What can you do for Your Chamber?

Last week at the Shining Stars Banquet, I got a chance to see some of the best of Malden, and how a Chamber can serve its community.  This was helpful because, when I arrived here, I had never run a Chamber of Commerce, and, to be perfectly frank, I was not so sure what, exactly a Chamber of Commerce did.  Since arriving, I have learned a good deal, from both member feedback as well as observing other Chambers.  What is interesting, is that there is no standard, universal Chamber of Commerce Mission.  Chambers vary throughout the country on services and functions.  Even more interesting is that our members are not of one mind as far as what they want from the Chamber.  Some members like one service, but do not value others, and vice versa.  Hence, all of our current services seem to benefit some members.

The question then is, what more can we do to increase our value to members?  The answer is, it is up to you.  What I mean is that Chambers of Commerce are owned, governed, and funded by their membership.  The members determine and control what each Chamber does.  If you want to get involved, join a Board committee.  If you want to serve on the Board, ask other members to nominate you for the Board.

I work for you.  If we are to improve, I need your feedback.  I need to hear what we are not doing that we should, and what we need to do more or less of.  So, tell me what you want by either filling out the survey on our website or contact me by phone [781 322 4500] or email (tcoates@maldenchamber.org).  Better yet, stop by our office for a cup of coffee.

Ted Coates

June 2009

Business After Hours Pass reduced to $25

A BAH Annual Pass entitles you to unlimited entry to all Business After Hours events sponsored by the Malden Chamber as well as Business Card Exchanges co-sponsored with other area Chambers in calendar year 2010.  The potential value of this pass is well over $100, as the one-time charge for members attending these events is $10-$15.   Passes are available only to Chamber members. Contact the Chamber for more information

Buy a special pass for all Chamber events: $45!

What does the Chamber do for me?

Good question.  As a small business in a tough economy, chamber membership may seem like an expense you don’t need.  Chambers of Commerce provide four types of  services and functions to support their members:

  • Networking opportunities.
  • Promotion through advertising and referrals.
  • Development through access to business services, education, and information.
  • Advocacy to government authorities and the community at large.

We believe we are meeting these needs, but we need to hear from you how we can do better.  There is a Two-Minute Survey posted on our website.  Please take two minutes to fill this out, and return it to us, so we can continually improve our services to you.

In the interim, we want to invite you to a FREE All-Member Get-Together.  This will be a chance for Chamber members to meet and mingle.  This will be held from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, Tuesday June 9th at Anthony’s of Malden.  Please plan on coming, especially if you haven’t attended a Chamber event recently.  Also, don’t forget our upcoming Annual Awards Banquet on May 14th.  Call us if you need to make a reservation.

We are once again offering onsite business counseling from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).  This is a free service for business owners and those thinking of starting a business.

Call us for an appointment.

Civic Duty

A caller hung up on me the other day.  They wanted me, as Director of the Chamber to “Do Something!” about a local business (not a Chamber member) they felt was not treating customers well.  I offered several options that they, as a customer, could pursue.  However, they wanted me to take the lead.  This was not the first time.  People regularly call the Chamber wanting us to take action on any number of issues ranging from trash and crime to library services.  These types of calls raise the question, “Are we our neighbor’s keeper?”  Is there more I could do?  What responsibility do each of us have to the community where we live and work?

It is easy to pass off issues like this by saying, “That’s not my job.”  However, if a town or city is to be more than simply an area where people live in proximity, there must be a commitment to community.  Building that requires those within the community to exercise their civic duty, to go “Above and Beyond” what is simply expected.   There are people in the Malden Community who do this all the time.  The Chamber recognizes a few each year with “Shining Stars awards”.   Thanks to all of them as well as many others who make Malden a great community.

–Ted Coates

Malden Chamber of Commerce • 200 Pleasant St. • Malden, MA 02148 • (781) 322-4500 • info@maldenchamber.org