Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is the Chamber?

    If you're reading this FAQ, then you're probably a business person...and since you are, the answer should be in business terminology. The Chamber of Commerce is a professionally managed corporation, whose function is business representation and involvement in the process of orderly growth and development of the community and area. But the fact of the matter is, most people.... business people included... don't relate common business principles to the operation of a voluntary organization... even though that organization has a board of directors, articles of incorporation, marketing department, by-laws, public relations function, sales staff, research and development, and administrative staff. Really, the Chamber of Commerce is PEOPLE... people who join together to solve common problems or advance programs which make this area a better place to live, work, and to do business.

  • What do I get for my money?

    Here's the bottom line... What's in it for you? That's not always an easy question to answer for an organization which deals in so many intangibles. But, think about it, do you have time to... answer inquiries about the community each week, including potential business/industry prospects... to attend numerous city and county meetings in order to be aware of issues affecting the business climate... to research the potential loss of transportation services... to take several days off to testify against poor legislation... to spend time answering someone else's customer complaints... to develop workshops and seminars on small business management... to constantly promote harmonious community relations? Could you, in your business, afford to provide a variety of socio-economic services for the community and fellow business people? Probably not!

  • What does it cost me?

    40 cents a day- Would you believe that the basic investor in the chamber pays so little for the daily services of his Chamber of Commerce? That's not just reasonable, it's cheap... in most cases it's less than an employee pays his union! Of course, not every business pays only 40 cents per day because not every business is the same in the size of its physical or financial stake in the community. In fact, the investment spread is quite significant... from the minimum individual and business investments to the thousands of dollars paid by our largest investor.

Are You in on The Action?

The business community has an opportunity to accept a very important role in this community... it's called the Leardership Role.

That's right, business has the talent, expertise, and management skills to assist the community in meeting the challenges associated with rapid growth. You must take a determination of what needs to be done... and then go about doing it! The Chamber of Commerce is your vehicle for this involvement.

An Important Reminder...

You may deduct dues paid to the Chamber of Commerce! A deduction must be reported and itemized, as a "necessary business expense" and employed as a means of carrying out substantive duties of employment, or for advancing the business interests of the corporation or individual. Gifts or contributions to a Chamber are NOT deductible... do not report payments to the Chamber as a donation or contribution.

What the I.R.S. is in effect saying is that you "hire your Chamber!" Sounds logical doesn't it? When you write your check for your membership investment, think of it in these terms. You are hiring your Chamber, and all of its services, as part of your business profession.