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Reprinted with permission
Midlands Business Journal
by Matrissa Leggett
March 25, 2011
Chambers, Business Organizers Offer Members Resources to Combat Economy
Reprinted with permission
Midlands Business Journal
by Matrissa Leggett
March 25, 2011
| Local chambers of commerce and other business associations and organizations are increasingly finding ways to help members navigate challenges from the economy. The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce has approved several new membership programs to enhance membership value, according to Bob Mundt, president and CEO. The La Vista Area Chamber of Commerce is currently exploring a partnership with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce, said Carol Maguire, chairperson of the board. |
 Brian Gilbreath, President of the Association for Corporate Growth Nebraska and Regional Director, Merrill DataSite - Omaha. |
| The Association for Corporate Growth Nebraska has more than 175 members in its first year, said President Brian Gilbreath. Buy It Local Omaha was developed in early 2009 as a nonprofit organization to connect Omaha consumers to Omaha businesses through advertising, public relations, associations and other media, said Michael Gerst, executive director and founder. Maguire said the benefits of combining the Sarpy and La Vista chambers would help the dual members reduce their membership dues and sponsorships. “Our La Vista members would benefit by increasing their networking opportunities with the larger entity,” Maguire said. She added that the two chambers are discussing additional networking opportunities that will add value to the members’ unique business interests. The programs now offered by the Council Bluffs Chamber include a 50 percent advertising discount through a partnership with the Daily Nonpareil as well as having select member restaurants offer discounted dining to the public the third Wednesday of each month. Other programs include Member’s Edge, a member-to-member benefit program that offers special discounts and promotional offers available only to other Council Bluffs Chamber members, and Coffee & Contacts events to enhance networking efforts. Additionally, the organization holds a Chamber Connect Luncheon to provide chamber investors the opportunity to discuss their needs, concerns and ideas with Mundt and select board members. “Attendees are by invitation only, creating an intimate group of 10 to 12 attendees each month,” Mundt said. “This allows everyone in attendance the opportunity to engage with the board and their peers. It also creates a wonderful opportunity for chamber investors to make more personal connections with one another.” ACG Nebraska exists to allow professional dealmakers to speak with peers and associates to learn from one another, mixing networking and educational experiences, according to Gilbreath. The group serves as a voice for business to those considering relocation or expansion to Omaha, he explained. “We believe our activities provide members with a sense of community in the real world and help with strategic business decisions,” Gilbreath said. “We provide relevant and timely presentations by respected business leaders on their experiences in expanding their company through mergers, acquisitions and organic growth.” In addition to receiving programs and forums delivered at the local level, members of ACG benefit from archives of information on best practices in corporate growth and deal making through its online library and reference materials. Each member receives the monthly official publication of the ACG “Mergers and Acquisitions” that contains timely articles and details about the people and events that are shaping the economy. Members are also able to draw on the resources of the other 54 chapters throughout the world, Gilbreath said. According to Gerst, BILO’s purpose within the community is to educate Omahans about how spending a larger share of dollars with local merchants. This, in turn, will keep more dollars in the Omaha area, resulting in a stronger local economy and community for residents, he said. Memberships are available at various levels to attend meetings and be listed on the www.buyitlocalomaha.org site. These memberships can be upgraded to offer such benefits as video campaigns, additional means of advertising and listings on social media sites depending on the level purchased, Gerst noted. BILO members meet the third Thursday of each month and listen to featured speakers. Gerst said that so far, the organization has created additional business among member companies. “It helps others in the group grow,” Gerst said. “Gerst added that once the organization has boosted its membership it will be able to connect with the public outside its membership to encourage people to work with local businesses. |
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