Frequently Asked Questions and Common Misconceptions about Chamber Membership

Q. I don’t “get anything” out of the Chamber. Membership does not benefit me in any way.

It is important to ask yourself what it is that you expect to “get out of” the Chamber and how you define benefit. Most people have varying expectations when they join the Chamber but it is important to think of Membership as an investment in your business, not as an expense.  We believe that – as with anything -  you will only get out of it that which you put into it. Joining the Chamber is similar to joining the gym – the mere act of joining does not automatically mean you will lose those 20 extra pounds. It is essential to have a plan and follow it consistently to realize the results you are hoping for.  Just as the gym provides an energizing atmosphere, proper equipment, diverse classes and members with a common goal, so does the Chamber offer diverse networking venues, promotional benefits, camaraderie, and opportunities to meet hundreds of like-minded business people. What you choose to do with these resources and how much you decide to utilize them is up to you.

While what you may “get” out of the Chamber may not be exactly what another member “gets,” everyone benefits from belonging to the Chamber. While the referral benefit may be of greater value to an event planner than say a plastics manufacturer in the Industrial Park, so too is the annual lobbying for a single tax rate much more important to the plastics manufacturer than it is to the freelance artist. And so on…

Q.  I never attend or I don’t have time to attend the meetings and events. 

With only 24 hours in a day, it is indeed a challenge to manage both our professional and personal lives. But how we schedule and manage our days is our choice. Opportunities are presented to you as a member of the Chamber, but it is up to you to take full advantage of them. Networking opportunities are available in the morning, evening and occasionally at lunch. Again if you were to join a gym and never go, would you expect to be physically fit after a year? And remember, attending events is not the only way to utilize your membership. Submit an article for the newsletter, run a free business brief, bring in updated brochures for the chamber rack, purchase chamber mailing labels, join a committee, etc.

Q. I expect to get real leads that will turn into actual clients. That is what I get out of the other networking leads groups I belong to.

Unlike other networking groups whose sole purpose is strictly lead sharing and generation, that is only one of the many benefits of Chamber membership. Education, information, visibility, volunteerism, and community involvement are other reasons people join the chamber.  And these programs and opportunities are not available through other networking organizations whose primary reason for being is to “swap leads.” We cannot possibly guarantee that you will get even one new client by joining the Chamber.  But we can guarantee you none at all by not joining because you would be eliminating any and all possibilities. We also guarantee that you will indeed meet someone new at each and every event you attend if you make the choice to attend and actively participate. And remember, this is a process that takes time, cultivation and work on your part. Relationships are built over time, not overnight. We believe it is in your best interest to diversify and belong to more than one organization with different purposes in order to maximize your exposure and ensure your business success. 

Q. The Chamber is just a fun social club.  You can’t really do any business or make real contacts.

Visibility leads to credibility, which leads to profitability. Sure, we believe in having a good time. Business is about relationships and people like to do business with people they know and like. And attending events, shaking some new hands and getting to know people will help you achieve this. Why should business be all work and no play? We also believe that a positive spirit and a fun approach to networking is what make our attendance so high at all our events. The Chamber is a very friendly welcoming group of people. The average number of attendees at a monthly mixer is 125; 85 at breakfast meetings.  Why not start or end your workday on a positive note if given the opportunity?

Q. I have no local business; it is all out of the area.  I have no reason to belong to the Chamber.  

That’s a great reason to belong then!  Most people are surprised to find just how large and diverse the Chamber is and the potential for business contacts that exists in your very own backyard. With nearly 850 members, we are one of the largest Chambers in the state. Additionally, many businesses are members of the Chamber even if they have no clients in the area – or even the state – because they have an office here or live here or employ many people and have a vested interest in supporting the community in which they live. The chamber works on behalf of not only businesses, but the residents as well. The community as a whole benefits from the advocacy work of the Chamber as well as the community events we produce. Whether it is parking or zoning issues or site plan review process, all of these issues have an impact on you, your business and your quality of life whether you realize it or not.  Sure, some may be affected more so than others, but in the big picture, issues such as parking, development and infrastructure all affect your quality of life.

Q.  How can I get more involved, volunteer or sit on a committee?

All members are welcome to get involved as much or as little as they would like.  Some committees are business-type specific such as the Retail, Business Circle , & Industrial, and some others require certain expertise.  Many such as Membership or Communications are open to just about anyone who’d like to get involved.  New participants are always welcome with fresh ideas. This is also a great way to network too!  If you see a Committee you are curious about, just call the staff liaison or Committee Chair for more information.

Q.  I cannot afford it right now. I just started my business/business is slow.  

That’s the very reason for joining the Chamber now – as a new business you need all the visibility and promotion you can get. It’s critical to get the word out. Membership allows you to be plugged into the community and kept informed of the goings-on in the business community. And knowledge is power. As a new business owner, not joining the Chamber because it is viewed as an “expense” is the equivalent of not investing in inventory, or say, a computer system because you believe it is an unnecessary expense you just cannot incur. A thriving business cannot be built without investing in some basic essentials. As far as payment is concerned, no need to pay it all up front.  Payment plans can easily be arranged. Or you can pay monthly with our EFT plan. Electronic Funds Transfer lets you transfer a portion every month from your checking account to the Chamber with no extra fees and no interest charges. So, a $305 membership, for example, can be paid at $25.42 per month over the course of the year.

Q. I am a manufacturer /business in the Industrial Park. What can the Chamber do for me? Why should I join if I am not a retailer or small business?

The value of Chamber Membership for businesses/manufacturers in the Industrial Park lies primarily in the lobbying and advocacy work the Chamber does on behalf of those businesses. With over 70 businesses located there, the Park is an important sector contributing to the economic vitality of the area. The Chamber lobbies to maintain a single tax rate for businesses in the city every year - which affects the bottom line of industrial businesses the most as they essentially comprise the largest businesses in the city. Whether it is worker’s comp, energy deregulation, flooding of the swales or other issues critical to your bottom line, the Chamber brings state and local elected officials and other representatives to the table to be sure these issues are continually addressed. The Chamber keeps the concerns of the Industrial Park in the forefront of decision makers because of our influence & clout. As a manufacturer, chances are the Chamber will not increase your business but we do make the environment in which you conduct your business better.   

It is a misconception that the Chamber is just about downtown retail or presenting an occasional festival – simply because they are the most visible. We must look at the Big Picture. Less than 25% of our membership is comprised of retailers with the majority being professional service providers.  To be an effective Chamber and maintain a thriving economic region, it is imperative that we address the big picture and the many different segments - along with their respective business concerns - that comprise this business community.

Q. I own a retail business downtown. My contribution to the business community is the high rent I pay!

Unfortunately, the flip side of location can be cost – of which the Chamber has no control. You’re fortunate to have a storefront downtown as it is clearly a coveted, prime location with the most foot traffic and is the hub of activity.  The hanging baskets on more than 155 lampposts that beautify the downtown are paid for and coordinated by the Chamber. The Chamber is responsible for the decorative hay bales in the fall as well as the Christmas tree and lights in Market Square .  The free summer concerts on the waterfront bring in hundreds to the downtown as well as the huge Riverfront Festival and free concert with national recording artists that bring in thousands.  All these visitors eat & shop in Newburyport and it is through the marketing and promotional efforts of the Chamber that this hustle and bustle of activity exists.

Q. I found better health insurance rates elsewhere. The insurance offered through the Chamber is too expensive.

You very well may have found a better rate. “Discounted” insurance is not available through the Chamber contrary to what might be perceived. As a matter of fact, no organization can offer “discounts” on health insurance in the state of MA as it is illegal. The Chamber neither sets the rates nor administers any health plans. The health insurance benefit associated with joining the Chamber is that you become a member of a small group and therefore have access to small group insurance - which inherently is cheaper than obtaining it on your own as an individual.

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Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry
38R Merrimac Street, Newburyport MA 01950
Phone: 978-462-6680  Fax: 978-465-4145
info@newburyportchamber.org

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