Madison County Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits

A Note to Prospective Members

We are excited about you joining the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. We believe that you will be amazed at the opportunities here for growing your business. From small or home-based businesses to large corporations, you will find your place here with us. Thank you so much for your interest and we will be on the look out for you.

Opportunities we offer:

Leadership Madison County
Our signature program for eighteen years is designed to develop potential leaders for Madison County. The nine-month program, through day-long sessions, looks at the inter-workings of Madison County. Typical sessions include, but are not limited to, education, government, criminal and legal systems, economic development. Participants must be a resident of Madison County to apply for program.

Professional Assistants Day Luncheon
A luncheon event for professional assistants that includes a motivational/humorous speaker and gifts for attendees. Luncheon will be held at Embassy Suites, Highland Colony Parkway, April 22, 2009. Sponsorships are available for this annual sold-out event.

Citizens’ Academy of Politics
The Basic Course from the Citizens’ Academy of Politics is the 2-day introductory course for Madison County residents choosing to become more interested and/or active in politics. The course provides introductory level knowledge on theoretical and applied issues necessary for successful appreciation of politics at the local and state level, including: (1) The Basics of Politics (2) Campaign Finance (3) Campaign Communication (4) Voters and Voting (5) Policy and Values (6) Considerations for Self & Family (7) Timing Initiatives. Within these topics, we will explore the theoretical and the applies aspects. The cost of this course is $125 for 8 hours of instruction, a certificate suitable for framing, lunch on Saturday, January 31, coffee and water will be available at all times.

Coffee and Contacts
A morning networking event, held at Chamber Member business locations, puts your business in front of fellow Chamber members for a fast-paced business card exchange with perspective customers. The 2009 dates and locations for Coffee and Contacts are; January 30, KC & Company; April 3, Granite Transformations; June 5, Ruth’s Chris Steak House; August 7, Sherry LaCour Insurance Agency/Allstate; October 2, RSI; December 4, Bath Junkie, Renaissance. Be sure to bring plenty of Business Cards! Coffee provided by Elite Water and Coffee Service of Mississippi.

Donuts and Dialogue
An educational and informational morning session that will keep Chamber members up-to-date on the latest business trends and opportunities. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Donuts and Dialogue dates are January 23, April 24, July 24, October 23. Locations for Donuts & Dialogue will be the Training Room, 2nd Floor, CellularSouth Building. Free to Chamber Members & $10 for Future Members. Check the Mid-Week Memos and Chamber Website for topics!!

Celebration of Business
This Annual gala begins our business year by introducing the new leadership for the Chamber and unveiling the Plan of Work for the upcoming year. A new venue, hosted in Madison County, give the chamber membership an evening of celebration!

Ribbon Cuttings
Welcome potential customers with a Chamber-sponsored ribbon cutting and if your company is a member of another chamber, we’ll gladly co-host the event for you. Chamber Ambassadors and Board Members are invited to welcome you to the business community.

Women’s Council
Sponsored by River Oaks Hospital and Woman’s Hospital. A quarterly gathering bringing business women to learn, network, discuss and grow. Speakers will provide pertinent information that offers education and support in a lively, inter-active format. Second Wednesday in February, May, August and November at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Renaissance at Colony Park.

Newcomer Packet
Members have the opportunity to insert business cards, flyers, and other promotional material into newcomer bags distributing information to residential, commercial, and industry re-locations.

Ambassadors
Ambassadors are the volunteers that welcome new businesses to Madison County and host educational and networking events to promote your business. Monthly meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at local restaurants.

Chamber Website
The Madison County Chamber’s member-friendly website connects its members to each other and future members. Upcoming events and business opportunities are listed and chamber members have a new venue for advertising. Great new opportunities for new members!

Madison County Chamber Dragon Boat Regatta
Dragon boat racing is like nothing else! There is something special about a team of 20 paddlers moving synchronously through the water at the beat of their drummer that unites a group of friends, coworkers or team-mates. Add the spirit of healthy competition and you’ve just made magic happen. This event is different, it is lots of fun and it brings our community together. April 25, 2009, Barnett Reservoir, Old Trace Park.

E-mail Advertising
Advertise your company’s upcoming events and promotions to 2,000 potential customers with the Chamber’s email. For $100, we’ll attach your designed flyer to our Monday Morning Memo prior to your promotion. Limited to three (3) per week, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advertising must be pre-paid prior to attaching to chamber email.

Small Business University
Six months of educational sessions, designed for the small to medium size business owner and entrepreneurs. Sessions begin in January and continue through June. Home-based businesses are encouraged to attend the educational programs. The sessions, moderated by experts in the subject area, are focused on providing relevant information that can be applied immediately to your business. Chamber members $20. Future members $49. Registration must be pre-paid. Seating is limited.

Jeffery Gitomer, “Chief Executive Salesman”
World renowned, creative, on-the-edge, writer and speaker whose expertise is sales, customer loyalty and personal development. Must attend event!! Sponsorships available that include a VIP luncheon with Jeffery! September 24, 2009

Schmooza Palooza!
Want to get connected with Chamber members in a relaxed, informal atmosphere? Want to sample the signature “schmoozie?” Want to make fourth quarter quota? Attend October’s Schmooza Palooza at the Chamber office and bring plenty of business cards! October, 2009! Date TBA!