What is the best way to recruit new members for a small town (fishing village) Chamber of Commerce?

Question

I'm in charge of recruiting this year. I've been sending out letters, but what else can I do?

Answer 1

Does the budget allow for any "perks" such as help with advertising, or a guaranteed booth in the yearly carnival or whatever?

Also, how about creating your own "March Madness" campaign? Just take out an ad in the paper that says something like, "Now is the time to take advantage of our March Madness drive for new members." Organize a get-acquainted "lunch" or "brunch" for new and potential members to meet other members and sign up. You can get some of the present members to donate food and little give-away items, give a little talk about the benefits of joining the Chamber, etc., and see what happens.

Also, organize a "Spring Carnival" of some sort, or an Art Show or whatever, have local artists pay a little something per art piece, set up and show the art, with an opening-day reception and presentation about the Chamber. Put together a judging panel for the art work, award ribbons of all kinds, set aside a deadline for the judging, present the ribbons and awards on the last day, and allow the artists to sell their work. Have a drawing or raffle, if you want--but be aware that raffles are considered gambling and may be considered in poor taste by local residents.

Approach local schools that have business classes. Have a talk in the classes about the Chamber and what it means to be a member of the local Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome any new businesses in the area with a special ribbon-cutting and picture in the paper, sponsored by the Chamber. The paper will probably go along with that, since they need stories, anyway.

Hope these ideas help.

Answer 2

This is real simple. Go and meet the business owners in your town. Ask them what the Chamber could do that would prompt them to invest/become members. Then ask them this question, "If we provide that, would you pay to become and stay a member?" If they say yes, you have a member - then you must deliver what they asked for.

Good Luck,
Dana B.