those community members who see a need and take it upon themselves to find a solution…a solution that ultimately improves the quality of our lives.  Community members are nominated in the following categories and the winners are announced at the Annual Chamber Meeting.

Chamber Champion Volunteer of the Year Award
Chamber Champion Ambassador’s Award
Chamber Champion Community Service Award
Chamber Champion Presidential Awards: Presented to a business and an individual
The winners for 2012 are:
Presidential Award – Business     Tim Maylone, Cherry Capital Connection
Presidential Award – Individual   Jim Witte, The W Group
Community Service Award          Ben Holsinger, Elk Rapids News
Volunteers of the Year Award     Gloria Johnson and Martha Snyder

Member List Access
A member of the Chamber can obtain the mailing list of Chamber members.

800# Access for Local Information
The Chamber maintains the 1-800-626-7328 phone number for incoming phone calls so that inquiries may be made without a long distance phone call.

Web Page Listing
Members who have furnished their web address have a link to their listing on the Chamber site.

E-Mail Links
Members who have furnished their e-mail address have a link to their listing on the Chamber site.

Membership Directory Listing
A full 4 color brochure listing each member is available upon request.

Discounts on Auto, Home, Umbrella Liability Insurance
Contact the Chamber for participating agencies.

Discount on Commercial Insurance
Contact the Chamber for participating agencies.

Discounts on BCBS insurance
(through West Michigan Tourist Association (*some restrictions may apply)

Membership Decal
Members receive a yearly Membership Decal for posting at their facility.

Membership Directory Advertising
Chamber Members may advertise in the annual Elk Rapids Area Visitors Guide.

Community Welcome Bags
Community Welcome Bags are distributed to boaters in the harbor, bus tours, etc. This is your chance to place goodies and promotional items with active customers.

Voting Privileges
Only Chamber members have the privilege of voting for the Chamber officers and Board of Directors.

Accommodation Listings
The accommodation list provides information on lodging and accommodations for Chamber members. This list is provided to visitors upon request and is available on the Chamber Web Site.

Bulk Mail Permit Use
Chamber members are able to use the Chamber’s Bulk Mailing permit for their bulk mailing.

Members of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Members of the Michigan Festival & Events Association

Members of the West Michigan Tourist Association

Friendship, Business, Contacts 

And much, much more