10 REASONS to join the Chamber
248 Wilton Road, Farmington, ME 04938
207-778-4215 | franklincountymaine.org
the Franklin County
Chamber of Commerce
network
Relationship building is the key to any business success. Through involvement in Chamber events, trainings, programs,
and other opportunities, we provide a variety of environments in which to network with a myriad of other local area
stakeholders. Your Chamber membership will serve as the catalyst to foster your connections to the community and the
larger business world, making this the foremost benefit of membership. Events include the Home & Leisure Show, Business
After Hours, the Business Breakfast Series, the End of Summer Hoorah, golf tournament, area festivals, and more.
Promote
The Chamber offers numerous effective, low-cost opportunities to advertise. Members may choose to place an ad in the Area
Welcome Guide and on the FCCOC website at discounted rates, list specials and coupons for members only while participating
in the ‘Chamber Advantage’ program, and there are many occasions to sponsor events as well. However, we include all member
businesses in a complimentary listing in our local area guide and our on-line directory, equipped with links to member web sites.
Grow
From business start-up to expansion, the Chamber is here to meet your needs. Members enjoy access to the member database,
are eligible for discounted fees for events and seminars, and are entitled to the use of our Welcome Center meeting space.
Let us help you grow your organization and knowledge of our community- all while attracting more local business and having a
variety of resources available to you. All you need to do is get involved to realize the full potential of your membership.
Support
As a member of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, your business automatically becomes an affiliate of the Maine State
and US Chambers of Commerce, opening your business up to a variety of discounted services. Chamber BlueOptions health
plans are available to self-employed individuals and small businesses with 2-50 employees.
Advocate
Through the Chamber’s Legislative Committee, it serves as the collective voice of its membership in both local and state
government affairs. FCCOC focuses on areas of policy that are integral to the economic vitality of its region. We’ll work to keep
you informed about the issues, and will provide our membership with opportunities to offer feedback regarding the topics you
see as influential in achieving a healthy business climate.
Referrals
Annually, the Chamber fields thousands of requests from callers and visitors seeking information about local goods and services,
in addition to area attractions. The Chamber exists to promote its members and their services; therefore it is our policy to provide
referrals to members only. Both our locations provide a highly visible area for members to display business cards and brochures,
as well as the new 24 hour kiosk available at our popular Welcome Center in Farmington!
Recognition
Your Chamber acknowledges its membership and their accomplishments, and does so formally at the Annual Dinner with the
distribution of a variety of well-earned awards, ranging from volunteer service to small business of the year.
Visibility
Leadership in a Chamber of Commerce raises your visibility and credibility in the community. You will have the option to conduct
a workshop, serve on a committee, sponsor an event or program series, submit an article for the newsletter, or get involved in one
of many networking events. When you have news to share, we can help spread the word.
Credibility
Being a member of the FCCOC lets people know that your organization is committed to the stability and vitality of Franklin
County. Each member receives a decal which you are encouraged to display at your place of business. This serves as a ‘seal of
approval’ to those looking to do business at your establishment. It sends your customer the message that your company is
reputable and involved in promoting the local business community.
Sustainability
Being able to survive the hardships of the recent recession has shown us the need for strategies that are effective, efficient, and
sustainable. By joining the Chamber you will have access to resources that educate and enhance your own knowledge, and ensure
that your business is prepared for any challenge.
how TO JOIN
the Chamber
how TO use
your membership
2. Familiarize yourself with the events and information about our local Chamber. Ask yourself how your business
could benefit from being a member, and how the Chamber could benefit from having your business as a member.
3. Attend one of the gatherings hosted by the FCCOC. Familiarize yourself with our meeting structure and
discussion topics. Stay and talk with other members after the meeting to find out ways you can become involved.
4. Stop by our office, or call to make an appointment to meet with the Director. Ask any questions you may have
about our programs, or offer feedback about what you are looking to achieve through your relationship with the
Chamber. Come prepared! Present key information about your business- What do you do? Who is your key
audience? This will allow the team at FCCOC to better understand how we can work together to meet your needs.
5. Now that you’re ready to join, it’s just a matter of filling out the application. Once completed, you can begin
enjoying the many advantages of membership. Thanks, and we look forward to welcoming you to the family!
1. Visit franklincountymaine.org and check out the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce (FCCOC)
news and events bulletins, our programs and benefits, and view our current membership directory.ss as a member.
3. Another benefit of joining the FCCOC is that you’ll receive a master directory of members and their contact
information. This is handy if you want to approach particular members who might be interested in collaborating on
a joint venture or a co-marketing arrangement with you. Look for businesses that are complimentary with what
you’re offering and see if you can work out a plan for mutual promotion. Then, get in touch!
4. FCCOC also offers an inviting free conference space where you can host your own business meetings. If you run
a small business out of your home, this gives your business a more professional look. Simply give us a call or contact
us via email for a ‘Space Agreement’ form.
5. Some other benefits of membership include the opportunity to get health insurance at a discount, access to
a variety of small business resources to help you succeed, and free membership to the Maine and U.S. Chambers
of Commerce which offer a host of additional opportunities!
1. People do business with people they know! The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce (FCCOC) holds regular
Business After Hours meetings where members can network. You’ll be able to make new contacts, exchange business
cards and promote your products in a relaxing environment to other community stakeholders. We will be
implementing some creative and engaging new strategies to insure meetings are heavily attended and give you an
invaluable opportunity to interact with other entrepreneurs. 2. Check the calendar and mark which After Hours you’re able to attend. These events are already being scheduled
through 2013! Set a goal to make it to at least a few throughout the year and save the dates. Can’t make it?
Send a representative! When you attend these meetings, plan to bring along an ample supply of business cards and
literature to share with other interested business owners, and be prepared to describe your product(s) and/or
service(s). Let people know how you can help them achieve thier own business and personal goals.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
