Member Benefits

10 Reasons Business Owners Should Join the Norton Area Chamber:

1. Connections – The business owners and operators you meet through the Chamber can be your clients and open doors to other companies to help grow your business.
2. Business advocates – Your ability to influence public policy on common business problems becomes greater as more voices are added to advocate on behalf of businesses like yours.
3. Credibility – Membership in a Chamber of Commerce is considered a must by the public and other businesses for your business to be taken seriously and be considered a viable player in your industry.
4. Resources – The problems you face in business are likely shared by your fellow men and women in the business community. What better way to talk through difficulties or problems in your business than discussing with those who are walking on the same path as you.
5. Intelligence – You don’t have time to stay on top of all the local, regional, and state issues which could impact your business, but that’s at the heart of what we do. We keep you informed so that you can concentrate on growing your business.
6. Training – Whether it is a lunch and learn or a seminar on improving your company’s marketing, the Chamber hosts countless programs to help you increase your skills in all aspects of your business.
7. Involvement – Consumers and business owners and operators want to do business with someone who is vested in their community.
8. Marketing – What better way to introduce your business to potential clients than through chamber-sponsored events that attract other businesses and the public.
9. Standing – When you sit on business committees and eventually advance into leadership positions, you are seen by the public and other business owners and operators as an expert in your field.
10. Giving back – When you give back to your community, you’re helping others, and that helps the business community become stronger. When the business community is vibrant and strong, the local economy is stronger, and that is good for all businesses that depend on consumers’ ability to spend in the local marketplace.

Chamber Services

The Norton Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors many events throughout the year. Questions may be directed to Donna Liddle, President/CEO, at nortoncc@ruraltel.net or by calling 785.877.2501. Some of the services the Chamber provides include business locator, ribbon cuttings, rental listings, membership information, relocation information, new resident welcome packets, and chamber gift certificates (Chamber Bucks).

Leadership Norton County

Leadership Norton County is an intensive six-month course designed to create a network of community leaders who are informed about the government, public policies, facilities and services of Norton County. Anyone residing in Norton County is eligible to attend the class. A new class starts every two years in the fall. Applications for the 2019-2020 class will be available the summer/fall of 2019.

During the six-month session (one day per month), class members are introduced to goal setting, conflict management, parliamentary procedure, leadership development, trust building, personality evaluation and public speaking. General sessions cover the topics of agriculture, rural health, education and economic development, and the class toursthe area’s government entities, businesses and facilities to gain first-hand knowledge.

For more information, contact the Chamber office at 785.877.2501 or Keith VanSkike of Twin Creeks Extension Office 785.877.5755

Event Planning

The Chamber hosts numerous events throughout the year, and Chamber businesses are allowed to participate in these events for a fraction of the cost it would be to a non-member. Participation includes advertising and promotion as well as the full benefits of participating in the event!

Referrals

Each month, hundreds of phone calls come into the Chamber of Commerce from both in-town and out-of-town individuals seeking advice on businesses to provide a specific service. If a Chamber member is available for a referral, that member will get the referral before a non-member. Just one of the many perks of being a member of your Norton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bulk Mail Permit

The Norton Area Chamber of Commerce pays the annual fee for a bulk mail permit, which could save your business THOUSANDS of dollars in mailing costs! This service is available at NO ADDITIONAL COST to members and is ONLY available for Norton Area Chamber of Commerce members. In order to use this service, please contact the Chamber Office, as there are many regulations that need to be discussed.