Membership Application Package Proud member of:
1 What is a Chamber of Commerce? A Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesspeople who have joined together to promote the civic, commercial and industrial interests in the community. What do we do? The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce (HHCC) was originally created in 1936 to fulfill a need for tourism information. The organization was reformed in 1964 as a Chamber of Commerce to better serve the business needs in the County. There are three primary functions of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce: 1. Lobby Government (municipally, provincially & federally) for changes that positively affect business. As a member of both the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, HHCC is able to bring local business concerns to the provincial and federal stage. HHCC also has a working relationship with municipal councils, MP and MPP in Haliburton County to address local business concerns. 2. Provide Member Services (value-added programs). Providing specific services to its members to support and promote businesses. 3. Facilitate Networking and Cross Selling. How is the Chamber funded? The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is a registered not-for-profit and is not associated with any government agency or program. Funds are generated through membership dues, Chamber Breakfasts, the Business & Community Achievement Awards, and other Chamber events.
Our Vision The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce wants to see every business in Haliburton County a thriving, successful venture year round, bringing wealth and prosperity to both the business community and its people. 2 Our Mission The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is a member-based business organization committed to advocating for and serving the needs and interests of our members and providing a strong voice for the economic vitality of our community. There s Real Value to Being a Member Care Custom fit benefits through the Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Discounted business solutions Connect Networking Breakfasts Business After Hours Business & Community Achievement Awards Promote Chamber website listing Discounted advertising & marketing options Referrals Support Lobbying for good government and sound legislation around small business issues Business consultation and support Workshops and training sessions
Benefits of Membership 3 Merchant Services Discounted credit card processing services, e-commerce, wired & wireless terminals, mobile pay, gift card and cheque guarantee solutions. First Data will beat your current rates. Free Online Training Unlimited access to 25 free online courses for you and your employees. Available online 24/7. Address the skills shortage and training needs of your small business. Employee Benefits Group Insurance Chamber Member group dental, life, medical and disability insurance for even the smallest companies from 1 employee and up. Call 705-457-5349 Online Marketing Tools SAVE up to a 25% discount for Chamber members even if you are already using Constant Contact to communicate with your customers and clients. Business Directory Make the most of your business listing in our searchable online directory. Ask how to increase your profile through website advertising. E-Newsletter Our regular newsletter is jam-packed with news from the Chamber, government policy developments and updates from fellow Chamber members, and arrives in over 700 inboxes. Additional benefits include conferencing services, and discounts on shipping, office and technology products. Find the full list and details at www.haliburtonchamber.com or contact us for more details. Member Logo Members are using the Proud Member badge in their store window, on their website, or in their email signature to share their membership status.
Membership Application By filling out this application, you are agreeing to the HHCC Members Code of Conduct. Thank you for your interest in the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce, we look forward to having you as a member! If you have any questions while filling out the application, please contact Autumn Wilson, Manager at (705) 457-4700. NAME OF BUSINESS: OWNER: CHAMBER CONTACT: NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: FISCAL YEAR-END: BUSINESS REGISTRATION NO: BUSINESS CLASIFICATION: PHYSICAL LOCATION: MAILING ADDRESS: PHONE: FAX: EMAIL: WEBSITE: Yes, I would like to receive emails from the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce. Please select all that apply: Newsletter & eblasts Please indicate if you are a member of the following: Arts Council Haliburton BIA Rotary Club Haliburton/Minden Lions Club Home Builders Association Algonquin Gateway Business Association Minden Business Association Other Chamber (Name: ) How did you hear about the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce? Chamber Rep Chamber Event Board of Directors Media Member Referral HCDC Referral Areas of interest: Advocacy Updates Member Benefits Advocacy & Public Affairs Group Health Insurance Events Networking Opportunities First Data Merchant Services Workshops & Seminars Chamber Website Directory Advertising & Marketing Referrals Members Only Info
TWO BUSINESS REFERENCES 1. Name: Business: Phone Number: Email: Relation/Association to applicant: 2. Name: Business: Phone Number: Email: Relation/Association to applicant: Payment Options We accept cash, cheque, VISA, MasterCard, or electronic transfers. Please make cheques payable to Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce Card Number: Expiry Date: Cardholder Name: Signature: I/We hereby apply for membership in the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce and agree to pay the initial administration fee detailed below plus the annual membership fee, as set by the Board of Directors, until such times as my/our written registration is filed in accordance with the Bylaws of the organization. I/We understand that membership in the Chamber is conditional on the approval of this application by the Board of Directors and/or Management of the Chamber. Membership Renewal: Your membership requires annual renewal which you will receive an invoice for prior to October 1 st each year.
Membership Fees Chamber Membership is 100% tax deductible All fees are annual Basic Membership $175 Includes: Business listing on Chamber website Access to 10+ member benefits Premium Membership $295 $425 Value! Includes Basic Membership PLUS: 3 eblast ads ($115 value) 3 Newsletter ads ($105 value) 5 free Chamber Breakfasts or 1 breakfast sponsorship* ($150 value) Not-for-Profit Basic $95 Includes: Listing on Chamber website Access to 10+ member benefits Not-for-Profit Premium $175 Includes Not-for-Profit Basic PLUS: 3 eblast ads ($55 value) 2 free Chamber Breakfasts ($30 value) Second Business $120 Includes a Basic Membership. Must be the same owner of another business in good standing at HHCC Start-up Businesses and Young Professionals contact the Chamber for special rates. Sign up as a new member and hear your business announced on Moose FM! All new members are subject to a one-time $40 administration fee and will receive a public welcome in local newspapers, radio, and social media. Additional annual costs: HST and $12 OCC Annual Membership (all members subject to this fee) As a member of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce, you are eligible for a 10% discount off your annual membership dues under the Member Referral Program (see terms for details) Free Chamber Breakfasts do not include Breakfast with the Warden *Breakfast sponsorship subject to availability
CRITERION Members Code of Conduct It is important that all members of the Chamber practice ethical business practices and that they endeavour to satisfy the concerns of their customers when they are notified of the same. The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to deny membership or remove members from their roster if they do not comply with the Members Code of Conduct. Constitution All members of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce are required to abide by our Constitution. Business Classification The main product or service provided by a business or organization. This information is used for the purpose of sorting member into general classifications for our database and website. To include more detailed business information and classification information including a category and subcategory, please fill out the website information sheet included in your membership kit. Non-Profit Organizations Defined as a registered not-for-profit corporation. Second Business Membership This classification is designed to permit business owners who operate more than one business to include any subsidiary businesses as Chamber Members without paying full fees for each business. The business with the highest number of employees is designated as the Primary business and pay fees accordingly. Secondary businesses pays the Second business rate. Chambers of Commerce Cross Association Membership This membership is reserved for businesses who pay a full membership fee at a neighbouring Chamber of Commerce. Please inquire with HHCC about which neighbouring Chambers participate in this program. Proof of membership may be required before membership will be processed. Renewal of Membership In accordance with our by-laws, renewal invoices will be electronically delivered 30 days prior to renewal. They are due and payable on October 1 st every year. Membership with the Chamber of Commerce will lapse if dues are not paid within 45 days. New members joining throughout the year will be pro-rated. Administration Fee The Administration Fee is applicable to all new memberships, including Second Business Memberships. This fee will assist the Chamber of Commerce in setting up your new account, by covering the initial administrative resources needed to process the new membership. Membership Approval In accordance with our by-laws, all members of the Chamber are approved by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. Member Referral Program For every referral a current HHCC member makes that results in a new member sign up, the referring member will receive 10% off their annual membership dues to be applied to the next invoice. A maximum of 20% can be applied per membership year. If a member provides more than 2 successful referrals, the discount may be carried forward to future membership invoices. The member must inform Chamber staff of the renewal before the new business signs up.
Website Directory Listing Information Please provide the public contact information for your business or organization as you d like it to appear on the Chamber website at www.haliburtonchamber.com. Contact information same as 1 st page Please take business description from my website NAME OF BUSINESS: LOCATION: PHONE: FAX: TOLL FREE: EMAIL: WEBSITE: FACEBOOK PAGE: facebook.com/ TWITTER PROFILE: www.twitter.com/ LINKED IN PROFILE: www.linkedin.com/ BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Please send a high res copy of your business logo to admin@haliburtonchamber.com upon submitting your application.
4 Who is your Chamber? Autumn Wilson Manager T: 705-457-4700 ext. 24 C: 705-854-0593 autumn@haliburtonchamber.com Kathy Martin Administrative Assistant T: 705-457-4700 ext. 23 admin@haliburtonchamber.com 2017/2018 Volunteer Board Executive Richard Wannan, President Linda Baumgartner, 1 st Vice-President Trevor Chaulk, 2 nd Vice-President Andrea Strano, Secretary Lisa Gregorini, Treasurer Jerry Walker, Past President Directors Bram Lebo (since 2012) Glenn Evans (since 2014) Stefan Bjelis (since 2016) Luke Schell (since 2016) Greg Hebert (since 2017) Matthew Roberts (since 2017) 2017/2018 Volunteer Committees Advocacy Committee Chair Bram Lebo Networking & Special Events Committee Chair Jenny Rieger Member Services Committee Chair Andrea Strano Finance Committee Chair Lisa Gregorini Young Professionals Network Chair Heather Schmidt Gala Committee (ad hoc) Chair Dale Walker
What does being a member mean? 5 As a member of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce, you are entitled to all of the benefits and services that we provide. However, in order to make sure we are operating to your benefit, we need your input! Being a member means communicating with the Chamber board and staff to let us know about your successes and trials. We want to make sure we are promoting business successes and providing support for business challenges. Constitution & Members Code of Conduct All members of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce are required to abide by the constitution and Members Code of Conduct which is publicly available at www.haliburtonchamber.com Voting Rights As a member in good standing, you are entitled to one (1) vote at any Chamber meeting and can provide a proxy vote if necessary. Annual General Meetings are held in June and coincide with the Chamber Breakfast. Events As a member, you will have access to exclusive member networking events such as Chamber Breakfasts, workshops, and Business After Hours. Any member is invited to host any one of these events. Member Benefits All members have access to exclusive benefits such as advertising opportunities, merchant services, business solutions, health benefits, and more. You can contact Chamber staff at any time during your membership to find out how you can take advantage! Board of Directors Any member of HHCC is eligible to sit on the Board of Directors. Elections happen at the Annual General Meeting and applications must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the meeting. Directors serve a minimum of a one year term and meetings are held bi-monthly. More information and application packages are available at www.haliburtonchamber.com. Committees Members are encouraged to join any one of the Chamber s committees which include Networking & Events Committee, Advocacy Committee, and Member Services Committee.