Chamber membership:

A stamp of credibility

By the numbers

• Consumers are 63% more likely to buy from a Chamber member than a nonmember
• 95% of the "Best Places to Work in America" are Chamber members
• Most consumers (59%) think being an active Chamber member is an effective business strategy
• If a company is highly involved with a Chamber, consumers are 12% more likely to believe that company's products stack up better than the competition
• When consumers know a restaurant is a Chamber member, they are 40% more likely to eat there over the next several months
• When consumers know an insurance company is a Chamber member, they are 43% more likely to buy insurance from that company
• Consumers are 44% more likely to think positively of a small business; 63% would be more likely to purchase goods and services from that business in the future

Source: The Shapiro Group

• Quality Business Information- The Chamber provides the voice of all businesses for quality enterprises: multicultural, large and small, local, regional and global.  The Chamber works to influence government and other local institutions, to provide the best inclusive business climate possible for business growth, development and sustainability. 
• Member Referrals- The Chamber refers only its members as providers of the best products, services and employment in the community.
• Cost Saving Benefits- The Chamber provides its members with tangible benefits that can save money or provide unique advantages exclusively for its members.
• Networking Opportunities and Affordable Training- The Chamber offers opportunities for member to network with each other at events and cost-effective, up-to-date business seminars.  Individual confidential business counseling and reference information on best practice business models support successful business development.

CHAMBER SERVICE PARTNERS

Muskegon Area First- Provides hands-on project management services for companies expanding or locating facilities in the Muskegon area

SCORE: Counselors to Small Businesses - Volunteer business counselors provide small business owners and start-ups with advice on a variety of topics.

Employers Association of West Michigan (EAWM)- Provides cost-effective services and accurate information to area business managers as a means of supporting positive employee relations, a safe environment and growth through continuous workforce development.

Muskegon Area Labor Management Committee (MALMC)- A non-profit organization that develops and strengthens labor management relationships by providing education and interactive opportunities outside the collective bargaining agreement.

Downtown Muskegon Mainstreet - a Michigan Main Street program has a mission to create a vibrant 24-hour downtown that is the focal point for arts & culture, events, shopping, dining, and services in the entire Muskegon area and attracts a rich variety of age groups, diverse ethnic and cultural representation and accommodates people of all income and social levels.

Muskegon Main Street strategically organizes people and interests that collaborate to bring about commercial revitalization through Historic Preservation and Economic Development. Muskegon Main Street follows the Main Street model pioneered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, one of the most successful economic development programs in the nation.

 

Women's Division Chamber of Commerce (WDCC)- organized to create civic consciousness while encouraging and aiding in  the development of our community. Members represent all segments of the community: women in business, women sponsored by firms who employ them, retired women, women who work in the community as volunteers, and women in government.
They are actively involved in numerous projects that benefit the community.

Greater Muskegon Jaycees- An organization for men and women between the ages of 21-40, offering opportunities for members to develop individual leadership skills as well as be actively involved in the community.

 

West Michigan Chamber Coalition- A partnership of the Muskegon Area, Grand Rapids Area, Holland Area, and Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg Chambers of Commerce advocating for the sustainability of West Michigan businesses from a regional perspective.

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