SCCC Newsletter May 2007

South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER UPDATE

May 2007
Volume 14, Issue 5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Opening a New Business?

The chamber offers complimentary ribbon cuttings for all new businesses.

This newsletter is published monthly. Advertising and editorial submissions are due by the 20th of the month. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for serving you better.

Newsletter advertising space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Submission is preferred in electronic format (JPG or PDF files are preferred). The Chamber can design your ad for an additional charge of $25 per hour (billed in 1 hour increments).

For information on advertising or subscribing to the Chamber Update, please call the Chamber at 503-397-0685 or e-mail info@sccchamber.org.

About the

Chamber Update

Ad Rates:

Advertise for 3 months or more and receive 10.00 discount per ad per month.

Advertise for 1 year and receive 20% discount for your advertisement!

What Does The South Columbia County Chamber Actually Do For You?

By: Marna Gatlin – President/CEO

You have probably heard that question asked at one time or another. It is a legitimate question and many people, including those to whom the Chamber is very important, have different concepts of exactly what our Chamber of Commerce is, how it works, or what it is for.

There are, in fact, a lot of misconceptions about the Chamber. For example, there are those who believe the Chamber gathers statistics, prints nice brochures, visits new businesses, answers inquiries and advertises what a great place South Columbia County area is to work, live and enjoy life.

They are right, up to a point. We do all those things, and proudly so. All of those jobs are important. But, they aren't why the Chamber is here. There are fringe benefits of the Chamber; the things we do as a matter of routine because they need doing and we are good at them.

The primary functions of the Chamber go far deeper than those niceties. The South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst, a common vehicle through which business and professional people work together for the common good of the community.

A better community means better business conditions, and we work for a better community for everyone. That's why we do what we do. This brings us back to the original question: What do we do? There is, in the final analysis, one reason for the Chamber to exist ... to do whatever is necessary to keep the area's economic condition at a level where businesses will risk their resources here in hope of making a profit ... everything else is just frosting on the cake ... a means to the end.

In any community, it is from the profitable operations of business that all other benefits are derived. Only by succeeding in this fundamental goal can we provide the jobs and produce the wealth to finance all the governmental, civic, educational, cultural and charitable needs that our community is faced with every day.

That leaves one final question: Who is this "we" that does all this? "We" are you! The Chamber members and all of your business and professional friends who are also Chamber members.

YOU ARE THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. You provide the ideas, the drive, the goals, the funds and the voluntary services to keep the Chamber doing what it does. You are the Chamber, and without you, there wouldn't be any Chamber, and - just who would do all those things if the Chamber didn't?

We need the confidence that it can be done in our community, county and state. We need to be available to do it, and if we can, and if we do, we will be accountable to the coming generations who will be the true judges of what we do today.

I am asked a lot – “Marna who exactly runs the Chamber?” The management staff of this Chamber consists of one executive assistant Jenny Hicks and one Chief Executive Officer, me Marna Gatlin. We wear many hats and are what you’d refer to as “behind-the-scenes specialists” with backgrounds in diverse areas such as event planning, advertising, and community and government relations. We have the knowledge, expertise, and energy necessary to help you make the South Columbia County area a better place to live and do business.

I am also asked quite frequently, “What exactly does the Board of Directors do?” The Board of Directors is the policy making body of the Chamber. Its members represent the business, industrial and professional leadership of the community. The Board is elected by the membership and has rotating terms of office. The Chairman of the Chamber presides over the Board of Directors.

“How will my business gain exposure through membership?”

As a Chamber member, your business is referred to hundreds of callers looking for lodging, goods and services. New members are recognized in our monthly newsletter and introduced at our regular Chamber Koffee Klatches, forums, and other Chamber sponsored events. Renewing members are recognized regularly in our newsletter for their continued support. Advertising in our newsletter and sponsorships of programs and events are available to Chamber members.

“Is my investment spent wisely?”

The Chamber is run by business people just like yourself. We operate under the guidelines of a mission statement and business plan. We use generally accepted accounting procedures, and annual budget reviews are conducted. It is very important for the Chamber to get the most out of every dollar.

A comprehensive planning process each year insures that programs and objectives have been thoroughly reviewed for their effectiveness in meeting the real needs of local and regional business and community concerns.

“How much does it cost?”

The South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is the best business bargain in South Columbia County. The base expense is $150 for a bronze membership and increasing through the Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. Dues may be paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. There is a one time up-front set up fee of $25.

“Are my dues tax deductible?”

A: Yes. Membership investments are tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. However, dues paid to the Chamber are not a charitable tax deduction for federal income tax purposes.

Benefits of Membership:

· Take advantage of brochure rack privileges where thousands of visitors and potential new residents can access your information. (The South Columbia County Chamber receives over 20,000 visitors annually).

· Enjoy constant marketing through the Discover Oregon Treasures brochure, which is distributed at all nine state welcome centers and various Chambers of Commerce throughout the entire state.

· Allow Chamber volunteers to refer thousands of callers your way. The South Columbia County Chamber receives almost 15,000 calls annually.

· Attend koffee klatches, business after hours, forums, and other Chamber sponsored events to network with fellow business men and women and to hear interesting speakers and Chamber business reports.

· Advertise and submit articles in our online monthly newsletter, which gets reaches out and is seen by over 1000 individuals a month.

· Receive a complete business listing in the Chamber's online database, that may include links to your web site for additional attention.

· Be alerted to business opportunities sent exclusively to the Chamber office for Chamber members.

· Host a Business After Hours in your business for networking opportunities to put you in touch with potential customers, partners, and suppliers.

· Benefit from effective representation on issues at the local and state levels.

· Help shape the future of our organization and city with involvement in Chamber committees.

· Become involved with a variety of successful special events.

· Enjoy trade show representation.

· Be a part of the largest business organization in South Columbia County that works towards improving our area’s economic base and the promotion of business development.

· Free listing in our Community Directory - over 15,000 copies printed annually!

· Free listing on the South Columbia County Chamber Website

· Direct referrals from the Chamber Office.

· Opportunity to participate in the marketing program through specially designed relocation packets, web presence, and maps.

· Co-op advertising opportunities at reduced rates.

· Free use of the Chamber bulk mail stamp, for mailing 200 or more advertisements.

· Member to Member discounts with a current listing in the Chamber newsletter.

· Regular e-mails updating you about area events, current topics, and up to the minute news from the Chamber.

· A member mailing list of approximately 365+ businesses available ONLY to Chamber members.

· Advertising opportunities in the Community Directory and the monthly newsletter at discount member rates.

· Opportunity to have your business highlighted in the monthly newsletter.

· A Chamber Office Staff dedicated toward helping your business grow and succeed!

We offer numerous opportunities for you to increase your business. By providing direct services and programs, the Chamber can help you generate contacts and develop resources. We can also provide you with access to information that will help you make the right decisions for your business and aid you in solving specific problems. For those of you who are not yet members join the Chamber and become active. Attend events and get to know your fellow members and let them know you. The opportunities are there if you care to contribute and make a difference.

From The Desk of your CEO: Marna Gatlin

Hi everyone! The feedback from the community was overwhelming. Everyone loved the newsletter in its updated format! Thank you for all of your words of encouragement!

So what’s going on you ask? Oh my goodness – lots and lots!

We are in the process of planning The Chambers First Annual Community Wide Garage Sale! COME ONE ! COME ALL ! Put this date on your calendar NOW! Saturday June 23rd , 2007. Rain or shine -- no matter what the weather is. Here’s your chance to clean out the garage, spare room, attic or storage shed. The old vase from Aunt Martha that you can’t stand could very well be someone else’s favorite piece of art. Not only will you have the opportunity to sell your stuff you will also find everything imaginable for sale at dozens of homes and businesses in our community.

Take one day and plan to either participate or attend! The cost to you : $20.00 to be listed on the map if you are a seller. For your 20.00 you will receive your listing with a corresponding number on our map, along with your own special star, number, and yard sign for you to place in your yard as well as advertising. Map’s will be available for download on our website as well as available for pick up at All About Mail in Scappoose on the morning of June 23rd and at The Chamber office in St. Helens June 23^rd, 2007. Details to follow so keep your eyes peeled!

This is something I am very excited about!

It’s almost time to begin enjoying The 13 Nights on the River and our very own Open Air Market. Make sure you visit the river, have a bite, shop a little and tap your feet to the music while enjoying a night out with the girls, family, or just yourself!

This is for the ladies – What do you think about the Chamber hosting a Martini and Manicure night sometime this summer? Jenny my assistant just returned from Arizona where she participated in a Martini and Manicure night and had an absolute blast! Let me know what you think!

And remember – I am here in the office most days from 10:00-2:00 PM Tuesday through Friday. I’d love for you to say hi – and tell me what’s on your mind!

Kindest Regards-

Marna D. Gatlin

Prisident/CEO

South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

www.sccchamber.org

503.397.0685 ext 106

Small Business Marketing Ideas

Excerpts taken from Idea-Letter / March 2007

Client After Purchase

“Just a note to thank you again for…and to let you know that I’m available to help if there’s any way I can be of service.” Generally it’s better to avoid suggesting that they may have challenges, but make it clear that you’re available if needed. And then, of course, be fast and energetic in solving every challenge that does arise. Shortsighted salespeople make themselves scarce when their clients have challenges. These are the kind of people who keep moving from company to company because they never can build up a clientele. Champions have a completely different attitude toward product or service issues. They know that if everything goes with perfect smoothness, the client will have trouble remembering them. They’re in, out, and that’s the end of it. But if there’s a challenge and it’s handled promptly and well, that client remembers. The best source for referrals is the client you’ve solved challenges for.

How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins 212-522-7974 Warner Business Books

Every Problem Has a Solution

There may not be an ideal solution, but there will be a solution. Many problems are complex and involved other areas of the company. Setting priorities and being willing to work as a team play large parts in solving interrelated problems. You may also need to break large problems down into their component parts. This often points the way to a solution. The many small steps taken to correct a problem frequently involved compromises. Do not be discouraged if no perfect solution exists; find one that solves the greatest part of the problem, or is the easiest to implement, or gives the biggest bang for the buck. Brainstorming with other leaders or with employees can provide insights into solving large and complex problems. Do not hesitate to use your employees’ knowledge of the operation to help find solutions. Finally, solutions cannot be implemented in a vacuum. Examine how proposed solutions might affect other parts of the company and coordinate implementation accordingly.

Leadership on the Line by Ed Rehkopf, Clarity Publications www.probizcom.com

Keep It Clear

· If something isn’t clear one way, try using one or more other channels of communication to reinforce what you want to say.

· Don’t just say it; find ways to write it and show it, too.

· Combine a little concern and compassion with clarity to help the clarity go down – just as you might add sugar to medicine or give someone a sugar-coated pill to make it easier to swallow.

Don’t just try to make it clear yourself. Try to get the other person to shine some light, as well, to clear the way.

A Survival Guide for Working with Humans by Gina Graham Scott P.h.D.

212-903-8316 www.amacombooks.com