Business Enhancement Connection & Promotion Legislative Advocacy Community Involvement

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1 Business Enhancement Connection & Promotion Legislative Advocacy Community Involvement Green Tree Blvd. Victorville CA (760)

2 Business Enhancement Members of your organization would benefit greatly and enhance their skills through the programs and events the Victor Valley Chamber offers. Workshops, forums, committees, and leadership opportunities designed for the business audience help our businesses and community grow with new ideas and new team leaders at the helm. Business Builder Opportunity Workshops Workshops and seminars, such as marketing, sales, and customer service, presented twice a year to meet the business education needs of our members. Economic Enhancement Forums Presented bi-annually with a focus on industry topics ranging from manufacturing to housing and everything in between. Keynote speakers keep chamber members abreast of the latest trends, innovations, and industry news. Leadership Victor Valley This interactive program provides a behind-the-scenes view of the issues that impact the region s economic prosperity and quality of life while developing and refining individual skills to better serve in leadership roles within their organization and in our community. Whether you are new to the community, or have lived here for years, this course can open new doors of opportunity. New Members Coffee With The CEO Recent new members are asked to bring samples of their products, brochures, flyers and display them in a mini table top exhibit. Network with other members and make business connections. A special guest speaker will give tips on getting the most from your membership. JANUARY Speed Networking Legislative Roundtable FEBRUARY State of the City Address Economic Enhancement Forum MARCH An Evening Affaire APRIL State of Education Business Builder Opportunity Workshop International Discovery Program MAY Public Policy Forum Inaugural Business Recognition Awards JUNE Valley Morning Insight/ State of the Chamber Events Economic Enhancement Forum Graduation Board of Directors Planning Retreat JULY Business Showcase Expo AUGUST State of the County SEPTEMBER Kemper Campbell Ranch Mixer OCTOBER Business Builder Opportunity Workshop Roadrunner Golf Classic NOVEMBER International Discovery Program DECEMBER

3 Connection & Promotion The Chamber s member networking opportunities, publications, events, and programs are designed to help you grow your business. Watch in amazement as your business connections grow proving to be your best business management tool yet! New Member Recognition We honor our new members with a complimentary Ribbon Cutting as a way to showcase your new business. Ribbon Cutting photos are published in the next available issue of Insight Magazine, Facebook and the eblast. Your business description and contact information are also published in the Insight Magazine, as well. Our website features our member business directory, links you to vital resources and community information, and provides viewers with up-todate information, activities & events. It also affords you with another avenue to advertise your business. Valley Morning Insight Member Breakfast Each month (typically the 1st Wednesday) the member breakfast is held at the Victorville Conference Center and features guest speakers, open networking, and Chamber programs and event updates. This is the largest monthly gathering of businesses in the High Desert and boasts attendance of each month. On-screen advertising is also available at a minimal cost. Reservations are required and there is a nominal fee for breakfast. Business Showcase Expo Every July, member businesses around the Victor Valley gather at the Chamber s annual Business-to-Business Showcase Expo. The more you get out and promote your products and services, the more opportunity for business you have. This themed tradeshow provides a booth for businesses to showcase new products and services and is a fun way for vendors to see their clients as well as meet new ones. Business Briefs The Chamber s bi-monthly Insight Magazine publication features a section called Business Briefs. This is an opportunity for members to submit a press release for inclusion into our next available issue for absolutely no cost. A 50-word brief and a photo may be submitted via showcasing a new staffer, promotion, partnership, award, and more. Committee Participation Benefits of membership in the Chamber include opportunities to assist in guiding the programs and services of the Chamber. Participation in committees is also a great way to network and build a rapport with other Chamber committee members and contribute your individual ideas and experience. Lobby Display The Chamber lobby is a hotbed of local activity. Display your literature in this prominent location as a Chamber member at no cost (space permitting). Roadrunner Golf Classic Held annually in October, this popular Chamber event gives businesses an opportunity to network, promote, and compete against other local businesses in the longest-running golf tournament in the High Desert. Golfing, contests, catered awards luncheon, raffles, live auction, and plenty of advertising options to gain exposure for your company and have fun while doing it!

4 Legislative Advocacy The Victor Valley Chamber is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce 4-star Accredited chamber with a diverse and regional membership base that allows us to offer services and benefits to support both large and small businesses. Our members are a vital part of shaping the future of the Victor Valley Region. We are the voice of the business community, and together, we strive for economic vitality and an enhanced quality of life. Legislative Action Committee The Chamber s Legislative Action Committee reviews and takes a position on legislative issues that have a significant fiscal impact on the material number of its membership. The committee meets each month with representatives from the state, county, and city to study legislative issues and advocate for business. Mayor s Visits Each month, the Mayor, Chamber Chairman of the Board, and the Chamber President/CEO visit a member business for an onsite tour and to learn more about the inner workings of that business. These visits afford business owners a direct one-on-one connection to the Mayor of the city in which the business operates. Legislative Roundtables Legislative advocacy is a core benefit of the Chamber. The Legislative Action Committee works to bring our members face-to-face with our elected leaders to discuss issues facing our community. Legislative Roundtables are an opportunity for a small group of community leaders to discuss issues as they relate to our businesses and overall community. Candidate Forums Candidate forums are presented during election years and give members the opportunity to meet and listen to the platforms of candidates running for congress, county, city, and school board offices. Public Policy Forums Public Policy Forums are presented annually and address how issues such as labor & employment, taxation, the budget, health care, and education will affect doing business in the State of California. Forums feature key note speakers from various industries recognized for their expertise in the field. Online Advocacy Tools Members can visit our website at for informative advocacy tools such as an overview of federal and state bills and their status, politician voting records, sample lobbying letter formats, etc. California Chamber of Commerce Legislative Briefing Hosted by the California Chamber of Commerce, this annual forum in Sacramento gives local Chamber of Commerce leaders, board members, and legislative action committee members the opportunity to meet with peers and state policy experts to focus on priority legislative issues facing California business. The goal of this summit is to give attendees the information they need to be an active player in the legislative process, presenting the business perspective on policy issues affecting a company s bottom line.

5 Community Involvement An Evening Affaire This annual spring gala showcases the Best of the Best in the High Desert. Sample fine wine and cuisine from dozens of local restaurants while discovering the talents of local artisans and enjoying live music. Come raise your glass and toast the town while networking with business and community leaders. Many sponsorship opportunities are available to promote and advertise your business. Shop Local Shop Local program aims to increase buyer s awareness of the community benefits associated with shopping and buying local. International Discovery Program The Chamber coordinates all-inclusive group tours of a lifetime for the general public. Trips have included China, Spain, Tuscany, Switzerland, Austria, Bavaria, and the French Riviera. Two trips are scheduled annually one in spring and one in fall. If you are planning a trip abroad, please contact the Chamber. We might be planning the dream trip you ve been looking for! Foundation The Victor Valley Chamber Foundation is a 501c(3) founded in The Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for education through its outreach in the community and in local schools. Scholarships The Chamber s scholarship program looks to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors and has awarded almost 200 scholarships to date. Victor Valley Youth Leadership Program Modeled after the Leadership Victor Valley adult program, Victor Valley Youth Leadership is a pilot program. This program, made possible by a grant from Walmart, is designed to bring together local youth to learn, discuss, and explore leadership in unique and innovative ways. Dr. Gerard D. Brown Read to Me Program The Read to Me Program seeks to pair business leaders with students and share their professional experiences with them while stressing the importance of reading and literacy. Jr. Chamber Program The Chamber s partnership with Brentwood School of Business & Leadership enabled this school to receive the prestigious national Franklin Covey Leadership Award. Students also attend the Chamber s monthly membership breakfast to gain firsthand experience and insight into business etiquette, functions, and meetings. Adult Spelling Bee The Adult Spelling Bee consists of three to four adults who undertake to correctly spell given words. Organizations and businesses may sponsor or provide their own team. The winner will receive a Traveling Trophy and their entry fee will be waived the following year when they return to defend their title.

6 Membership Application Membership Investment Schedule Fair Share Formula (based on number of employees) General Memberships $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ or Corporate...$855 Individual Members $100 For those without business affiliation Annual Investment $ + $30 Administrative Fee Total Enclosed $ Referred by: Salesperson: I accept the Chamber s challenge to make the Victor Valley a better place to live and work. I understand that 98% of membership investments may be tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense (2% will be used for lobbying). Fees paid to the Chamber are not a charitable tax deduction for federal tax purposes. Membership will automatically renew each year unless resignation is given in writing. My signature authorizes the Victor Valley Chamber of Commerce to keep me informed of upcoming events and news via fax, and US Mail. The Chamber s policy does not permit release of members fax or addresses. Associate Members $100 For individuals who are associates or independent contractors of a full-dues paying member (i.e. attorneys and realtors) Non-Profit Organizations $150 Churches and Service Clubs only Administrative Fee $30 First year or reinstatement only Signature Date For Office Use Only: Computer Plaque Receipt VMI Pass Please provide us with a 30-word description of your business. New Member Annoucement There is no charge to you and this brief will be featured in the New Chamber Investors Section of the upcoming bimonthly Insight Magazine. This brief will give you exposure, while informing our membership and the community about your business. You may either write your brief below and drop off at the Chamber or it to Lisa Robinson at lrobinson@vvchamber.com Victor Valley Chamber of Commerce PHONE: (760) Green Tree Blvd., Victorville, CA