For information on joining the Chamber, advertising, and participating in membership programs, call 509.248.2021.
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The Intuit Small Business blog (part of the QuickBooks Resource Center) recently listed five reasons businesses should join their local chambers of commerce:
According to the popular Grasshopper blog for entrepreneurs, “Most business owners feel a Chamber of Commerce membership is a must-have. There aren’t many cons — it’s an affordable group that will foster immediate connections and promotes your business.”
From seminars, leads groups, and luncheons to business expos and various business and community committees, there’s no excuse for not being able to meet new contacts, referrals, and people who can help you with ideas and additional ways to grow your business. The adage, out of sight, out of mind, is so true when it relates to networking. The chamber gives your several different venues to meet new people…The positive outcomes on the bottom line and the great people I’ve met have been great. In addition, doing business with fellow members who offer wonderful products, services, and ideas has also been a big plus.
—Tony Rubleski, president of Mind Capture Group and author of the Mind Capture books.
The Chamber has nearly 1,000 business partners and is governed by a board of directors. The professional Chamber staff works on the following programs:
The Chamber initiates participation in Chamber Day in Olympia, the development of legislative business agendas, candidate forums, email alerts and other efforts directed at maintaining a business-friendly environment in the state. The Chamber maintains relationships with city and county officials to establish the vital infrastructure needed to retain, attract and grow business in the greater Yakima area.
The Chamber provides opportunities for members to network business-to-business. Networking programs offered by the Chamber include:
Offered by the Yakima Chamber Foundation, Leadership Yakima is a premier program that works to strengthen and educate community leaders by providing participants with in-depth insights into a variety of issues impacting residents of the Yakima Valley. Many of our graduates move into executive leadership, entrepreneurial, nonprofit and elected positions throughout the community once graduating from Leadership Yakima.
You may apply for yourself, or your employer can sponsor your attendance. Leadership Yakima is a great way for employers to secure employee investment in our valley. Employees gain networking, public relations and management skills to apply to their workplace.
Leadership Yakima was established by Mel Wagner and Bob Hall through the Yakima Chamber Foundation in 1986. Over 600 participants have graduated from the Leadership Yakima program. The June graduation is combined with an alumni reunion.
Your business will be listed in the online business directory on the Chamber’s web site, www.yakima.org. Averaging over 130,000 unique visitors a year, our web site is capable of member-to-member discounts, listing employment opportunities with your business or organization, and posting “hot deals”. In addition, you will have the capability to insert your own explanation of what your business specializes in, directions to your facility, and links to your own web site and e-mail addresses.
The Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce offers Business Health Trust to our members. Whether you have two employees or more than 100, we can help you create a benefits program that attracts talent and keeps your employees healthy and productive at a budget you can afford. Learn more about why we're Washington's source for employee benefits. Visit www.businesshealthtrust.com to learn more about our plan offerings, cost-saving opportunities and wellness resources.
You will receive weekly e-mails regarding Chamber events, community events, program announcements, issues relating to our legislative agenda, membership benefits, membership highlights, Yakima news, etc.
The Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce offers free quarterly use of our meeting space as a member benefit. For usage beyond that and outside of operating hours please refer to our facilities use rental agreement.
Your business will be referred over non-members when the Chamber receives inquires for referrals – MEMBERS ALWAYS HAVE FIRST PRIORITY!
As a Chamber member, you can get some of the biggest discounts on Constant Contact's Email Marketing to help you stay in touch with your customers.
A different organization hosts this popular event on the third Tuesday of each month. You will network with business professionals in a relaxed atmosphere. People prefer to do business with people they know, so bring plenty of business cards! There is no additional cost for members to attend and $5 for non-members. If your business would like to host Business After Hours, please submit the following form to kris@yakima.org
"Business After Hours" Request Form.
Once a month we will feature speakers and topics relevant to our members, the business community, and the Greater Yakima area. Topics such as, infrastructure, demographics, organizations, education, government, community services and resources. We will also utilize the Engage & Empower Hour to highlight our various Chamber award ceremonies and events.
You may receive assistance from the Yakima Chamber and our Ambassadors to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony. We will provide ribbons, giant cutting scissors, and invites to other members, media, and the community.
"Ribbon Cutting" Request Form.
You may showcase your business in the community by sponsoring Chamber events and programs. Sponsorship opportunities include Seminars, Wall of Images, Empower Hours, New Member Orientations, Website advertising, and many more. Sponsorships are a vital opportunity for you to dramatically increase your business recognition and strength in our valley. These opportunities are reserved for Chamber members only.