Quite honestly, given our type of business, we don't always have the time or the opportunity to attend a "Fourth Friday" Luncheon or other Chamber events. But we are members because we understand that the Chamber, through its program of work, is working to make our community an even better place to live and do business. I guess you could say we've "hired" the Chamber to work on those things -- as well as answering thousands of phone calls a month about our community -- that we don't have time to.

Our firm is constantly looking for new business and industrial contacts, and the Chamber consistently provides us with great opportunities to interact with Cullman area business and industry leaders.  Whether it's through the New Business License Report or attending a Chamber event, the benefit of being able to interact with so many potential customers, so easily, far and away offsets our annual investment in the Chamber.

The Planning or Considering A Move Report produced by the Chamber allows me the opportunity to contact people thinking about moving to our area, and let them know about my services before they move to the Cullman area.  Any company interested in selling their product or services to potential newcomers should strongly consider using this report.

Serving on a Chamber committee allows me the opportunity to provide input on issues affecting my business.  As a small business owner I can’t always attend every meeting, but the sharing of information and the opportunity to reach a consensus is valuable for my business and important to our community’s continued growth.  What’s more, the additional business contacts I’m able to make by serving on a committee expands my networking circle which often times leads to potential new customers.

There are certain times during the year when I need to hold a meeting away from my company office.  The ability to use one of the three complimentary rooms at the Chamber for a meeting is extremely valuable.  Whether I need to meet with business associates for a planning session, or to make a presentation to an existing or prospective customer, all I have to do as a member is to call ahead of time to reserve the space and we’re good to go.

It seems as if whenever my colleagues and I attend a Chamber function we make several new business contacts.  Now, not all of the individuals we meet end up being customers, but they have friends and business associates who might need our services so the networking goes beyond just the people we meet at a Chamber event.

Getting involved with the Chamber has been tremendously positive for my business.  As a small business person, time is important to me, but whether it’s attending a “Fourth Friday” Luncheon, sponsoring an event or using one of the member-only marketing reports, my business associates and I see a direct and worthwhile return on our investment.