Welcome to Opportunity 304 South Main Street West Bend, Wisconsin 53095 www.wbachamber.org Phone: 262.338.2666 FAX: 262.338.1771 1/2018
Why Join? We are devoted, exclusively to the commercial, industrial and civic development of the West Bend Area. We serve as an advocate between West Bend businesses and local government for the purpose of achieving mutual goals. We organize seminars & programs to promote community awareness and civic responsibility, and sponsor events to connect businesses to one another. We hold and support continuing education programs that are designed to assist and cooperate with established area businesses. We coordinate the efforts of local business people to attract customers. We provide convention and tourism information for the West Bend community. We answer thousands of questions about West Bend and surrounding communities each year and spread the word about the benefits of relocating to, visiting or starting a business in the West Bend Area. We can help your business grow! We get involved! The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to creating opportunities for commerce and for our community. Through a variety of member benefits, we continue to work to ensure you experience value for your investment in membership. Visit our website at www.wbachamber.org to learn more! We are the voice of area businesses and the largest business organization in Washington County.
Chamber Services Increase your Business Opportunities Chamber Website www.wbachamber.org Member businesses are listed on our website featuring a dynamic searchable business directory making it easier and faster for customers and clients to find you quickly! Here, you may offer Hot Deal Coupons, advertise career postings and submit events for our online calendar. You also receive a FREE page to increase your visibility and give potential clientele the option to connect directly to your website. Exclusive Business Referrals You will receive exclusive referrals, as we give your business name and areas of expertise to visitors and residents calling the West Bend Chamber Offices for information and assistance. Relocation and Tourism Contacts Our office has contact with thousands of individuals per year. We are able to exclusively share your business with people seeking relocation information and those seeking visitor information. Over the past year, our office has handled thousands of telephone inquiries and walk-in visitors looking for local information and highlights. Education Attend seminars, workshops and programs at a members-only rate to gain knowledge from professional speakers and presenters. Leadership West Bend Increase your knowledge of the area and develop vital skills in community leadership by participating in the Leadership West Bend Program. Relationships and valuable skills forged during this nine month program will last a lifetime. Government Relations Committee The Chamber created a Government Relations Committee which is responsible for improving the West Bend area business climate by surveying, monitoring and facilitating communication between Chamber members and government officials...local, county, state and federal. Attend Legislative Updates and Candidate Forums. Benefit from Chamber involvement with WMC ~ Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, as we Advocate on your behalf.
Chamber Services continued Tuesday NewsClips Stay current with this weekly, quick-read e-newsletter, emailed Tuesday mornings to you and your employees. Send us your message, information or ad sheet before Friday and we ll include it in the next Tuesday newsletter. E-Newsletter Keep up with what s happening at the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce. Our ENewsletter is emailed to our members on a bi-monthly basis. If you have not received it, please contact our office and we will add you to the recipient list. Membership Lists Market your business directly to Chamber Member Businesses with FREE lists of Chamber Businesses. You will receive the list electronically, in the form of a spreadsheet (emails are not included) Certificates of Origin Certification of paperwork, indicating that your product originated in the United States is available at the Chamber Office. The service is FREE to members! Sponsorship Opportunities Sponsorships of events or event amenities will give you the chance to experience free advertising on our website, event signage and promotional materials. Sponsorships are intended to help cover event costs in general or specific features of an event. Premier Sponsors will be given exclusive recognition.
Advertising and Promotions West Bend City/Washington County Map Members can advertise and promote their business in full color. This free map is distributed to visitors and residents and is available in numerous locations throughout Washington County. West Bend Community Profile Promote your business, advertise your location or areas of expertise in this widely read marketing piece distributed by the Chamber, Visit Washington County, and other agencies. This colorful booklet is available for visitors and residents and is used by employers as a recruitment tool. Bi-Monthly Chamber e-newsletter Ad Advertise your Business to over 800 recipients through the Chamber s e-newsletter opportunities. The e-newsletter is emailed every other month and is also available on our website. Chamber Logo As a Member, you may use the Chamber Logo in your print advertising or promotional materials. Add credibility through Chamber Membership to your list of credentials! Chamber Photo Project Use any of over 4,000 photos from this collaborative project with the West Bend High Schools Photography Program. Add a colorful or personal touch to your print advertising and promotional items.
Advertising and Promotions continued Chamber Check Program The Chamber Check Program was created by the Chamber to create commerce in the area by keeping local money here. Redeemable only at chamber member locations, Chamber Checks are a great gift for family, friends and employees. Many companies purchase Chamber Checks for Achievement Rewards, Annual Corporate Holiday Gifts or Incentive Programs. Think of creative ways you can use Chamber Checks and support other businesses who accept them! Annual Chamber Golf Outing Chamber-Sponsored Events Join us in July for the Annual Chamber Golf Outing. Have fun with local professionals at the Premier Golf Course of the West Bend Country Club. This relaxing day of golf is played in a Scramble format. Win a Green Jacket if you are the lowest scoring team! Enjoy games within the game...stay for dinner, prizes and a live auction. Sponsor a tee or a green and showcase your business by giving out promotional items, playing games or obtaining new connections. Registration starts in May for this event.
Chamber-Sponsored Events Sporting Clay Shoot In early October we have our Sporting Clay Shoot. Join other local businesses in this unique outdoor adventure. Shooters range from novice to skilled. Experience first hand the thrill of a flurry shoot. It s a fun-filled day enjoying the outdoors and networking with your fellow business owners. This event is open to the public to offer our members the opportunity to network with a larger group of business owners. Sponsor a station and showcase your business while talking with participants. Registration starts in July for this event. five-person flurry shoot Supply Chain Connections Manufacturers and suppliers to manufacturers are welcome to join us for our Supply Chain Breakfast, 7:30 am 9 am, twice each year. We bring in speakers and state and federal officials to answer questions and create dialog on the latest regulations, concerns and benefits available to you. Reservations are needed to attend this event. Cache Ba$h Home, Sporting & Recreation Expo West Bend is the Geo-Caching Capital of the Midwest! Be a part of the fun at this Mega- Event. Volunteer at The Cache Ba$h, advertise in the event program and open your door to the 2,000+ people staying in our community for this 3-day event in mid August. It s Treasure Hunting with a GPS at its finest! In March, the Chamber and sponsors showcase local businesses in this huge Lifestyle exposition. For over 40 years, this show has entertained, informed and been visited by thousands, looking for new ideas to use for their homes and yards and inspiration for their leisure activities. Showcase your home, garden, sporting or recreation business to 2,000+ consumers as an exhibitor or event sponsor. Present an informative or fun workshop to show off your expertise! Discounted vendor space and priority placement is only available to members.
Chamber-Sponsored Events continued Ribbon Cutting & Groundbreaking Celebrate a new location, expansion or remodel with a visit from the Chamber Ambassadors. Our newsletter will spotlight the Ambassador Greeting with a photo and short description about your business. We will also work with local media to enhance your exposure. Business After Hours The fourth Wednesday of the month, 4pm - 6 p.m., hosted at a Chamber member s place of business. Enjoy food and beverages while you meet and connect with co-workers and business associates. Reservations are recommended but not required. Join us for this, no cost, casual open-house type gathering. Washington County Interactive Networking (WIN) The Chamber WIN Breakfast is a collaborative event with West Bend, Germantown and Hartford Chambers. It is held the THIRD FRIDAY of each month, 7:30am-9:00am, hosted at a member business and rotates between the three chambers. Early-risers may attend this meeting and network with other business personnel from Washington County. There is a nominal fee and reservations are required. Annual Dinner and Awards In the last quarter of the year, the Chamber recognizes Chamber Member Businesses with awards for various achievements, honors past presidents and executives of the Chamber and gives tribute to our Ambassadors, Board of Directors, our priceless volunteers and our staff. This semi-formal awards dinner is also a wonderful evening of good food and socializing with neighbors, friends and business associates. Spouses and guests are welcome at this event and reservations are required.
Chamber-Sponsored Events continued The Education Committee In partnership with the West Bend School District, have created a work based learning initiative. The Committee provides ongoing guidance for a unique program that gives students the opportunity to work part time in a career of their choice while they are still in school. In addition to learning a skill, students earn academic credits towards graduation. This program also affords employers with the ability to identify and recruit talented employees, before they enter the labor market on graduation. Munch n Mingle Munch n Mingle is from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and is hosted by an area business. Join us to network and promote your business with other local professionals, while you enjoy a catered lunch provided by a local Chamber Member Restaurant or Caterer. There is a nominal fee and reservations are required for this event. (Scheduled as needed according to calendar timetable) 2018 Chamber Board of Directors Executive Committee President: Dave Ertmer, West Bend Mutual Insurance Company President Elect: Robb Steiner, Steiner Electric Treasurer: Jenn Koehn, Koehn & Koehn Jewelers Past President: Steve Kilian, Jr., Kilian Management Services Directors Kirk Emerich, Westbury Bank; Allen Ericson, St. Joseph s Hospital; Nick Fink, In the Nick of Time Moving, Chris Gurrie, Hampton Inn & Suites, Dave Hagemeier, Supercuts; Andrew Niebler, Schloemer Law Firm, S.C.; Naomi Paz, BMO Harris Bank;Nicole Pretre, Cedar Community; Amy Schmoldt, Commerce State Bank; Randy Weber, Daco Precision-Tool Associate Directors Mayor Kraig Sadownikow, City of West Bend County Administrator Joshua Schoemann, Washington County West Bend Area Chamber Staff Craig Farrell, Executive Director, craig@wbachamber.org Cheryl Plankey, Office Manager, cheryl@wbachamber.org Debbie Santopoalo, Finance/Member Services, debbie@wbachamber.org Jill Nothem, Events/Member Devel. Coor., jill@wbachamber.org