Mission Statement
"Committed to the success of the Big Lake business community through information, communication, cooperation

and support for all."

Chamber Services

o   Chamber Newsletter~ Chamber members receive our monthly newsletter with information from committees, Chamber events and business news. The "Member News" section, featuring announcements and info about member accomplishments and specials is a great way to tell our members more about YOUR business. Information on upcoming meetings and other Chamber and community events is also included. The newsletter is published electronically, and is emailed to our members and associates. A small number of printed copies are available in the office, and the newsletters are also archived here on our website.

o   Newsletter Advertising ~ Chamber members can advertise in the chamber newsletter. Your business can have a small ad in the newsletter (as space allows) at no charge or you can submit a full-page insert for only $25.00. Just provide an electronic file (jpg or pdf) of your 8.5”x11” insert by the beginning of the month.  Be sure to call the Chamber office to schedule your insert. New members are given one FREE insert so you can reach the other members with information about your business right away.

o   Website~ The Chamber website features information on Memberships, Chamber events and a public directory. There are links to our monthly newsletter, the City of Big Lake, Big Lake Township, Big Lake Schools, and more. For a small fee, you can have your company’s logo on the main page with a link to your site! Our webpage is used by members, local businesses, area residents, and visitors to find community and business information.

o   Committee and Board Member Opportunities~ We encourage members to join any of our various committees such as Expo and Big Lake Block Party.  Being a part of these committees gets your business noticed by one on one contact with other Chamber members and recognition in the local paper and at events.  We also welcome members to apply for the Board of Directors as seats become available.  These opportunities give you the ability to make a difference in your Chamber of Commerce.

o   Big Lake Expo ~ The Business Expo is held yearly in the Spring and is a highly anticipated event by both vendors and attendees. Thousands of people come to enjoy the day and see what your business has to offer. Many vendors agree that a large number of their clients have come to them because of their booth in the Big Lake Expo. Members save $120 on registration for the BLCC Business Expo and also receive membership recognition during the event!

o   Big Lake Block Party ~ A large scale community all day event held yearly in the Fall, open to anyone who would like to participate.  Strongly encouraging Big Lake to "keep it local", sponsors are welcome at every price range or just to volunteer for the day.  This has quickly become one of Big Lake's largest events. 

o   Membership Meetings- The Chamber has a regular monthly membership meeting on the last Tuesday of each month, with the exception of June, July, and December. Meetings include introductions, updates, announcements on Chamber events, news, and informational speakers.

o   Informative Speakers~ Chamber members can enjoy speakers on professional development, business and legislative information, motivation and other relevant subjects throughout the year at our monthly meetings and in special seminars. If there is a special subject that you would be interested in hearing about or presenting, please contact the Chamber office. We are always looking for fresh ideas!

o  New Member Referral Bonus~ With every new, paid member of the Chamber that you refer, we will write you a $50 check to show our appreciation!

o   Membership Directory ~ A Chamber Membership Directory is printed yearly containing a listing of all current Chamber members, complete with address, phone number and a contact person. Directory updates are provided as they are available. This is distributed ONLY to Chamber members. We encourage you to use this directory to help identify the resources available to you. When you need products or services, turn to the directory and contact your fellow Chamber members.

o   Chamber Ambassadors~ The Ambassadors are a group of BLCC members that work to welcome new businesses into the community and the Chamber. They attend events such as grand openings and ribbon cuttings, greet new businesses and invite them to become Chamber members.

o   Chamber Dollars Gift Certificates ~  The gift that always fits! Chamber Dollars are good at any members' establishment and are very easy to use. To purchase them, call or stop by our office then give them away as gifts, prizes, employee bonuses or rewards. When people bring these certificates to your business, please treat them just as you would a check and give them the full face value of the certificate.  To redeem them,  deposit the certificate in your regular bank deposit. What could be easier?

o   New Resident Bags ~ A gift to new residents in the Big Lake area containing information on our community and the surrounding area, information on our schools, and a copy of our Community Guide. We encourage any member  that would like to participate to provide flyers, brochures or promotional items to be included in the package. These can be dropped of at the Chamber office. This program allows our members the opportunity to reach new residents when they are forming new relationships with area businesses.

o   Bulk Mail ~ Chamber members are welcome to use the Chamber’s bulk mailing permit. Call the Chamber office to check availability, then stop and pick up the stamp and instructions, use it for your mailing and return the stamp to our office. It’s a real money saving idea if you have over 200 pieces for one mailing! If you have a mailing that is professionally printed, you can have the bulk mail indicia printed on the piece at the same time, saving another step.  The amount you pay for the bulk postage depends on what size is sent and where it is sent but the savings is usually substantial – up to 38%!

o   Reduced Price Copies ~ Black and white copies are available for only $.05 each and color copies for only $.07.  Give the office a call to set up a printing time.

o   Brochure & Business Card displays ~ Members are able to display flyers or brochures in the display racks in the Chamber office. We also maintain a Business Card Directory for referrals and information requests.

o   Microphone~ Chamber members are welcome to use the portable microphone system owned by the Chamber. The unit is self-contained and runs on batteries, making it convenient for any location.

 

Remember - to get the most out of your membership you must put something into it...become involved, attend meetings and events and get to know the other members so you can help each other!

Back to Membership Information

 

"Like" us on Facebook

 

E-mail: blchamber@sherbtel.net


© 2001-2005 Copyright, Big Lake Chamber, Big Lake, MN 55309