Member Benefits
The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce members who get "the most for their money" are the members who:
- Take advantage of all Chamber services
- Actively participate in Chamber programs
- Tell everyone that they are a Chamber member
Joining the Chamber and maintaining your membership could be one of the smartest business decisions you'll ever make. For a complete booklet of member benefits and an application, call Lisa Cothran at (731) 423-2200 or send an email. Prospective members can also find additional information by downloading a copy of the Membership Guide.
Here are just some of the benefits of membership:
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
Membership Directory:
Each year 2,500 copies of the Chamber's membership directory are produced. The directory lists our membership alphabetically and by classified category. For more information, please contact Lisa Webb at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail her.
Jackson Magazine:
This four-color, glossy magazine, with a circulation of 6,000 and a one-year shelf life, is filled with interesting articles and information about Jackson. It is given to newcomers to Jackson, Chamber prospects and to all Chamber member businesses. For more information about advertising in this publication, please contact Leslie Smallwood at (731) 423-2200 or send an email.
City Map:
The Chamber periodically publishes updated maps of our area, with a classified listing of all members included. Members only may advertise. It’s a great way to reach newcomers in the area. For more information, please contact Target Marketing at (800) 933-3909.
Newsletter:
Chamber Connection is published monthly and widely distributed throughout the community via email. Members are profiled, included in appropriate business articles and may have their business news in the "Chamber Member News" section. Members may purchase banner ads on the front page of the newsletter. For more information, please email Leslie Smallwood.
Specialty Brochures:
Brochures giving information about local apartments, clubs and organizations, major employers and a manufacturing directory are printed annually and distributed on request. For more information, please contact Denise Perry at (731) 423-2200, or email her.
Mailing Labels:
Available to our members only at a cost of $100 for 1,275 labels inclusive of the Chamber's mailing list. For more information, please contact Lisa Webb at (731) 423-2200, or send an email.
Sponsorships:
The Chamber sponsors the Industrial Appreciation Banquet, the Pinnacle Awards, trade shows, Business Expo, Business After Hours, Quarterly Membership Breakfasts and more. For more information about these sponsorship opportunities, please email us.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Business Expo:
The next show will be held in the fall of 2009 at Jackson Fairgrounds Park. Booths will be available for business displays. It's a great way for area businesses to create awareness and gain new customers. For more information, please contact Lisa Webb at (731) 423-2200 or send an email.
Manufacturers Industrial Resource Show:
The next show will be held in May, 2010, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Nearly 200 booths are on display with exhibits from industrial suppliers from a multi-state region. Approximately 2,000 attendees visit this biennial show. For more information, visit www.TNIndustrialShow.com, call Mandy White, (731) 423-2200 or send an email.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Business After Hours
An average of 150-200 people attend these monthly networking opportunities. Members may sponsor for $750. For more information, call Shirley Jones at (731) 423-2200 or send an email.
Member Orientation:
Member orientation meetings are held throughout the year. It's a great way for new and existing members to meet each other and become familiar with the Chamber staff and programs. For more information, contact Lisa Webb at (731) 423-2200 or send an email.
VALUE-ADDED BENEFITS
Business Advocacy :
The Chamber provides a strong business presence at all levels of government to protect and advance business interests. Special focus has been placed in bringing world-class standards of excellence to our school system, fostering community pride through publicity campaigns, and assisting workforce development with internal and external recruitment programs. For more information, email us.
Free Business Counseling:
Business counseling is available throughout the week at The Chamber's West Tennessee Business Resource Center. Counseling is provided at this facility through the Tennessee Small Business Development Center and through Small Business Counseling Services (formerly SCORE). Appointments are held at the West Tennessee Business Resource Center, located in the Chamber building, 197 Auditorium St. Sessions are free of charge. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (731) 427-7900 or email the center.
Business Seminars:
Held monthly on topics of local current business interest. Topics, locations, time and costs vary to accommodate business owners and managers. For more information, contact Lisa Webb at (731) 423-2200 or send an email.
Leadership Jackson:
A Chamber-sponsored program for members only, Leadership Jackson prepares 30 business people for future leadership roles in the community through education and awareness. For more information, contact Judy Renshaw at (731) 423-2200 or send an email.
Leadership University:
A Chamber-sponsored program for high school juniors – in both public and private schools. Leadership University prepares students for involvement in the community and helps to hone leadership skills in about 35 high school students each year. Through interactive programming, Leadership University teaches about all aspects of living in Jackson-Madison County and prepares participants for such things as job interviews and servant leadership. For more information, contact Judy Renshaw at (731) 423-2200 or send an email.
Minority Business Development Program
The task force is preparing minority-owned businesses to do business with area major employers and is educating industries on the value of doing business with minority-owned companies. The Chamber is looking for minority-owned businesses that are interested in gaining certification, licensure or being educated on how to submit bids to major employers. The Chamber is also seeking major employers wanting to learn more about working with minority-owned businesses. For more information, contact Mandy White at (731) 423-2200, or send an email.
Referrals:
The Chamber distributes more than 500 relocation packets each year, real estate and school information is automatically included. Referrals also made through the Chamber Web site and phone calls into the Chamber. For more information, contact Denise Perry at (731) 423-2200, or send an email.
Reverse Referrals:
Address labels for those people who have inquired about Jackson are available by subscription ($35 a year). For more information, please contact Denise Perry at (731) 423-2200, or send an email.
Tax Deductibility:
Your membership investment is 97% tax deductible as a necessary business expense, not a charitable donation.
OTHER BENEFITS
Member Discount:
Save just by being a Chamber member. All Chamber programs are either:
- Discounted to Chamber members
- Exclusive to Chamber members
- Free to Chamber members
WHY SHOULD I BE A CHAMBER MEMBER?
- Because I have a business stake in this community that can best be safeguarded by working with others through the Chamber to protect and advance all business. It is only fair for me to support the Chamber, since I reap benefits from its planning and actions.
- Because my support yields manifold benefits, including: attraction of new industries and businesses, expansion of existing industries and businesses, improved health and safety, promotion of pro-business legislation, and community advancement.
- Because I believe that the person who helps the community through active participation in Chamber work will develop his or her own business and broaden their community contacts.
- Because I realize every person owes a debt to the community that cannot be paid in taxes - a debt of personal service. Through the Chamber of Commerce I can fulfill my commitment to this community.
- Because the Chamber of Commerce cannot carry out its broad program of work to protect and advance business without the personal service and financial support of its members.
- Because the Chamber of Commerce unifies the public spirit of my community and directs it into useful and constructive channels.
- Because the Chamber of Commerce helps formulate and express sound opinions on important issues that affect the welfare of my community.
- Because organized business, functioning through the Chamber of Commerce, can be a highly effective, constructive influence for community betterment.
Interested? Call us at (731) 423-2200 or email us today.
