Last fall, the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce sent out a member survey to determine our most urgent investor needs. Through their responses, and after much discussion by the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, we have determined new and exciting ways to maximize membership for all involved.
We heard the need for customization, increasing visibility in the community and enhancing web presence. As a result, we are excited to announce new-tiered membership levels that offer additional benefits based on business needs.
In addition, we will be launching a brand new website in January. This new site will be easy to navigate and mobile friendly, with ever-changing content that will be valuable to our members and the community. We currently have close to 30,000 visitors to our site each year.
The new site contains additional advertising opportunities, several ways to increase search engine optimization and visibility for each business in the community.
We encourage all interested to contact us to look over the membership levels to determine which one works best for each company member. These tiered levels provide great value and opportunities for members to enjoy a competitive advantage in their industries.
We know there will be questions regarding this new program, so please contact Molly or Kay at the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-385-4300 or [email protected] or [email protected].
The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met in October to discuss exciting new ways to reach out to our members and the community. Members will find that the chamber will utilize with greater effectiveness texting, Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms.
The chamber website will no longer be a vehicle in which prospective members study the organization, but will be a living instrument. Members will post articles, member spotlights will highlight different organizations, coupons will be sent to the community, tutorials on needed marketplace skills will be available and, lastly, a citywide community calendar will funnel all activities available during 2019 in the area.
In addition, to brush up our professional skills, the chamber will be bringing in seasoned successful professionals to host interactive seminars with our members. We learn best through sharing skills and difficulties with others.
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December is a month of celebration and family, and McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting members of the chamber to celebrate along with the Buss family the 90th anniversary of Buss Ford Lincoln Mercury.
As 2018 winds down, staff are deep in planning for 2019. On Jan. 9, Jan. 11, Feb. 1 and Feb. 6, the chamber will offer Discover the Chambers for those exploring the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce.
On Jan. 10, we are hosting a Lunch and Learn on Medicare with Family Heritage.
Mixers to be held during January include
Jan. 8: Razzle Dazzle Arts
Jan. 11: A joint mixer at Shepherd Premier Senior Living
Jan. 15: Schaeffer Oil
Jan. 19: A joint mixer at Pioneer Center
Jan. 29: Men of Monday Night Pre Super Bowl Party.
Don’t forget our ladies’ professional luncheon called WINGs to be held on Jan. 16, featuring “Go Your Own Way, Creating a Business Plan that Works for You.” Climaxing January on the 26th is the Dinner Dance, A Night of Espionage, offering an all-inclusive gala.
For more information about all these activities, please visit www.mchenrychamber.com.
The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its new board members with terms starting in January; Chris Otterson, McHenry Savings Bank; Darius Pfeifer, McHenry Pet Central; Carl Vallianatos, McHenry High School District 156.
To all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
• Kay Rial Bates is president of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at 815-385-4300 or visit mchenrychamber.com.