Mandy Jones, Membership Director

When you are looking at investment and value how much importance do you put on your time? If you take a look at the Chamber's calendar of events in this issue of Business Today you will see that if you have the time, we have a networking event for you to go to. Not to toot our own horn, but our members told us in a recent survey that we are excellent at providing opportunities for our members to network and events to attend. But, is the Chamber still valuable to me if I don't have time to go to events? Can I get a return on my investment if I don't participate in ribbon cuttings and Business After Hours? Am I getting my money's worth if I don't have time to sit on a committee?

The answer is yes; most of the reasons you should be a member of the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce do not require you to even lift a finger to participate in events or committees. Here are some reasons why Chamber of Commerce membership is more valuable today than ever.

A recent national study conducted by the Schapiro Group, of Atlanta, Georgia, found these conclusions; Consumers are 63% more likely to buy goods and services from a company they believe is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce. 51% are more aware of and 57% more likely to think positively of a business's reputation when told that business is a local Chamber member. Having the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce decal on your door or being listed on the Chamber directory could be the very reason consumers choose to do business with you.

Did you know the Chamber is creating a stronger local economy and promoting the community through the Shop Local campaign, workforce development awards, and tourism projects just to name a few? Over the past year the Chamber's tourism committee put the community's best foot forward at the California State Fair, the California State Bowling Tournament and even in nationwide publications like Sunset and VIA magazines. In response to an advertisement in these publications the Chamber has sent out over 400 Visitors Guides to people requesting information on visiting the Yuba-Sutter area. All of these projects are done on behalf of strengthening your economy in Yuba-Sutter. Bottom line, when money flows locally, everybody wins - most of all, your business's bottom line.

The Chamber's actions concerning government affairs are where "the rubber meets the road" when it comes to representing your business interests with government. Our strong role in advocacy allows you to work on your business while the Yuba-Sutter Chamber works on behalf of your business. Most business people, especially those in small businesses do not have the time to keep up on the issues; much less speak out for them. The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee is your eyes, ears and your voice.

Kathy Hammons, Independent Consultant for Cookie Lee Jewelry and Rodan & Fields Skin Care reported that since joining the Chamber she has learned of several places to get Member to Member discounts on a variety of services from food to oil changes to large appliances. Kathy states, "Each time I shop at a fellow chamber member's place of business, they know that I am helping their business and someday, they will help mine."

Value, good investment and Chamber membership - these three go hand in hand. Here are a few tangibles to help you put Chamber membership in perspective.

• Base Chamber dues are less than a Latte a day.
• Base Chamber dues are less than a case of copy paper a month.
• Base Chamber dues are about half of one fill-up per month on an economy car.

Chamber membership: good for business, good for the economy, good for Yuba-Sutter!