Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

I’ve had the opportunity to share the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce message to a few groups lately, which made me think it would be a good time to share it with the SNAP readers in our monthly column.

The Chamber offers volunteer opportunities, networking possibilities, help with marketing and so much more. If that’s not enough, joining the Chamber is also a great way to make a difference in the economic development of your community.

As with many things in today’s world, reasons for joining a chamber have changed over the years. However, the value of chamber membership remains a great investment and offers opportunities for you to grow your business as well as your professional network of contacts.

SCCoC strives to inform our members of what is going on in our community, as well as inform the community of what is going on with our members. The Chamber uses many ways to communicate our message and the messages of our members, including our weekly newsletter, community events page on stanlychamber.org, social media sharing and promotions. We partner with the SNAP for a monthly column and 107.3 FM and 1010 AM WSPC regularly share our chamber updates and events.

We advocate fostering partnerships and collaborations between our member businesses, as well as building partnerships as the Chamber of Commerce. Recently, SCCoC partnered with several other entities and municipalities. The city of Albemarle, Stanly County Economic Development Commission and the Stanly Community College Small Business Center worked together to host a PPP2 seminar in February. Just last week, SCCoC served on a panel discussion for the city of Locust Economic Development Workshop. We continue a close partnership with the SCC Small Business Center and the Stanly County EDC.

Within Stanly County, we have so many great organizations we want to help enhance and promote what these organizations do, and not compete with the same type of offerings.

SCCoC remains a trusted resource for referrals. Those seeking information about our community and/or planning to relocate or visit the county often reach out to SCCoC. Requests for referrals have changed over the years as well, not all are by telephone. We now get requests through email, our website and social media. The website itself serves as a referral tool with our online searchable membership directory.

SCCoC members receive benefits of their membership through chamber programs such as our First Benefits Insurance Mutual Workers Compensation program and use of the Chamber of Commerce logo for marketing. Members can also utilize advertising and marketing opportunities through SCCoC publications such as maps, directories and social media. Members can also share job openings on the chamber website and our newsletter.

Your Chamber has many programs you can get involved in as a member or an employee of a member. SCCoC members offer the Leadership Stanly program; monthly programs are planned by experts in economic development, government, public services, transportation, education and other fields. Participants gain a wealth of knowledge about Stanly County as well as building professional relationships.

SCCoC Ambassadors serve as volunteers for the Chamber at events, help retain current members and recruit new members. Chamber member companies receive value by participating in the Ambassador Program as their staff represents the member company in the greater community.

The SCCoC offers many opportunities for your business and you individually. If you want to make a difference in Stanly County, share your talents and voice to an established organization like the SCCoC. We can boost your message and your reach.

Sandy Selvy-Mullis is president and CEO of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce.