Benefits & Services
Why should your business join the Chamber? The Columbia Chamber of Commerce provides...
NEW BUSINESS CONTACTS
The Chamber can put you in touch with hundreds of people who may become new clients or customers. Some ways to make contacts and network include:
- Quarterly Membership Breakfasts (QMBs) feature a local business and provide information about what's happening at the Chamber.
- Chamber Committees offer members opportunities to work on projects with other business people who have similar interests.
- New Member Welcome Orientations give new members the opportunity to talk about their businesses, meet Chamber leaders and other new members.
- Special Events and Mixers are held throughout the year to bring members together for both business and pleasure.
- The Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet is held in June to honor leaders and recognize accomplishments.
The Chamber promotes your organization to the public and business community in several ways:
- The Chamber's web site, which receives over 4,000 unique visitors per month, contains valuable information about Columbia and the business community. All Chamber members are listed in our easy to use Online Membership Directory complete with a free hotlink to your business web site.
- Chamber Business Line electronic newsletter highlights member information and keeps you up to date on Chamber activities and committees. Advertising in the Business Line allows you to reach 1,900 business leaders every month for a low price and lets your ad be linked to your company's web site.
- The Newcomer's Guide & Chamber Membership Directory lists your business by name, by business classification and by your designated representative. This publication is not only distributed to every Chamber member, but is also sent to each of the inquiries about Columbia we receive every year.
- The Business Conference & Showcase, an annual business-to-business trade show, offers members a marketplace to promote their goods and services to thousands of people.
- Event Sponsorships such as the Quarterly Membership Breakfast and other special events give members an opportunity to highlight their businesses and products to other members.
- Ribbon Cutting & Ground Breaking Ceremonies are conducted by the Chamber Ambassadors for new or expanding businesses.
The Chamber is dedicated to improving your ability to achieve success in your business or professional life. Programs include:
- Leadership Columbia motivates emerging leaders and develops their potential for community leadership by acquainting them with the realities, opportunities and challenges of Columbia.
- Executive Connections is a management assistance program where representatives from non-competitive businesses meet to network, solve problems and exchange ideas.
- Women's Network is a division of the Chamber which promotes the professional and personal growth of women.
- EPIC - Emerging Professionals In Columbia is the Chamber's Young Professionals group targeted toward business people ages 22-40 offering networking events and programming.
The Chamber receives thousands of requests each year for goods & services to be purchased in our area. We refer Chamber members to visitors, newcomers, businesses and area residents by using our Newcomer's Guide & Chamber Membership Directory. By displaying Chamber member plaques and window/door decals, our members enhance their credibility and recognition.
INFLUENCE LEGISLATION
The Chamber is a unified voice to represent your business interest at the local, state, and national levels of government.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Chamber serves as a central source of information for members who are seeking community and business demographics.
For more information about joining the Columbia Chamber of Commerce contact Suzanne Rothwell at 573-817-9110, 300 South Providence Road, Columbia, Missouri 65203.
