With our 2013 Theme, Connecting Business, Creating Commerce, Providing Opportunities...

Membership certainly has its priveleges

You've heard the old adage, "Membership has its privileges." As a member of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, you'll find this statement couldn't be more accurate. Through your Chamber membership, you will have the opportunity to participate in exceptional training programs, gain exposure for your business at numerous networking events, and take advantage of the many business services we provide. Other reasons to belong to our dynamic organization include community leadership and advocacy, business prestige and credibility, support and knowledge of other members, and giving back to your community.

What We Do For You

•        Work to turn members’ needs into action and solutions.

•        Work to assist you and your business with growth and expansion.

•        Bring you quality events, programs and promotions; we emphasize quality over quantity.

The advantages of joining the Chamber are both tangible and intangible, personal and professional. Below are some of the most important reasons for membership. Also included are sponsorship fees for several Chamber activities and events.

Marketing Opportunities

Advertising

•       Advertising opportunities are available monthly in the Chamber News as well as in the annual Community Guide.  Advertisements are also available on Chamber Cheque gift certificates, website links and the Welcome Home Program.   Ads are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges.  Those businesses or individuals purchasing ads are helping the Chamber continue its mission of providing high quality publications and services to the membership, local citizens and visitors to our community.

 

Community Guide, Newsletter and Chamber website listings

•       A listing in the annual Community Guide and on the Chamber’s website is included in the price of your Chamber membership.  Your business name will also be included in our list of new members published in the Chamber News.  These listings put your name in front of hundreds of potential client/customers as well as documents your support of the Chamber and its mission.

 

Ribbon Cuttings/Grand Openings or Re-openings

•       Showcase your business!  This is your opportunity to showcase the niche you’ve carved for yourself in the business community, introduce the membership and the community to a newly remodeled or expanded facility, or celebrate a milestone such as an anniversary.  These events, sponsored primarily by the Chamber Ambassadors, can be as simple or elaborate as you desire, but above all, they are one simple way to put your name in front of your fellow chamber members.

 

Sponsorships and Hosting

•       Put your name in front of your peers and set your business apart from the rest!  Hosting or sponsoring an event allows your business to be in the spotlight and reinforces your commitment to the Chamber and its events.  Sponsorships are available in a variety of price ranges.

•        Special Annual Events

•        Chamber Chats

•        Business After Hours

•        Membership Lunches

•        Welcome Home Program

Networking Opportunities

Open Houses

•       Hosting an open house allows you to introduce your business’ products or services to the membership and the public.  A come-and-go atmosphere, allowing individuals to experience your products or services, and refreshments all lend to an environment where networking can occur.

Ribbon Cuttings

•       Showcase your business!  This is your opportunity to showcase the niche you’ve carved for yourself in the business community, introduce the membership and the community to a newly remodeled or expanded facility, or celebrate a milestone such as an anniversary.  These events, sponsored primarily by the Chamber Ambassadors, can be as simple or elaborate as you desire, but above all, they are one simple way to put your name in front of your fellow chamber members.

Membership Lunches

•       On the last Friday of every month, January through October, the membership is invited to participate in the Chamber Membership Lunch.  A program is presented either by the Chamber or by another individual or organization geared toward helping you in your business.  This is an excellent opportunity to meet other Chamber members and learn about them and their businesses.  Lunch for members is $12.  For non-members, lunch is $17.

Weekly Chamber Chats

•       Chamber Chat is a coffee hosted by a different Chamber business every week.  The hosting business provides coffee or other refreshments and opens their business up to an informal networking event.  Business men and women get together to share information about the happenings in their places of business and the Chamber shares information about upcoming Chamber events.  This event is scheduled to last approximately 30 minutes.

Hosting or attending any of these events offers you the opportunity to network with other members from the business community.  Building a network or web of contacts can benefit you in numerous ways; you can build your clientele, become involved in professional organizations, increase your knowledge of the local business community, build partnerships, become a source of referrals for others and create revenue for your business.

Educational Opportunities

New Member Orientation

•       Once a quarter, the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce hosts an hour-long orientation session to businesses and individuals who have recently joined the Chamber.  The program is also beneficial to long-time Chamber members who want to learn more about or be reminded of the benefits that are available through their association with and membership in the Chamber. 

Eggs & Issues

•       The Chamber hosts three Legislative Forums a year, giving the membership and the public an opportunity to meet with the state senator and representatives from the western Kansas area.  These meetings are ideal for learning about the issues facing our state government during the year’s session and how they may affect you and your business.  The forums are also a good time for attendees to ask questions about legislative issues.

•       Capitol Sponsor - $1000 - Currently sponsored by AT&T. 

Community Service and Leadership Opportunities

Leadership Hays Program

•       Build your skills and capacities to become a 21^st Century Leader.  The Leadership Hays program, a product of the Kansas Community Leadership Initiative, brings a diverse group of individuals together to learn about leadership and the skills necessary to grow leadership in their homes, businesses and community.  Some of the topics addressed during the program include: thinking, working and learning styles; collaboration and consensus; team building; and servant leadership.  The Leadership Hays class meets in half-day sessions over a period of six weeks.

•       Cost - $250

 

Board of Directors

•      Every year  any individual who has a full membership or works for a business holding a full membership is eligible to apply for a position on the Chamber Board of Directors.  This group of individuals works to guide the Chamber toward growth and acts as a governing body. 

Ambassadors

•       Known as the visual and social “arm” of the Chamber, ambassdors work to represent the Chamber in various capacities at various events.  These individuals host several Ribbon Cuttings every year as well as act as goodwill ambassadors for events such as the Special Olympics, state athletic competitions, and for visiting dignitaries.  Members of the Chamber or employees of a Chamber member business are eligible to serve as an Ambassador.  Ambassadors are elected and voted on by the members of the Ambassadors.

Hays Area Young Professioanls (HAYPs)

•       This is a group of individuals between the ages of ages of 21-40, who are seeking to expand their business and professional contacts, interested in giving back to the Hays community, looking to meet new people socially or those just willing to have a little fun! The mission of Hays Area Young Professionals is to promote the development, recruitment and retention of young professionals in the Hays area; to build a bond between the community and young professionals; and to make the Hays area the best place to live, serve, work, and play.

Miscellaneous Benefits

Referrals and Business Leads

•       Your Chamber receives hundreds of calls and emails every month asking for information about all types of businesses.  We gladly refer people to your business.  Also, through the networking and marketing opportunities outlined above, the Chamber can help you generate business leads.

12 Issues of the Chamber Newsletter

•       The Chamber News is published and delivered at the beginning of every month.  Each newsletter is full of information about Chamber members, tips to help your business grow or become even more successful, articles containing news about politics or events that affect you as a business community, and a calendar of upcoming events.  In addition to the information provided in each edition of the newsletter, the publication can be used for a variety of marketing opportunities as outlined in “Marketing Opportunities.”

Special Annual Events

 

Annual Banquet

•      As the Chamber’s largest event, the Annual Banquet brings approximately 420 Chamber members and guests together for an evening of dining and entertainment.  The evening consists of a social hour, dinner, entertainment and an awards ceremony, honoring several men and women from throughout the community.

•       Premier Sponsor - $1200

•       Wine Sponsor - $1000

•       Award Sponsor - $500

 

Farmers Appreciation

•       A dinner recognizing the tremendous contribution of area farmers and ranchers to our Western Kansas way of life.  The evening is highlighted by a barbeque dinner prepared and served by the Chamber Ambassadors and various bank associates.   Socializing and drawings for door prizes round out the evening’s events.

•        Golden Wheat Grower Sponsor - $250

•        Silver Silo Sponsor - $150

•        Bronze Milo Harvester Sponsor - $100

•        Sunflower Seed Producer Sponsor - $50

Faculty Teacher Reception

•       The Faculty Teacher Reception welcomes new teachers and faculty members from all the local schools, NCK Technical College and Fort Hays State University.  The reception is the Chamber’s way of thanking these individuals for their work in shaping the future leaders of our community.  It is also an opportunity to bring leaders in education and business together for networking and socializing.

•       Premier Sponsor - $525

 

                  Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser

•      The Chamber’s budget is driven primarily by membership and sponsorship dollars.  To supplement this funding, the Chamber has an annual fundraising event in it's Golf Tournament which centers on fun and providing an enjoyable experience for attendees.

•      Numberous Sponsorship levels ranging from $100-$800