Member Benefits

The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce members who get "the most for their money" are the ones who:

  • Take advantage of Chamber services
  • Actively participate in Chamber programs
  • Tell everyone that they are a Chamber member

Joining The Chamber and maintaining your membership could be one of the smartest business decisions you'll ever make. For a complete booklet of member benefits and an application, call Lisa Cothran at (731) 423-2200 or send an e-mail. Prospective members can also find additional information by downloading a copy of the Membership Guide.

Here are just some of the benefits of membership:

MARKETING/ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

 

Free listing in The Chamber’s online membership directory at www.jacksontn.com. In 2008, the site received 74,443 hits. Nearly 60,000 of those were new visitors.

Free listing in The Chamber’s annual printed membership directory.

Each year 2,500 copies of The Chamber's directory are produced. The directory lists members alphabetically and by category. For more information, please contact Lisa Cothran at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Business referrals from The Chamber’s Website and staff.

Free subscriptions to The Chamber’s weekly e-newsletter, Chamber Highlights, and monthly e-zine, Chamber Connection.

New members are listed in the two publications listed above, as well as The Chamber's insert in The Jackson Sun.

New members receive a Chamber plaque and decal to display in their business to show Chamber affiliation.  E-plaques are available for web use.

Chamber will host a ground breaking, ribbon cutting and/or open house for a member.  The event will be publicized in Chamber Connection and The Chamber’s monthly insert in The Jackson Sun. Call Shirley Jones at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail at least three weeks in advance.

Affordable advertising rates for members to advertise in Chamber publications, including the weekly e-mail Chamber Highlights and monthly e-zine, Chamber Connection, as well as on The Chamber’s Website at www.jacksontn.com.

Newcomers' list are available for an annual fee of $30. Approximately 24 names/addresses per month. For additional information, contact Denise Perry at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Jackson Magazine is a four-color, glossy magazine, with a circulation of 7,500 and a one-year shelf life, is filled with interesting articles and information about Jackson. It is given to newcomers to Jackson, Chamber business prospects and to all Chamber member businesses. Addtionally, it is distributed in local hotels, medical offices and by realtors. For more information about advertising in this publication, please contact Ashley Anthony at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

City maps highlight our area and are published periodically by The Chamber. Only members may advertise within this map. It’s a great way to reach newcomers in the area. For more information, please contact Target Marketing at (800) 933-3909.

Specialty brochures that provide information about major employers as well as local clubs, organizations, and housing. There's also one that includes a manufacturing directory. These items are printed annually and distributed on request. For more information, please contact Denise Perry at (731) 423-2200, or e-mail.

Mailing labels are available to our members only at a cost of $100 for 1,200 labels inclusive of The Chamber's mailing list. For more information, please call (731) 423-2200

Sponsorships-The Chamber sponsors the Pinnacle Awards Gala, trade shows, Business Expo, Business After Hours, Quarterly Membership Breakfasts and more. For more information about these sponsorship opportunities, please e-mail us.

Relocation Information-Each year, The Chamber distributes more than 500 relocation packets that include real estate and school information. For more information, contact Denise Perry at (731) 423-2200, or send an e-mail.

BIENNIAL OPPORTUNITIES

 

Business Expo-This small business expo, held every other year, is an excellent opportunity to network with the community and other Chamber members by showcasing area businesses. The next show is scheduled for fall 2010 and sponsorships are available. For more information, contact Beth Parnell at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Manufacturers Industrial Resource Show-The next show will be held in May 2010 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Nearly 200 booths are on display with exhibits from industrial suppliers from a multi-state region. Approximately 2,000 attendees visit this biennial show. For more information, visit  www.TNIndustrialShow.com or contact Mandy White at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

 

B for Business-Monthly networking and information session for small businesses with 1-20 employees. Held the last Thursday of each month, the event is a program of The Chamber's West Tennessee Business Resource Center and is limited to Chamber members. For additional information, contact Judy Renshaw at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Business After Hours-Attended by over 150 each month, Business After Hours is one of The Chamber's largest networking events. Make connections with potential clients in a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by refreshments and door prizes. Sponsorships are available each month. For more information, contact Shirley Jones at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Quarterly Membership Breakfast-Members enjoy breakfast with their peers and an opportunity to network with other business and community leaders.  Program content covers topics of interest to the business community.  Approximated. 100-120 are in attendance each quarter. For additional information or for sponsorship questions, contact Beth Parnell at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Member Orientation-Held quarterly for new and existing members to learn about the benefits of their Chamber membership and the opportunities available. This free quarterly event includes a light breakfast and begins at 8:30 a.m. at The Chamber office. For more information, contact Lisa Cothran at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Women in Business Luncheon-Local business women come together each quarter to lunch and learn as part of the Women in Business Luncheon series. Held at various locations in Jackson, this event provides women the opportunity to network, hear speakers and enjoy a wonderful lunch. To register, become a sponsor or to donate door prizes, contact Beth Parnell at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

PROGRAMS/EVENTS

 

Leadership Jackson-A Chamber-sponsored program for members only, Leadership Jackson prepares 30 business people for future leadership roles in the community through education and awareness. For more information, contact Judy Renshaw at (731) 423-2200 or send an e-mail.

Leadership University-A Chamber-sponsored program for high school juniors – in both public and private schools. Leadership University prepares students for involvement in the community and helps to hone leadership skills in about 35 high school students each year. Through interactive programming, Leadership University teaches about all aspects of living in Jackson-Madison County and prepares participants for such things as job interviews and servant leadership. For more information, contact Judy Renshaw at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Minority & Small Business Development-Program partners with the Jackson Energy Authority for certification, seminars and a directory. For more information, contact Mandy White at (731) 423-2200, or e-mail.

Pinnacle Awards-This annual event, attended by more than 400 community members, is held to honor local businesses who have reached the pinnacle of success. Nominated by their peers, these businesses compete in areas of customer service excellence, history and growth, employee satisfaction and community service. Selections are made by an out-of-town panel, and the awards gala is always held in early March. Sponsorships are availabe. For additional information, contact Beth Parnell at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

CapitolTALK-Held each year February through April. This event provides a forum for members to meet their state senator and representatives in a town hall type setting. For more information about CapitolTALK, contact Shirley Jones at (731) 432-2200 or e-mail.

Partners in Education (PIE)-Partner with a local school to volunteer time and resources for the betterment of public education and to demonstrate community involvement. To find out more about becoming a Partner in Education, call Shirley Jones, (731) 423-2200, or e-mail.

TOOLS FOR YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION

 

Business Advocacy-The Chamber provides a strong business presence at all levels of government to protect and advance business interests. Special focus has been placed in bringing world-class standards of excellence to our school system, fostering community pride through publicity campaigns, and assisting workforce development with internal and external recruitment programs. For more information, e-mail us.

Community Resource Data-Major Employers Guide, Directory of Manufacturers & Distributors, area demographics, labor workforce data, area realtors’ guide, apartment guide, etc. For more information, call the Chamber at (731) 423-2200.

Chamber’s West Tennessee Business Resource Center-Located in The Chamber building and includes a library, business forms and computer resources, as well as the following:

    Chamber’s Small Business Counseling Service-Free counseling to existing companies and those who are interested in starting a business. For more information or to set-up an appointment, contact Brandy Stutsman at (731) 427-7900 or e-mail.

    Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC)-Provides free counseling for new and existing businesses in the areas of business plans, start-up information, how to’s, insurance issues, cash flow, marketing, and much more. Counseling by appointment only. Contact the TSBDC at (731) 424-5389 to set up an appointment.

    Managing a Successful Business Workshop - Interactive workshop beginning in mid-February. The workshop meets usually once a week in the evening and teaches participants how to run a successful business. For more information, contact Judy Renshaw at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

    Accelerated Business Ownership -One day workshop that helps business owners to elevate their skills to the next level.  Annual meeting held in the spring.

Non-Profit Executive Roundtables-Ideas for the success and growth of not-for-profit organizations. Meets monthly. Quarterly workshops for non-profits are held in conjunction with the Center for Non-Profit Management. For additional information, contact Judy Renshaw at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

     

Meeting Rooms-The Chamber offers a variety of meeting rooms that are equipped with audio/visual capabilities, kitchen and more.  Room rates vary. Rental information is availabe by contacting Tammy Boyd at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

OTHER BENEFITS

 

Tax Deductibility: Your membership investment is 97% tax deductible as a necessary business expense, not a charitable donation.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

 

Emissaries-Volunteer group that makes goodwill calls to existing members. Emissaries meet monthly. For additional information, contact Lisa Cothran at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Diplomats-Recruit new members and contact past due accounts. Diplomats meet monthly. Ffor additional information, contact Lisa Cothran at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Ambassadors (Red Coats)-Goodwill representatives of the Chamber.  Present at ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and grand openings held by Chamber members. The mandatory wearing of the “red coat” is a proud distinction of the Ambassadors. For more information, contact Shirley Jones at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

Committees-Serve on various committees for special events. For additional information about different committees, call (731) 423-2200 or e-mail.

WHY SHOULD I BE A CHAMBER MEMBER?

 

  • Because I have a business stake in this community that can best be safeguarded by working with others through the Chamber to protect and advance all business. It is only fair for me to support the Chamber, since I reap benefits from its planning and actions.
  • Because my support yields manifold benefits, including: attraction of new industries and businesses, expansion of existing industries and businesses, improved health and safety, promotion of pro-business legislation, and community advancement.
  • Because I believe that the person who helps the community through active participation in Chamber work will develop his or her own business and broaden their community contacts.
  • Because I realize every person owes a debt to the community that cannot be paid in taxes - a debt of personal service. Through the Chamber of Commerce I can fulfill my commitment to this community.
  • Because the Chamber of Commerce cannot carry out its broad program of work to protect and advance business without the personal service and financial support of its members.
  • Because the Chamber of Commerce unifies the public spirit of my community and directs it into useful and constructive channels.
  • Because the Chamber of Commerce helps formulate and express sound opinions on important issues that affect the welfare of my community.
  • Because organized business, functioning through the Chamber of Commerce, can be a highly effective, constructive influence for community betterment.
  • When a business becomes a Chamber member, so do all its employees who may take advantage of nearly every benefit extended to the business

Interested? Call us at (731) 423-2200 or e-mail us today.

DID YOU KNOW?

 

30 percent of West Tennessee's workforce join Jackson’s population each day from surrounding counties

74,443-Number of hits to The Chamber’s website in 2008

5,256-Number of direct referrals Chamber staff provides for member businesses in a single month through phone, in-person or online inquires from the general public

80% -Percent of membership with 25 or less employees

A recent national study revealed that consumers are 63 percent more likely to purchase goods/services from a small business that is a member of its local Chamber of Commerce than from a non-member business.

A recent Chamber membership survey revealed the following:

    86.8% see Chamber membership as important to their ongoing business.

    Top service/product for their company-Networking opportunities, followed by community development.

    Primary reason for being a Chamber member-Being a good corporate citizen, followed by networking opportunities and contributing to the community.

When a business becomes a member of the Chamber, so do all of its employees who may take advantage of nearly every benefit extended to the business.