Chamber Benefits

A national survey by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives found that two-thirds of consumers believe chamber member companies use good business practices, are reputable, and care about their customers. Members have a 49% increase in consumer favorability, a 73% increase in consumer awareness, a 68% increase in local reputation, and an 80% increase in the likelihood consumers will patronize the business. 

Your Membership Benefits Include:

Networking

• Be part of a network of over 450 Chamber member businesses and organizations and their representatives
• Participate in 12 Business After Hours events hosted by a different business each month, free to Chamber member organization employees
• Participate in our signature events: Business Showcase, A Taste of St. Mary’s, Golf Outing, Spirits of Maryland, and other Chamber events

Advocacy

• Free Membership in the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Federation (must have 10 or fewer full-time employees to qualify) includes Maryland Chamber of Commerce membership ($750 value), weekly updates during the legislative session, discounts on state events, and access to the Members Only portion of their website
• Interacting with legislators , elected and public officials: Annual Legislative Breakfast, State of the County Luncheon, State of St. Mary’s County Public Schools Luncheon, and candidate forums during election years

Promotion Opportunities

• Free alphabetical and categorical listing on our website and our annual St. Mary’s County Community Guide, distributed widely throughout the county
• Free listing of member events on our online community calendar, news item submissions to our news blog, and  member-to-member discounts or promotional coupons
• Free social media link of choice in online business directory
• Publication of newsworthy information about your business in the Chamber Update  at no charge
• Business referrals to visitors, individuals relocating to the area, residents contacting the chamber office, and online through member directory
• Advertising in our monthly newsletter, the Chamber Update or the St. Mary’s County Community Guide (cost varies on size of ad, location, and publication)
• Advertising on the Chamber website (cost varies on type of ad and location)
• Ribbon cutting for new or expanding businesses
• Use of the Chamber logo for your organization/business website
• Offering member-to-member discounts or promotional coupons
• Becoming a Corporate Partner or Event Sponsor

Other Benefits

• Free use of Chamber conference room, based on scheduling and availability
• Participating in the Chamber’s annual overseas trip
• Opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors or Chamber committees
• Eligibility for annual Chamber Business Awards: Beacon Award (15 or fewer employees), Lighthouse Award (16 or more employees), Emerging Business Award, Community Service Award, and Business Person of the Year Award