Wilkes Chamber of Commerce focuses on the 3 Cs of chamber membership - connection, communication, and collaboration. Making connections provides opportunities to experience greater communication. From the shared communication, one can pave the way for potential collaboration. Collaboration is about putting the connections made and the communication shared to creating something with it.
Mission Focus: 2024
Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, an association of businesses, stimulates a resilient and stable local economy while promoting the county’s quality of life to locals as well as those interesting in relocating or visiting. The Chamber advocates for sound government and progressive, forward thinking actions. Wilkes Chamber functions as a storehouse of information on current business trends and public policies. The Chamber supports job creation and fosters local economic development.
Involvement Opportunities
a lunch and learn session held quarterly to assist small business members. Each session provides education and expertise that small businesses need. Whether it’s taxes, financing, marketing, training or networking, at each session members discover new opportunities. The learning sessions provide small businesses with tools to keep them abreast of the latest technology and multiple solutions needed for future growth. At each meeting attendees have the chance to network with other business owners, make connections and build relationships. Meetings are normally held in the chamber boardroom or hosted at a committee member’s location.
10 Reasons to Join and Participate in Your Chamber
An investment in the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce is an efficient, cost effective way for every business to increase their local visibility, enhance marketing dynamics and develop business relationships that result in new opportunities and sales.
Business Presence. Out of sight, out of mind! You want to remain in the public’s eye, especially when times are good. Smart businesses leverage their resources through the Chamber, giving them cutting-edge visibility by standing out from the competition. Members are added to the chamber website and included in the printed membership directory.
Networking & Sharing. There are endless opportunities to meet new contacts, receive qualified referrals and form partnerships that will help you grow your business. The Wilkes Chamber of Chamber provides niche programming for your business to make these connections such as Business After Hours; Wilkes Business Link; Business Topics @ 12; Leadership Wilkes; Wilkes Women in Leadership; and other events and programs.
Access. When you join the Chamber and get actively involved, you’ll discover that meeting prospects and building relationships is a huge benefit of membership. You’ll find yourself in situations where you can identify and meet decision-makers face-to-face.
Sponsorships & Promotion Opportunities. The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of affordable promotion options and sponsorship opportunities that fit every businesses budget. Being a sponsor provides you with additional exposure.
Save Money. There are several cost savings programs and member benefits your business can take advantage of.
Training & Personal Development. The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce provides timely programs at affordable prices. Members stay updated, informed and educated at prices drastically lower than they could obtain through other means.
Advocacy. Your business is impacted by decisions made outside the community. To represent the business community’s views and to keep the membership informed on local, state and national issues and legislation, the Chamber is part of the North Carolina Chamber which provides in-depth information on a variety of legislative issues that affect the business community.
Sense of Community. Stay connected and be a part of developing our local economy and future by participating in a variety of Chamber events like the Chamber’s Business Appreciation Breakfast, Wilkes County Christmas Parade, Chamber Night @ Merlefest, and more. A strong business community means a strong overall community.
Relationships. People do not do business with a sign on the outside of a building; they do business with real people. When they need something for business or personal use, they turn to the people they developed a personal relationship with.
Get Noticed! – Let people know you’re in business even if you don’t have time to attend events. Your Chamber membership is working for you 24/7 in our powerful online directory. Members enjoy the benefits of getting found 24/7, increase SEO, connected to social media sites.