The most common questions I hear from potential chamber of commerce members are, what is a chamber and what is the benefit to being a member of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (BVRCC).
A chamber of commerce is an organization of businesses seeking to further their combined interests, while advancing their community, region or state. Business owners in towns and cities form these networks to advocate on behalf of the community, economic prosperity and business interests.
Being a member of the BVRCC provides an ample amount of networking opportunities, from our monthly luncheons to our annual dinner, as well as our Business After Hours events.
The chamber provides members with marketing opportunities, such as ribbon cuttings for new businesses, remodels or anniversaries. We also 'high five' members by showcasing their business in our weekly newsletter. The chamber also offers a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities. By doing this, your business is showcased in publicity before and during an event.
Other benefits include the chamber energy program, credit reporting and insurance options.
In the upcoming months we will host our annual job fair in conjunction with PA CareerLink, our annual career symposium and golf tournament. This month, the BVRCC will host a luncheon at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), which is being sponsored by KPI Technology and the AOAA. The chamber will also be assisting in the formation of our area's first-ever Young Professionals Association.
If you are interested in joining the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, contact me at 570-648-4675, or go to our website at www.brushvalleychamber.com for more information.
(Whitney Fetterman is executive director of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. Contact her via email at wfetterman@censop.com. "Your Chamber" is published on the first Sunday of each month.)