Member-to-member discounts can be an essential feature of a Chamber of Commerce as it promotes networking, growth, and loyalty within the business community. These discounts encourage members to support each other's businesses, leading to increased sales and revenue for everyone involved.

Offering member-to-member discounts is a valuable benefit of a Chamber of Commerce membership as it provides an incentive for businesses to join and remain active in the organization. The discounts can range from a percentage off a product or service to a flat rate discount or even exclusive deals only available to members. These offers can also be tailored to suit the needs of different businesses, making them more effective and valuable.

The discounts can also create a sense of community and collaboration among Chamber members, encouraging them to work together and support each other's businesses. It can lead to referrals and new business opportunities, building relationships that may not have been possible otherwise.

Moreover, the discounts can be promoted through the Chamber's marketing channels, such as newsletters, social media platforms, and event promotions, providing additional exposure and visibility for member businesses. This exposure can lead to increased customer traffic and overall growth, benefiting the entire community.

In summary, member-to-member discounts play a crucial role in the success of a Chamber of Commerce. It helps to build a strong community of businesses that support each other, leading to increased sales, referrals, and growth. The benefits of these discounts extend beyond the individual businesses and contribute to the overall economic development of the region.

If you are a member of the Missoula Chamber and would like to offer a discount to members or the general public, all you have to do is sign into your member profile and under "Additional Resources" drop down menu, Click "ADD A COUPON".

As a small business owner, it's easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day operations of your business. You're constantly juggling tasks like managing inventory or staff, paying bills, and dealing with customer service issues. It can be challenging to find time to think about the big picture, let alone act on it. However, it's essential to think bigger if you want your business to grow and thrive. Now’s as good a time as any.

How Thinking Bigger Can Help You Grow Here are some reasons why thinking bigger is so important to your small business.

Thinking bigger helps you:

• Set and achieve goals: If you're only focused on the day-to-day tasks of your business, you may not have a clear vision of where you want your business to be in the next year, five years, or ten years. By thinking bigger, you can set ambitious goals that inspire you and your team. These goals can help you stay focused and motivated, even when the going gets tough.
• Stay ahead of or stand out from the competition: When you're running a small business, it's easy to get stuck in a rut. You may be doing things the same way you've always done them. By thinking bigger, you can stay ahead of the curve and be a leader in your industry. When buyers look at you and what you offer versus what the competition has, you can make an impression if you’re focused on their needs, including what they’ll need in the future. It also gives you the ability to charge more than what others are doing because you’re offering what they don’t.
• Attract top talent: Talented employees want to work for companies that are innovative and forward-thinking. By thinking bigger and setting ambitious goals, you can create a culture that attracts the best and brightest employees.
• Expand your customer base: If you're only focused on serving your existing customers, you may be missing out on opportunities to reach new markets. By thinking bigger, you can identify new customer segments, create new products or services, and expand your reach.
• Get recognized. Thinking big means you’re innovating and trying new things. Not only does this differentiate your business from the competition but also may help you get recognized, win awards, and receive additional publicity for your efforts. If you’re doing something that no one else has done, you may also find that people come to you for your expertise, which may translate to a spin-off business or consulting/expert/keynote opportunities.

 
So, how can you start thinking bigger as a small business owner?
 
5 Ways to Think BiggerTry these suggestions:

1. Set aside time for strategic thinking: Schedule a regular time to think about the big picture of your business. This could be a weekly meeting with yourself or a brainstorming session with your team. Don’t expect the ideas to come just because you’re sitting at your desk waiting. Sometimes activity brings on strong ideas. Ever notice how walking, driving in your car, or taking a shower is often when the best ideas come to you? Make time for activities that help you think and be ready to capture your ideas on paper, on your phone, or through an audio recording.
2. Focus on your core values and mission: Think about why you started your business in the first place and what you want to achieve in the long term. This can help guide your strategic thinking and decision-making.
3. Look outside your industry for inspiration: Attend conferences or read books and articles about businesses in other industries. You may find ideas that you can adapt to your own business.
4. Be willing to take risks: Thinking bigger often means taking risks and trying new things. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks that have the potential to pay off big in the long run.
5. Stop settling. One of the many reasons some business owners don’t take risks is because they figure staying with what they know is safer. It absolutely is. Just ask Blockbuster.

 
Thinking bigger is essential for small business owners who want to grow and thrive. Growth requires change and big efforts are more likely to yield big returns.

There are several reasons why businesses should consider sponsoring chamber events:

1. Increased visibility: By sponsoring chamber events, businesses can increase their visibility and promote their brand to a wider audience. This can help them attract new customers and generate more business.
   
2. Networking opportunities: Chamber events provide excellent opportunities for businesses to network with other local business owners and community leaders. Sponsoring these events can help businesses build valuable connections and establish themselves as active members of the local business community.
   
3. Community involvement: Sponsoring chamber events is a great way for businesses to show their support for the local community. This can help them build goodwill and establish themselves as responsible and socially conscious businesses.
   
4. Cost-effective marketing: Chamber events often offer sponsorship packages at affordable rates, making it a cost-effective way for businesses to market themselves to a local audience.
   
5. Access to resources: Chambers of commerce often provide resources and support to their members. By sponsoring chamber events, businesses can gain access to these resources and take advantage of the many benefits that come with chamber membership.
   

Overall, sponsoring chamber events can be a smart investment for businesses looking to increase their visibility, build connections, and establish themselves as active members of the local business community.

n an increasingly interconnected world, the power of collaboration cannot be  overstated. Local businesses, as the lifeblood of state economies, rely on strong support  networks to thrive and contribute to the overall well-being of their communities. The  Chamber of Commerce plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration among businesses  and stakeholders within each state, working tirelessly to create an environment  conducive to growth and prosperity. This article highlights the importance of the  Chamber of Commerce in promoting collaboration for the benefit of local businesses  and the greater good.  

The Chamber of Commerce: A Catalyst for Collaboration  
The Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, membership-based organization that  represents businesses of all sizes and industries within a specific region. Its primary  mission is to create a thriving business environment through advocacy, networking, and  support services. By bringing together businesses, local governments, and other  stakeholders, the Chamber of Commerce fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose,  leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes for all parties involved.
 
Supporting Local Businesses through Networking and Shared Resources 
One of the key ways the Chamber of Commerce promotes collaboration locally is by  hosting networking events, workshops, and seminars. These gatherings provide  businesses with the opportunity to connect, learn from one another, and forge lasting  relationships. The power of connecting Chambers across MT are the relationships in  combining efforts that can lead to joint ventures, strategic partnerships, or even  informal mentoring, all of which contribute to the success and growth of local  businesses.  

Moreover, the Chamber of Commerce offers a wealth of resources to help businesses  navigate the complexities of government regulations, taxation, and workforce  development. By pooling knowledge and resources, the Chamber enables businesses to  focus on their core operations while ensuring compliance with necessary requirements.  

Advocating for a Business-Friendly Environment  
The Chamber of Commerce actively advocates for pro-business policies and legislation  at both the state and federal levels. By working with government representatives and  policymakers, the Chamber helps create a business-friendly environment that  encourages investment, growth, and job creation. This collaborative approach ensures  that the needs of businesses are considered, and that the resulting policies benefit the  economy as a whole.  

Strengthening Communities through Economic Development  
By supporting local businesses and advocating for pro-business policies, the Chamber of  Commerce contributes to the overall economic development of the state. When local  businesses thrive, they create jobs, generate tax revenue, and stimulate economic  growth. This, in turn, contributes to a higher quality of life for the community at large.  

The Chamber also recognizes the importance of corporate social responsibility and  encourages its members to give back to their communities. By partnering with non-profit organizations, businesses can contribute to various causes and initiatives, further  enhancing the well-being of their communities.  

Promoting Sustainability and Innovation  
The Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in promoting sustainable practices and  innovation within the business community. By encouraging the adoption of  environmentally friendly technologies and practices, the Chamber helps businesses  reduce their ecological footprint while contributing to the overall sustainability of the  state. This collaborative approach to sustainability benefits not only the environment but  also local businesses by improving efficiency and reducing costs.  

The Chamber of Commerce in the great state of Montana play an indispensable role in  fostering collaboration for the benefit of local businesses and the greater good.  Through networking events, advocacy efforts, and support services, the Chamber  enables businesses to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to the overall well-being of  their communities. By working together with local governments, non-profit  organizations, and other stakeholders, the Chamber of Commerce ensures that  businesses are well-positioned to adapt to the challenges of an ever-changing world  while remaining committed to the greater good.   Remember to always think bigger than our communities about how our united effort can benefit all business in MT and  demonstrate the relevancy of chambers. 

The Chamber of Commerce is an organization that represents the interests of local businesses within a community. It aims to promote economic growth, networking opportunities, and business education. Becoming a member of your local Chamber of Commerce can offer significant advantages to both new and established businesses. 

What are the key benefits of joining your local Chamber of Commerce and why it's important for your business?

1. Networking Opportunities
One of the primary benefits of joining a local Chamber of Commerce is the opportunity to network with other business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in your community. Regular events, such as meetings, workshops, and mixers, provide an excellent platform for members to connect, exchange ideas, and forge lasting relationships. These connections can lead to strategic partnerships, increased referrals, and new client acquisition.

2. Credibility and Trust
Being a member of your local Chamber of Commerce adds credibility to your business. Consumers are more likely to trust and patronize businesses that are associated with a reputable organization like the Chamber of Commerce. A study by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives revealed that 63% of consumers were more likely to purchase from a company that is a Chamber member, showcasing the trust and reputation that comes with membership.

3. Access to Business Resources
Your local Chamber of Commerce can serve as a valuable resource hub for your business. Members often have access to workshops, seminars, and training sessions that cover a range of topics, such as marketing, finance, human resources, and technology. These resources can help you develop new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. Additionally, Chambers may offer members access to research and market data that can assist in making informed business decisions.

4. Advocacy and Representation
As a collective voice for the local business community, your Chamber of Commerce represents your interests and advocates for a pro-business environment at the local, state, and federal levels. By becoming a member, you have a direct influence on the policies and regulations that affect your business. Your Chamber works to ensure that the needs and concerns of its members are heard and addressed by key decision-makers.

5. Cost Savings
Membership in your local Chamber of Commerce can lead to cost savings for your business. Many Chambers offer exclusive discounts on products and services, such as office supplies, insurance, and advertising opportunities. Additionally, members can benefit from reduced rates for attending events and educational programs.

6. Community Involvement
Joining your local Chamber of Commerce is an excellent way to get involved in your community and make a positive impact. Chambers often organize community projects, charitable initiatives, and local events that contribute to the overall well-being of the community. By participating in these activities, your business can build goodwill, strengthen its reputation, and foster a sense of unity among residents and fellow businesses.

Becoming a member of your local Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the success and growth of your business. It offers invaluable networking opportunities, enhances credibility, provides access to essential resources, and serves as a strong advocate for your business interests. Moreover, membership allows your business to save on costs and become an active member of your community. Don't miss out on the numerous advantages that come with joining your local Chamber of Commerce; take the step towards expanding your business horizons today.

MEMBER FAQ
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It’s obvious to mention that you’re losing money if you’re not using your chamber membership, but it’s more than just being out the membership dues. If you’re not using your membership to its fullest, you are losing potential customers, revenue, and you’re out significant cost savings. Here’s what you’re not taking advantage of:

Member to Member Discounts
These discounts are exclusively offered by members for members. The chamber works with businesses to bring savings to its members with exclusive deals. Depending on your spending, you could recoup a sizable portion of your dues with this program.
Even if you’re not interested in saving money, being a part of this program will also expose your business to members and discounts could bring you new customers that you wouldn’t otherwise have. This not only brings in new revenue on whatever they spend, but they also may tell friends and family and may return to your business in the future.

The Sticker on the Door
If you have a brick and mortar space and a chamber membership, you likely have some sort of physical designation of your membership. In today’s world where “know, like, and trust” is essential to getting more customers, that designation helps you establish trust before the potential customer has any interaction with your business. The same can be done through an icon on your website.
People often view chamber membership in the same light as a listing on the better business bureau. Their confusion can be a boon to our business. No one wants to do business with someone they don’t trust and that designation helps illustrate your dedication to the community, which makes you trustworthy.

Membership Directory
The chamber has a local membership directory. This resource is used by citizens, visitors, and those new to town. These lists are smaller than a phone book so you get more exposure. You can upgrade to be featured to get even more views. Your chamber can tell you what their readership or web hits are for their directory but it’s not uncommon for chamber web traffic to be quite large each month because the chambers is widely recognized as the local resource for business.
Being seen by people in a small segmented list, means more customers and you don’t want to miss out on being part of the community list.

Social Media Followers and Connections
The chamber provides its members with exposure on its social media channels. Often the following of these pages is quite large, even in small towns. Being a member means an expanded audience that you don’t have to pay for by buying followers. They’re also more likely to be engaged with you because they are people you know.

If you’re not a member, you’re missing out on this nearly free exposure. Exposure and engagement can bring new customers to your business.

Business Tools
Are you interested in the latest tools to grow your business? Look online. What will that kind of learning cost you? The chamber provides free resources and best practices to its members. It may also provide meeting room space for businesses that don't  have  dedicated conference room.

Businesses succeed when they grow “smart.” If you want to expand but aren’t quite in the place to move to a larger office, go to that social media conference, or purchase the office equipment, a chamber can fill those gaps for you and still allow you to grow. Or you could continue at the level you are and miss out on that additional revenue.

The chamber can provide you so much for a very small dues payment. But it’s not just the dues payment you’re out when you don’t use the membership to the fullest. It’s all the additional revenue you can generate through participation. Are you willing to throw that away?
 

Christina R. Green teaches small businesses, chambers, and associations how to connect through content. Her articles have appeared in the Midwest Society of Association Executives’ Magazine, NTEN.org, AssociationTech, and Socialfish. She is a regular blogger at Frankjkenny.com and the Event Manager Blog.
She’s a bookish writer on a quest to bring great storytelling to organizations everywhere.

2023 Montana Legislature is fast approaching. The Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce in looking forward to collaborating with the Montana Chamber of Commerce, 70 local Montana chambers and the U.S. Chamber all in support of business.
Look for more information on how Chamber member businesses can be part of this year’s legislative session.
If you need help bringing a legislative concern forward refer to The Chamber blog article "How to Bring Advocacy Issues Forward to the Board." to familiarize yourself with the process.

Check out our Advocacy page for city, county and state engagement links.

INTERNAL REVIEW FORMAT
Any Information and Position paper submitted to the Board of Directors,
should meet the following Guidelines for Action:
1. Does the issue comply with the mission and values of the Chamber?

2. Is the issue business oriented, having an impact on the conduct of business in the Missoula area?
The Missoula Chamber represents the general business community and not specific business or industry interests.

3. Is involvement with the issue cost effective?
The Missoula Chamber may act on an issue if required resources can be justified, and if an obtainable goal may
be reasonably expected.

4. Is involvement with the issue a duplication of effort?
The Missoula Chamber may act on an issue individually or in cooperation with other organizations if it may be
demonstrated that its participation will enhance the efforts but should avoid being duplicative of other organizations or individuals

Advocacy Consideration Timeline:
Government Affairs Committee reviews requests, discusses and makes recommendations for the board of directors monthly. Board of directors discuss at regular meeting and take action if desired. With appropriate time to consider the issue, representatives from both sides of the issue may be invited to attend the board meeting and share with the board.

Send time sensitive advocacy consideration requests to Bob Homer at bobh@missoulachamber.com

Government Affairs Committee contacts
Chad Bauer, Republic Services
Steve Clawson, Northwestern Energy
Bob Homer, Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber