Networking

Perhaps no greater benefit exists for membership than networking with other members. The Chamber of Commerce provides many opportunities for the business community to connect with each other. One of those opportunities is our Networking Luncheons.

General Membership Luncheons

Normally scheduled in February, April, June, August, and October from 12:00 – 1:00, these catered events are opportunities to listen to guest speakers and find out what is happening with the Chamber. Meetings usually cost $15 for chamber members.

Business after Hours

Provide an opportunity for businesses to show off their facilities from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, as well as an informational time of socializing and “catching up with your fellow Chamber members.” Food and beverages are provided by the host business.

Business Card and Literature Display

The Chamber of Commerce offers a business card and display area for business brochures and information to provide visitors. Members are welcomed to display promotional materials such as business cards, announcements, brochures, etc. in the Chamber office. Tourists, visitors, and business representatives visit the Chamber office and the Vermilion Parish Tourist office and often request information about local businesses and Chamber members.

Chamber Website

The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce website displays your business name, address, phone number, and website in our online Business Directory. Members are listed alphabetically as well as by business category. Visitors to the Chamber website can link directly to your site by simply clicking on the link. Our website helps to increase the visibility of our member businesses.

Referrals

The Chamber of Commerce proudly serves as a front door to the community. Requests are made each year for referrals to businesses. Only Chamber members are referred unless there are no Chamber members in the category being requested.

Quarterly Newsletter Services

Business news articles give the members the opportunity to announce any special announcements such as new store hours, promotions, new management, etc. in our newsletter for free.

Members can also place advertisements in the newsletter:

$25      -           Business Card Size
$50      -           ¼ page advertisement
$75      -           ½ page advertisement
$100    -           Full page advertisement (8 ½ x 11)

Flyer Insert in Chamber Newsletter

Members have the opportunity to insert their flyers in our newsletter at a cost of $75. You provide copies of what you would like to place in the newsletter—we do the rest.

Membership Labels

As an additional benefit, members can purchase the membership mailing list on labels at a cost of $20 to cover the cost of supplies. Membership List can be purchased by nonmembers at a cost of $150.

Bulk Mailings

Members may use the Chamber bulk mailing permit stamp. Contact the Chamber office for information. This can be a real $ saver for those business mailings. You must comply with all postal regulations and have a minimum of 200 pieces. Bring in your letters stuffed, labeled and sorted by zip code.

For your convenience, Chamber staff will process your mail-out, deliver it to the post office, and then send you a bill for the postage. The Chamber Office will charge 10% of your savings to help pay to replenish supplies.

We will show you how much you saved—

Example:          1000 letters @ $.44 first class postage = $440

                         1000 letters @ $.26 bulk rate charge     = $260

Your savings                                                                    = $180

Chamber Charge                                                             = $  18

Seminars and Workshops

From time to time, the Chamber sponsors seminars/training sessions to help equip you in your business dealings. Seminars topics have included: “How to Deliver Good Customer Service,” “How to Develop a Business Plan,” “Services provided by the Women’s Business Center,” “Marketing 101,” “Social Media Boot Camp” and “Big Web Presence for Small Business 101.”

Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings

This service is a complimentary service to existing members who may be expanding or dedicating new facilities. The chamber will assist nonmembers with grand openings and ribbon cuttings at a charge of $50.

Chamber Weekly Email Announcements

Every Monday members have the opportunity to send information about their organization to the Chamber. Information will then be sent out to all Chamber members in an email blast on Monday afternoon.

Chamber Scholarship

Chamber members are eligible to apply for our Chamber Scholarship. This is a local scholarship for Vermilion Chamber of Commerce members. Any student of parents who are employed by a Vermilion Chamber of Commerce member in good standing, or any employee or owner of a member in good standing are eligible to apply.