5 Reasons Chamber Membership is a Great Investment for 2021

150 Years of Moving Business Forward

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the Twin Ports business community is facing challenging and unprecedented times amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As the voice of business since 1870, we are working tirelessly to serve, support, and encourage our member businesses in this period of economic uncertainty. We are here to be a helpful resource and steadfast advocate for our local business community.

For many of us, the start of a new year can symbolize the turning of a new page. Certainly, this year more than ever. Chamber membership can help you achieve your goals in 2021 through providing new partnerships and unique opportunities. Amidst a global pandemic, membership has become essential. 2020 was the year of adaptation. 2021 will be your year to not just recover, but thrive.

Is a Chamber membership the best business investment of 2021? Call us biased – our answer is Yes.

Here are the top 5 Reasons Chamber Membership is a Great Investment for 2021:

1) ADVOCACY

For 150 years the DACC has served as the voice of business in our community. We maintain insight into policy changes, city ordinances, developments, and regional challenges that impact your business. Just this year, we facilitated conversations, advocacy, and presented informational regarding:

COVID-19 Resources and Relief,
Duluth Plastic Bag Fee,
Stormwater Utility Fee Increase,
Childcare Shortage,
Mask Ordinance,
Workforce Strategies for Recovery,
Phased Re-Openings and Closures,
2020 Election,
Restaurant Stimulus, and
Regional legislative advocacy at Duluth & St. Louis County at the Capitol.

This list is the tip of the iceberg. We recognize the need for advocacy is heightened during the pandemic. Now more than ever, our chamber has been essential in promoting the necessity for business relief – loan packages, PPP, grants, and education. Our efforts will continue into the new year and beyond. Together with our chamber, your voice will be amplified in a manner that brings change and impact.

2) EDUCATION

Your business has had to pivot. In the wake of your adaptation, all of the other everyday needs of your organization have not dissipated. Continued education and staff development is one of them. Our Chamber hosts timely educational offerings that serve your business in growth and development. This member benefit has continued during the pandemic, providing virtual options while we are unable to meet.

Our three educational series are free to Chamber Members and their employees. Experts from around the community present relevant business-related topics such as marketing, conflict management, human resources and leadership. We strive to ensure there is something for everyone, from corporate to small businesses.

The Professional Development Series provides education that enhances professional skill sets in the workplace. These are high-quality training opportunities in the area of sales, diversity, human resources, leadership and more.
The Chamber Skills Series are educational offerings that enhance hard and soft professional skills. These programs dive deep into the “how-tos,” ranging from social media marketing and creating great presentations to tax tips and HVAC solutions.
New in 2021, we are launching the Business & Community Alliance Series. This new offering is a collection of educational workshops that aim to reinforce the connection between business growth with community initiatives, issues and services.

In addition to these three series, our Chamber organizes full-day leadership development conferences, forums to educate on policy and community initiatives, and other webinars relevant to COVID-19. While you have been focused on meeting the demanding needs of pandemic adaptations, be sure to take advantage of these educational opportunities that bring great value to your membership.

3) CONNECTION

Many people know that a chamber of commerce is an excellent outlet for building connections. Consumers are 49% more likely to think favorably of a business and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from a company that is a member of the local chamber of commerce. Why, you ask? Being a member of a chamber provides credibility to your business. The people visiting our website or seeking business information understand the value of chambers of commerce in a business community and look forward to supporting your business.

The Chamber hosts over 130 events annually, including monthly networking opportunities, educational series, leadership programming, and advocacy initiatives. Make valuable connections and engage with other business professionals at any one of our unique offerings.

Our team is regularly monitoring and adjusting our event calendar to ensure the safety of our gatherings. Throughout 2020 and into this new year, we will continue to think creatively in terms of virtual events and hosting responsible, and effective, gatherings. We encourage you to read more about our event adaptation in the November-December 2020 issue of the Duluthian Magazine, page 7.

4) UNIQUE MARKETING

The Duluth Chamber offers a plethora of multi-format marketing to new and current members. Our chamber maintains a wide audience for you to reach your desired market. While you have been challenged with reduced budgets and alternative spending, we continue to provide marketing opportunities that fit your goals.

Seeking referrals? Hosting an event? Amplifying an announcement? Hiring? Showcasing your organization through chamber marketing can improve credibility and expose your brand to an engaged, professional audience.

Complimentary membership benefits such as press release routing and ribbon cuttings, as well as enhanced marketing options at affordable prices, allow you to leverage your membership in creative ways. These marketing benefits will help communicate your status to keep your business visible and top of mind during this time of uncertainty.

5) INFORMATION

In March, we watched as the world spiraled into the chaos of the global pandemic. Businesses were closed, schools locked, and entrepreneurs worried. We quickly curated the abundance of information to serve resources to our members in a succinct, easy-to-digest format, by means of daily email notification. Our website was also updated daily, providing information for:

COVID-19 relief funds
Small business loans,
Unemployment insurance information,
Financial counseling sources,
Health insurance counseling
Local, community updates,
Chamber advocacy initiatives,
Testing sites, and
Supporting local businesses campaigns.

The prevalence of new resources has since dissipated; we remain steadfast in providing you information as it becomes available. The Coronavirus Business Resources page on our website continues to be updated. Email updates to new or timely information continue to be distributed.

In addition to COVID resources, our Chamber sends out regular email updates about upcoming events, local issues affecting business owners, and marketing opportunities. Join us to keep your finger on the pulse of the happenings within our local community, and stay apprised of the Chamber’s diverse offerings. If you’re not sure how to leverage your membership, these emails are a great place to start. Click here to sign up for Chamber emails.

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As the sun sets on our 150^th year, our Chamber is committed to our mission: to build a lasting relationship with our members through providing business advocacy, collaborative leadership, and member-driven initiatives. 2021 holds the potential to be a year of growth.

Invest in your business in 2021 by becoming a member of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.

If you know a business that could benefit from the Duluth Chamber’s support during this most critical time, please reach out to us with their contact information so that we may make the connection. Additionally, if you are a business owner and are not yet a member of the Chamber, we encourage you to join us, so that we may promote and uplift your business at this most critical juncture. Together, we are stronger.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of Chamber membership, please do not hesitate to reach out to Membership Coordinator Aubrey Hagen at ahagen@duluthchamber.com.

We are in this together.

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce: Moving Business Forward Since 1870.

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