For those who read today's e-newsletter (4-6-09), the next big Chamber project will be our membership drive which will kick off the week of April 27. The week-long drive will be primarily run by a number of dedicated Chamber volunteers---most notably the two co-chairs Sharon Bergeron and Billy Foster.
Having worked in this industry for seven years, I know that when you mention the words "membership drive," volunteers sprint for the exits. I hope that this experience will change some of those mindsets. This Chamber has not held a membership drive in roughly seven years. I think we're more than ready for one.
We are 828 members strong as of today. We are blessed to have upwards of 90% renewals each year. The Houma-Thibodaux MSA is now the fifth-largest in the state. It's been well-documented that our MSA also has the
lowest unemployment rate in the country. Your Chamber also happens to be one of ten accredited Chambers in Louisiana (and of those 10, we rank in the top seven as far as our level of accreditation).
So how can you help?
We need volunteers to call prospects. Sharon and Billy have recruited 16 team leaders who, in turn, are each recruiting a few more volunteers. The Chamber is putting together a prospects list. Over the course of the membership drive, our 70+ volunteers will contact as many of those prospects as they can. The volunteers will be competing for some great prizes (which have not yet been finalized but the rumor is that there might be a cruise involved ...).
We need to get the word out. Our 828 members are some of the most influential businesses in the parish. It would help our efforts a great deal if you would promote Chamber membership that week on your Web site, in your company newsletter or on your outdoor signage. If the business owners of our parish would see "Join the Chamber of Commerce" on signs around town, it would make our sales pitch that much easier.
We need prizes. Our volunteers are giving up at least three hours of their time (and in some instances even more) for the membership drive. I'd like to have as many incentive items as possible to motivate everyone. No gift or prize is too small.
So how will this impact your business?
A larger membership means a stronger voice. The Chamber is always advocating for the businesses in Terrebonne Parish. When we call on our elected officials or travel to Washington, D.C., it makes a huge difference to say that we currently represent 828 businesses and more than 25,000 employees. It would mean even more if we could say that we represent 1000 businesses and more than 35,000 employees ...
A stronger Chamber means more services for our members. An increase in membership will result in more flexibility when it comes to adding on additional programs and services for our members. Right now, we can't add on too many more programs without removing an existing program. There are a number of new things that I'd like to offer our members but not at the expense of the things we're already doing.
A larger Chamber means better networking. Obviously, for every new member that we have, that's one additional business who will see your ad in the newsletter, read your press release on our Web site, meet you at business after hours and find your services in our membership directory.
The Chamber would not be what it is today without the dedication and support of our membership. The staff can come and go but the membership is the constant that keeps this ship afloat. Please consider supporting our membership drive or if you're not already a Chamber member, please join.
