1. Positive View in the Community: The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm, conducted a study in 2007 commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce. This study concluded that 63% of consumers and other businesses are more likely to buy from a Chamber member.
2. Chamber Events: The Chamber of Commerce organizes many events that provide opportunities for networking and business to business relationships. Members can volunteer to manage these events, participate in a team environment, or just enjoy the friendly atmosphere at all of our events.
3. Business Workshops: Sharpen your skills in our bimonthly business workshops and learn from the experts that we invite to lead these workshops. These meetings are held early in the morning at St. Petersburg College, right here at the Seminole Campus.
4. Advertising: The Chamber offers many advertising opportunities at very reasonable prices. We publish a monthly newsletter, an annual membership directory and we offer many different ways to advertise on the Chamber website. Local businesses can also sponsor fund raising events that attract hundreds from the community.
5. Referrals: The Chamber receives thousands of inquiries from visitors to our office, phone requests and emails, all of which results in referrals to member businesses.
6. Entrepreneurial Academy: The Chamber and the St. Petersburg College at Seminole Campus co-sponsor a course of study for aspiring entrepreneurs. This course is presented several times each year to help people start their business, or to develop the business skills to really compete in the marketplace. The Chamber provides subject matter experts and course mentors to supplement the professional instruction. You can sign up for the course or simply volunteer to provide subject matter expertise or be a mentor and share your skills.
7. Economic Development: The Chamber acts as a bold voice in the business community to foster economic development through a variety of programs and ongoing committees. Our Business Assistance Partnership (BAP) program provides direct assistance with business plan development, financing source information and information on permitting, zoning and government regulations. BAP also provides a handy list of redevelopment projects and empty storefronts for lease or sale.
8. Publicity and Community Exposure: You will gain exposure to more than 3000 businesses in the Greater Seminole Area. Chamber mixers, ribbon cuttings, monthly luncheons and a number of large fund raisers all present an opportunity to be an active community member and to develop the exposure your business needs to thrive.