ABOUT THE CHAMBER

A Chamber of Commerce is a community's business advocate. How this mechanism is best
utilized is determined by the needs and desires of business and the community.

A Chamber of Commerce may be defined as a "vehicle" for mobilizing people to
accomplish agreed-upon goals for the betterment of the community.

Its specific purpose is to:
· Increase business growth and development of jobs within the market.
· Assist in the orderly growth and envelopment of the community and its people.
· Contribute to building healthy markets to assure economic stability.
· Retain the private enterprise system with free competitive markets.

A spirit of volunteerism and desire to contribute something back to the community
are two important components, helping to lay the foundation of a Chamber of
Commerce.

Membership is open to any firm or individual who shares a common interest in
improving and enriching the community. Members pay annual dues as their contribution
to the organization and to help compensate expenses of the Chamber. Membership
renewal occurs every January. A variety of services, publications, programs and
events are made available to the membership and their employees.

The organization is run by a Board of Directors, elected by the Chamber's
membership. The Board of Directors is earmarked to set the policies and procedures
for the Chamber. The policies and procedures set forth by the Board of Directors become the
responsibility of the paid administrator (Executive Director). He/She along with
his/her staff works with volunteers on task forces and committees to develop and
implement courses of action for programs, events, position statements, issues, and
so forth.

In conjunction with the Steering Committee, the Chamber hired a Main Street Manager.
This position was created in order to pursue economic growth for Ridgway and the
surrounding Township. The Main Street Program is funded through the Pennsylvania
Department of Community and Economic Development.

· The Steering Committee consists of representatives from the Chamber, Ridgway
Industrial Development Corporation, Borough of Ridgway, Ridgway Township, Ridgway
Area School District and Ridgway Heritage Council.

A Chamber's activities or issues can be virtually unlimited. Again, this is
determined by the needs of its members and community, as well as the ability of the
Chamber. Projects are undertaken only after sound and thorough analysis of their
value and importance is determined.

A Chamber is a civic clearinghouse, a public relations counselor, and a research and
promotion medium. Simply put, a Chamber of Commerce is people working together to
make their community a better place to live, work and invest. One board member once
said, “Our Chamber is the Booster Club for all the businesses in and around
Ridgway.”

MEMBER BENEFITS

Complete employee benefit coverage through Chamber Choice, a benefits and business services wing of Chamber of Commerce Service Corporation.  Chamber Choice harnesses the power of all chamber members to provide better options in health care coverage and a full spectrum of supporting employee benefits. 

Advertising opportunities through our Member Directory, on our website and with inserts in our newsletter.  Call the office for more information. 

“Your Chamber Connection”-Our quarterly newsletter keeping you up-to-date and informed of Chamber events and business information. 

Invitations to “Focus Breakfasts” held on the second Wednesday of each month.  At these breakfasts, members are brought up-to-date on Chamber news and events.  Members are also encouraged to share ideas, concerns and information, as well as to get to know one another. 

Invitations to “After-Hours Mixers” held once a month.  Provides Chamber members a chance to host a mixer with other Chamber members at their places of business. 

Economic Development Services-The Chamber serves as a contact for prospective new or existing businesses with development needs.  What’s more, your membership supports efforts to promote the economic, cultural and social climate of Ridgway, enhancing the general welfare and prosperity of the area. 

Professional Development through seminars and opportunities for new business contacts.

Information and referrals-This is one of our most important functions.  We assist both consumers and members by providing a “clearinghouse” of information about our members, channeling people toward these businesses.  Each member has the opportunity to distribute brochures and literature at the Chamber office, as well as at participating member businesses. 

A membership decal to display at your business. 

Increased consumer confidence-Your Chamber membership reinforces the legitimacy many consumers are seeking in a world where business fraud is prevalent.  Your Chamber membership also shows your concern and commitment to the area. 

A united voice in the community through the Chamber’s participation in many organizations and boards in the area, including the OEDP, RIDC, Northwest Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau, Ridgway Heritage Council, and many others. 

Opportunities to support the community-The Chamber sponsors and co-sponsors many community events, such as the Ridgway Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous, Ridgway Triathlon, Ridgway Independence Festival, Annual Chamber Dinner, Annual Golf Outing, Annual Steak & Seafood Picnic, Business Trick-or-Treat, Pumpkin Carving contest and Holiday Window Display Contest. 

Member to Member Coupons - Several member businesses offer the following incentives for new members only:

·        Quarter page, black and white ad in The Ridgway Record.

·        Gift Certificate from Ridgway Home Care for a free blood pressure screening at your business.

·        $10.00 off food platter over $30 for an open house event from Ridgway BiLo.

·        Spotlight on Business, news feature including five 60 second spots on both WKBI AM and B-94 FM.

·        Complimentary evaluation and diagnostic records from Cole Orthodontics Associates.

·        Five free 8x10 photo enlargements or 8x10 photo sheets from the Kodak Picture Maker at Cliffe’s & the Prescription Center.

·        Two weeks free on entrance mat rentals or 10% off carpet or tile cleaning from Super Shine Carpet & Tile Cleaners.

·        $250 advertising schedule on Hometown Country 103.9 WLMI.  No additional purchase required…but this credit cannot be used to pay existing invoices.  :60 second commercials are $15 each and :30 second commercials are $7.50 each.