MEMBER BENEFITS

No matter what the size or type of organization you run, we are confident the first question you ask yourself before making a financial commitment to anything is “what is the return on my investment?” The Chamber’s Board is also dedicated to this basic philosophy and is committed to giving you the best value for your membership.

As a member of your local Chamber, we are committed to helping you grow and succeed. Our staff is here to serve you and offer the following benefits to increase your exposure to our residents and visitors alike:

DIRECT REFERRALS: The Chamber only refers our member businesses and organizations. Residents, visitors, and other businesses will find out about you from our staff, whether they contact the Chamber via phone, email, online, or a visit to our office. Each year, we provide referrals to over 6,000 inquiries for everything from “who’s a plumber with emergency service?” to “is there a restaurant in town that serves perch?” and everything in between.

TOURIST INFORMATION: The Tawas area is a four season destination for thousands of tourists who swell our population, especially in the summer months. These individuals seek information and recommendations on where to stay, dine, shop, and play in the Tawas area. Additionally, our tawas.com

VISITORS GUIDE AND MEMBER DIRECTORY:Chamber Members are featured in 22,500 copies of this annual 40-page guide distributed through the Michigan MDOT Welcome Centers, area merchants, the Chamber office, and mailed directly by request.

WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA: Every member can create a customized landing page on the Chamber of Commerce website, www.tawas.com. You can add a link to your business website or social media site and take advantage of the traffic and Google Search rankings that the Chamber’s site
provides. The Chamber will also promote member business, events, and promotions on social media.

E-BLAST: Monthly email communications keep our members informed on a wide range of topics, from news affecting area businesses to membership announcements, chamber events and community activities. Members are welcome to submit events to be shared in this email as well.

DIGITAL MARQUEE: The chamber’s digital sign at our location on US-23 near the intersection at M-55 is available at special member rates to rent for certain types of announcements. Each member gets one free week to post a message. (Some limitations apply due to city and D.O.T. regulations).

VIRTUAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS: Members may sign up for an annual virtual spotlight of their business. This 5-10 minute live event is a great chance to highlight a special promotion, new management, seasonal display, etc (Once a year unless space allows for additional time).

LITERATURE DISPLAYS: All members are encouraged to display their brochures and business cards in the Chamber lobby to capture the attention of our thousands of annual walk-in visitors.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SUPPORT: The Chamber can assist you in getting your message out to the community and our membership. Just ask us how we can help you.

NETWORKING: Chamber membership offers great opportunities to network with more than 270 member colleagues. Participate in monthly Business After Hours events by either attending or hosting; attend open houses and ribbon cuttings of new businesses.

VIRTUAL/IN PERSON RIBBON CUTTING: The Chamber staff will hold an in person and virtual ribbon cutting ceremony for your business. This will be promoted on social media and local press will be invited.

JOB FAIR: Members are welcome to participate in our annual job fair; past participants have been pleased with the quantity and quality of candidates, resulting in many hires.

COMMUNITY EVENTS: The Chamber hosts and co-hosts several special events throughout the year to maintain and enhance the level of cultural activities and entertainment available to our residents and visitors. These activities attract visitors who potentially become lifelong seasonal or even permanent residents. Events include Perchville, the Amazing Perchville Race, two arts and crafts shows, and the Independence Day Celebration.

CONFERENCE ROOM: Need a place for a meeting or class? Our members have a discounted rate and priority access to our newly updated conference room. Wifi, smart tv, printer, restroom, coffee maker and more.

GET INVOLVED

We encourage our members to become as actively involved in the Chamber as their interest and schedule allows. From hosting networking opportunities, sponsoring community activities and events, or providing insight and leadership at the board or committee level, we value our members and believe that together we can achieve.