FAQs: Leveraging Your Chamber Membership Benefits

The voice of business since 1870, our Chamber serves as the premier advocate for Duluth area commerce and industry by facilitating collaboration between the leaders of business, government, education, labor, and the greater community. We actively create innovative opportunities for business to advance within local and regional economies. Committed to moving business forward, the Chamber is the community’s leading business resource and advocate.

Did you know, consumers are:

49%

more likely to think favorably of a business that is a member of the local chamber of commerce.

80%

more likely to purchase goods or services from a company that is a member of the local chamber of commerce.

12%

more likely to think that products stack up better against competition within companies that are highly involved in its local chamber of commerce.

Whether you are an existing member or considering membership with the Duluth Area Chamber, you may be curious about exactly why consumers value Chamber membership so highly when making transactions or business decisions. We work hard for members to provide benefits that grow your business, your connections, your employees, and your leadership – and consumers recognize it.

Through Networking, Advocacy, Marketing, and Education, Chamber membership establishes your business at the forefront of important issues, develops skill sets of your employees, and places you before thousands of engaged business professionals. We encourage you to read our full membership benefits at the link.

Still, you may have questions about leveraging Chamber Membership that we are happy to answer. Below are three frequently asked questions about membership benefits with the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.

FAQ:
Who is included with my membership?

All employees.

Your membership dues are calculated based on the number of employees working for your organization. This allows us to ensure that each staff member has the opportunity to be involved. We highly encourage you to include your staff within Chamber membership. Doing so expands your business representation, provides your staff with opportunities to develop their professional skill sets, and boosts employee morale.

FAQ:
What does my business receive for the cost of membership?

Your budget is important.

Membership with the Duluth Area Chamber offers a variety of benefits, both complimentary and for additional costs. We know your budget is important, which is why we have engagement opportunities that fit all businesses, big and small.

Complimentary Membership Benefits:

  • New member announcements
  • Press release routing
  • Ribbon cutting celebrations
  • Virtual networking events
  • Job postings on our site
  • Professional Development Series educational trainings
  • Chamber Skills Series educational trainings
  • Business & Community Alliance Series educational trainings
  • Business Directory and Community Guide listing, online and print
  • Printed copies of the Business Directory & Community Guide
  • Information sharing and community updates
  • Publications – Duluthian Magazine and Chamber Xpress Newsletter
  • Advocacy assistance
  • Duluthian Magazine feature articles (decided by our Publications Committee)
  • Hiring and milestone announcements in The Duluthian “People & Places” section
  • Referrals and enhanced visibility
  • Employee engagement (All company employees are considered members)
  • Job postings on Chamber website
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Social media sharing
  • Regional lobbying at the Capitol
  • Non-partisan political forums
  • Informational policy forums
  • COVID-19 business resources and updates

Membership Benefits for Additional Investments:

  • Marketing your organization through chamber opportunities can improve credibility and expose your brand to an engaged audience:
    • Relocation Packet – to new and prospective residents
    • Email marketing – direct to the inboxes of Chamber members and their employees
    • Career Corner – enhanced job visibility
    • Network emailer – seasonal promotions
    • Mailing List – spreadsheet of Chamber member businesses
    • Business Directory enhancement – arrange with publishing partner, AdMax, to reserve
  • Sponsorships with the Duluth Area Chamber place your organization in front of varied niche audiences that align with your values and goals. Opportunities include:
    • Annual Meeting & Dinner Celebration – our largest annual event
    • Duluth & St. Louis County at the Capitol – lobbying event
    • Golf Classic – engaged golf enthusiasts
    • Fuse Duluth – young professionals program
    • Leadership Duluth – a structured year-long leadership development program
    • Luncheons – providing timely presentations over the lunch hour
    • Networking Events – host a networking event at your place of business (or virtual)
    • Leadership Trainings – full-day leadership development events
    • Educational Series – workshops provided free of charge to our members thanks to our sponsors

FAQ:
What is the time commitment to utilize Chamber Membership?

You are busy. That’s why we have created these lists to help you effectively utilize membership based on your ability for engagement.

Membership Benefits that Do the Work For You:

  • Supporting the business community
  • Advocacy for policies that enhance business
  • New member announcements
  • Information sharing
  • Visibility and referrals from the Business Directory
  • Enhanced business credibility
  • Employee engagement (all company employees are considered members)
  • Timely publications and regular email updates to keep you connected
  • Chamber logo for use on your website
  • Annual membership sticker to display on your storefront

Membership Benefits that take your initiatives one step further:

(Ordered from quick actions to larger commitments)

  • Sign up for Chamber emails to keep apprised of happenings
  • Send us your press releases for routing to local media outlets (to inquiry@duluthchamber.com)
  • Participate in community surveys
  • Mentor fellow entrepreneurs or young professionals
  • Tell the Chamber your goals – We can help connect you
  • Call us for advocacy help
  • Apprise us of changes to your business in order to keep your listing current and generate more referrals
  • Promote your open job positions on our website
  • Frequent other member businesses to connect and grow your Chamber network
  • Celebrate milestones with a ribbon cutting
  • Read about community initiatives and leaders through our publications
  • Attend networking events
  • Attend Forums for community updates, have your questions answered
  • Utilize free educational opportunities for you and your staff
  • Promote your business using Chamber marketing platforms
  • Sponsor events
  • Share your expertise by presenting at an educational offering
  • Attend conferences – Leadercast, Zenith, Duluth Leadership Conference
  • Volunteer on a committee

Our members say it best:

“The single most advantageous benefit of being a member of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is the discovery and development of meaningful relationships with others. It broadens your field of knowledge and creates a stronger connection with your community. People need people…and so does your business!”

Working for You: Contact Us Today

Have questions about leveraging membership or utilizing one of the opportunities presented above? Our staff is here to help you make the most of your Chamber membership.

We look forward to serving you.