Membership Benefits

PUBLICITY • REFERRALS • CONTACTS • EXPOSURE • SPONSORSHIPS

Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for many years, membership in the Fuquay-Varina Area Chamber of Commerce provides many essential benefits. With the low cost of your investment, even one new customer gained through the Chamber often can pay for a full year's membership. The Chamber is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit corporation, therefore your membership dues may be tax deductible as a necessary business expense. Consult your tax advisor for more specifics as they apply to your situation. A major benefit of Chamber membership comes from how you are viewed by the public. A customer is over 60% more likely to do business with a company that is a member of their Chamber of Commerce.

Here are some of the benefits particular to the Fuquay-Varina Area Chamber of Commerce:

Networking & Activities

• Monthly Business After Hours (BAH)
  An opportunity for members and prospective members to network and exchange ideas. The BAH is hosted by a different member each month and there is no charge to attend.
• Monthly Wake Up! Fuquay-Varina Breakfast
  Alternating months show a different focus for the Wake Up! Breakfast. The Breakfast is spent either accompanied by an informative topical seminar or as a strictly networking event at which members get to talk about themselves and exchange business card.
• Committees
  Our committee structure is focused on areas that will strengthen the Chamber's efforts while providing members a chance to contribute and build relationships.
• Speed Networking Events
  Speed networking is a new trend among Chambers where members have an opportunity to share information in short, smaller group settings.
• Ambassador Program
  This is your opportunity to get to know your fellow Chamber members better while acting in an official capacity for the Chamber. Ambassadors help at events, welcome new members, conduct visits to members' locations, and participate in a member contact program.

Programs

• Legislative Advocacy
  A Review of major legislative issues affecting the business community. Members are given the opportunity voice their opinions on issues.
• Ribbon Cuttings
  Chamber members will gather at your location to cut a welcoming ribbon. The mayor is a usual participant and is generally covered in the local press.
• New Members
  Breakfast meetings are held to give new members the opportunity to network and become familiar with members of the business community
• Seminars/Training
  The Chamber will conduct assorted seminars and training during the course of the year as determined by member needs.

Marketing

• Web Listing
  Chamber membership provides your business a listing in our online member directory. Our site is visited by over 4,000 visitors monthly.
• Mailing Labels
  The Chamber will provide our members a complete set of labels to send your direct mail piece to your fellow Chamber members.
• Referrals
  The Chamber receives requests daily for information on local businesses. We only refer Chamber members and tract these referrals on a customized database for a historical record. Members are also automatically listed on our web site and if they chose, their sites are linked at no cost.
• Member to Member Discount Program
  A Member-to-Member program where Chamber members offer significant discounts for their goods and services to other Chamber members.
• Promotional Opportunities
  The Chamber holds several events during the course of the year that allows our members the opportunity to promote themselves through sponsorships and other opportunities. Click here for a listing of these events.
• Marketing Material Distribution
  All Chamber members are invited to send brochures and pamphlets to be showcased at the Chamber Member Information Center, located in the Chamber's offices.
• New Member Recognition
  New members are recognized for their first month on our web site home page, our weekly e-newsletter, the local newspaper and at our monthly breakfast.

Publications

• Weekly e-Newsletter
  The Friday Forecast goes out to over 700 email addresses and contains, along with information on Chamber activities, special events or activities held by our members.
• Monthly Business Page in Local Press
  Each month the Fuquay-Varina Independent devotes a page of editorial for Chamber coverage. In this we promote newsworthy items from our members, new and renewing members, special event sponsors and other items about the Chamber and our members.
• Business Directory
  An annual publication that highlights life in Fuquay-Varina and lists our members. 6,000 are distributed to the area and to people looking to relocate to our area. Members are afforded the opportunity to place advertisements.
• Advertising
  Special advertising rates to appear on the monthly Chamber page in the Fuquay-Varina Independent.
• Local Maps
  Published every other year, 10,000 local road maps are distributed in the area with available advertising space.

Information

• Demographic Reports and Profiles
  The Chamber maintains a variety of local statistics and area facts that will assist you in your business planning. Consulting sessions are made available to members or new companies looking to enter our market.
• Site and building Search Assistance
  The Chamber keeps a list of available industrial and commercial buildings and sites in the area. Location assistance is available.