Promoting Blue Water Area businesses by providing Advocacy, Education and Assistance. Governance Committee Timothy Lozen, Chair Lozen, Kovar & Lozen, PC William Miskell, Chair Elect Change Your Mind Bridget Sholtis, Treasurer Port Huron Hospital Chris Fulks, Officer St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Tamara Czarnecki Fifth Third Bank Aaron Hulett Michigan Mutual Scott Shigley RadioFirst Thelma Castillo, Secretary Blue Water Area Chamber Directors Kimberly Appel McMorran Place Steve Armstrong Northstar Bank Scott Bradley Blue Water Secure Shredding Laura Cottengim St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Scott Crawford SCC Council on Aging, Inc. Bobbie Fisher Talmer Bank & Trust Jim Hollenbeck Blue Moon Abatement Al Jones Comfort Keepers Home Care Trista Bourdeau Kolcz Al Bourdeau Insurance Agency Andrew Paul Quality Computer Solutions Michael Turnbull Stewart, Beauvais & Whipple Maria Webb Keller Williams Realty, LLC Ernest Werth Blue Water Habitat for Humanity Jay Wofford Eastern Michigan Bank Scott Worden Worden Insurance Staff Thelma Castillo President & CEO Danielle L. Warren Membership & Marketing Administrator Dear Business Owner, The name recognition of the Chamber of Commerce in any community causes it to be the first agency called upon for information pertaining to business, events and general community information. Since 1917, the Chamber of Commerce has provided encouragement and promotion of trade, commerce and civic betterment throughout the Blue Water area. Our mission is to advocate for our membership regarding federal, state and local issues that affect business and our quality of life, educate businesses to help them grow, and assist businesses through guidance, mentorship and programs focused on business growth and development. Today, our Chamber is comprised of almost 500 area businesses, 80 volunteers serving on various Chamber committees and a 22-member Board of Directors representing a variety of industries in the Blue Water Area. We are united with a common vision to work in partnership to strengthen and enhance our business community and quality of life. Please review the membership packet and don t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We look forwarding to adding your business to our preferred business list! You re Partners in Business, Thelma Castillo President Tim Lozen Board of Directors Chair
Member Testimonials The Public Affairs Committee of the Chamber does an excellent job of communicating with the membership about business and political issues affecting us. The Chamber is a tireless advocate for issues affecting business in St. Clair County, especially those involving improving the business climate. - Ed Brooks, President Huron Automatic Screw Co.; St. Clair Twp, MI Volunteering at the chamber has been a great way to meet and build relationships with local business leaders. I also enjoy the opportunity to share best practices with other business professionals. - Dave Brandt "The Chamber definitely has more to offer than a plaque on the wall and a name in a directory. Members can benefit through educational seminars, advocacy, assistance programs, networking, promotions, advertising, collaboration, community information and politics. I highly recommend chamber membership to any business." - Chris Fulks, Controller St. Joseph Mercy Port Huron; Port Huron, MI "Joining the Chamber was the best networking decision, the best social move, the best financial investment, and by far the very best marketing move we ve made. Chamber membership has given our business wide exposure and an unbelievable kick-start. The Chamber staff and all the members have welcomed us whole-heartedly. THANK YOU, Chamber!" - William Miskell, Ph.D., Psychologist Right Brain Engineering; Port Huron, MI Chambers are the connectors, conveners and change agents for communities. The chamber is a vital organization that networks businesses of all sizes and types, develops relationships with all the community stakeholders including residents, government, and non-profits, and drives the vision for community and economic growth. - Bob Thomas, CAE Sr. Director of Operations, Michigan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Michigan Chamber Foundation Director, Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals "We do not directly sell anything. Instead, we manufacture the product and then ship it to converting operations. We belong to the Chamber to support the community and so our employees know we are supporting the community in which they work and live. The Chamber is also a great resource when we are trying to attract new hires to the Port Huron area." - Rhonda Bacyinski
Membership Tiers Supporting a sustainable business environment by providing Advocacy, Education and Assistance Entrepreneur Not available for businesses with more than 10 employees Certificate of Membership at each renewal New Member Orientation Luncheon; New Member Welcome Bag Online Business Directory listing: one category Subscription to weekly Chamber NewsBrief Exclusive Front Desk referrals and tracking reports Printed listing in annual Business Guide Free educational webinars, seminars, and Lunch & Learns Display brochures & business cards in Business Resource Center Free monthly Business After 5 social networking mixers Discounted member rates to Chamber events (when applicable) Free classified ad and job postings in NewsBrief Online member-to-member discount / coupon program Free BEAT business mentor and consultation services Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies and free How to planning guide Free use of Chamber conference room (wireless access) Opportunity to work with key business leaders on the Board Free posting access on Chamber social media pages Invitation to round table discussions with State Representatives Be heard through e-surveys on key business issues Access to all Chamber committees and groups: Public Affairs Committee (PAC): Advocacy Business Education / Leadership Committee (BEC): Staff Development Business Assistance Committee (BAC, BEAT): Mentorship Blue Water Ambassadors Committee (BWA): Welcome Wagon Outreach Annual Golf FUNdraising Committee: Golf Outing Member Networking Group: Referral Group Member promotion on our free mobile website is included! www.bluewaterchamber.com/mobile Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ BlueWaterChamber Follow us on Twitter! twitter.com/bwchamber Display the Proud Member logo on all marketing items, website, social media sites, and office window Join the two-time award winning Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and give your business a RAISE: Referrals, Advocacy, Information, Support, and Exposure! * Member benefits are subject to change. Professional Preferred Not available for businesses with more than 50 employees Includes Entrepreneur benefits plus: Certificate of Membership with frame at each renewal Marketing Package including: ⅛ page ad (or business card) in Current NewsBrief (single issue) Upgraded online directory listing Business Beat Sponsorship for one month (radio promotion) Special recognition in current NewsBrief upon joining or renewal Eligible for display advertising in lobby marquee Free processing for Certificates of Origin Business Premier Not available for businesses with more than 100 employees Includes Professional Preferred benefits plus: Membership Plaque for Business Premier status Upgraded Marketing Package including: ¼ page ad in the current NewsBrief (single issue) Further online directory listing upgrade Online Business Directory listing: two categories Chamber representation at government meetings on local, state and federal levels as needed for your business Be featured as the Business Spotlight in current NewsBrief and on our website (upon submission of brief business bio) Includes two tickets to business education seminar of your choice Corporate Platinum Includes Business Premier benefits plus: Membership plaque for Corporate Platinum status Additional Marketing Package upgrade including: ½ page ad in the current NewsBrief (single issue) Enhanced Directory Listing in both online and printed directories Up to five category listings in all business directories Spotlight ad in chamber business information marquee One full table (8 attendees) to annual PAC event of your choice Affinity Partners Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce 512 McMorran Boulevard Port Huron MI 48060 Phone: 810.985.7101 Fax: 810.985.7311 www.bluewaterchamber.com info@bluewaterchamber.com
Marketing Opportunities Chamber members get exclusive access to marketing channels that help make their business competitive in our region. Many of our marketing opportunities are available on an à la carte basis. We recommend contacting the Chamber for help with selecting the marketing mix best suited for your business. Opportunities available to our members include: Radio Marketing President s Business Beat Spotlight Sponsorship on 102.3 WGRT Event Partner Marketing Possibilities Partnership opportunities are available for a variety of events with an array of budgetfriendly price levels Logo on all event communications for sponsors Logo / banner on event website and in community calendar Speaking opportunity at events and roundtable discussions Apparel / other promotional items for large events Web Marketing Searchable Business Directory (on desktop & mobile sites) Social Media Publicity Member-to-Public and Member-to-Member Discounts (on desktop & mobile sites) Weekly NewsBrief Advertising and Member News Announcements Enhanced Directory Listing Banner Advertising (desktop & mobile sites) Print Marketing Business Guide * Business Cards and Brochures display in the Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center lobby Relocation Packets Spotlight Promotion in the Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center lobby New Member Welcome Bags Promotional items (delivered to all new Chamber business members to share with their staff;10+ per month) Press Releases The Chamber can help you learn more about the many ways you can reach your audience and promote your business. Call or email the Chamber today at (810) 985-7101 or info@bluewaterchamber.com for a free consultation. * 10,000 copies distributed annually; in addition to thousands of views per month on the Chamber s websites.