Helping Businesses Survive and Thrive
business, chamber of commerce, economic development,
In today’s difficult economic climate, businesses need support – the kind of expert support the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce provides.
With a thorough understanding of the local business community and the challenges of tough times, the chamber offers programs and services geared to the changing needs of businesses.
This makes membership in the organization even more valuable these days.
“This is the time to use your membership investment in the chamber to the fullest,” says Pam Von Ehr, the chamber’s membership services and marketing chief. “If you haven’t attended an after-hours mixer or participated in a sponsorship, you’re missing a business-to-business opportunity you’re not likely to get in another organization. This is a perfect time to join the chamber.”
Special initiatives in 2009 included a June seminar on identity theft, a problem chamber President/CEO Nancy Conway describes as “rampant since the downturn in the economy.”
A major benefit of membership is the chamber’s annual Business Expo, scheduled for Sept. 29 in Jamison Hall at the Factory at Franklin. Between 800 and 1,000 attended 2008’s free public event, where they learned about local businesses at more than 60 booths and other exhibits.
“It’s a unique advantage to businesses, a one-on-one marketing concept,” Conway says. “You meet people, they meet you. People see your products and services and talk to you about them, ask questions. It’s invaluable.”
The 2009 Business Expo will have a special focus on buying local, and the chamber also spreads a buy-local message through ribbon cuttings and grand-opening events organized by Chamber Ambassadors.
The Chamber’s Web site, www.williamson-franklinchamber.com, offers a wealth of information helpful to businesses and individuals alike with links to numerous resources. The site includes a directory of members, relocation information, demographics, Chamber and community events and other information about Williamson County.
The chamber also helps educate students about the importance of local business through its World of Possibilities career fair. It’s also involved in Character Under Construction, a coalition of education and business leaders working to instill in children character traits such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, perseverance, courage, cooperation, caring, fairness and citizenship.
The monthly Public Affairs Roundtable, televised and re-televised three times to the community, gives chamber members and others a chance to meet state legislators and follow important issues. Enhanced communications options – including an upgraded Web site, an electronic annual report, and a timely newsletter distributed through The Tennessean newspaper – keep the community abreast of chamber members’ achievements and activities.
The chamber’s staff of seven hard-working professionals is committed to providing the best possible service to the chamber’s growing membership, Conway says, as is a dedicated group of 75 regular volunteers who staff events, help in the office and take on other necessary tasks.
“We could simply not do all the many things we do without them,” Conway says.
Story by Laura Hill
