If you own or manage a small business, you know there are things that come up from time to time that make you feel like you're beating your head against a brick wall. You may have an issue with some regulation, some ordinance, or you are simply trying to make heads or tails of a certain situation and you are not sure who to ask about it. Well, the main purpose of the chamber of commerce is to assist our members. Our mission is to serve our members by promoting business, commerce, and tourism in Grant County. If you are a chamber member, and your business has an issue... well, we want to have your back.

So what does it take to become a chamber of commerce member?

1. Visit with a local chamber of commerce professional to learn the benefits of membership. Call 575-538-3785 to schedule a visit to your business.
2. Visit the chamber of commerce website to see how other businesses are marketed on the internet.
3. Talk to other chamber members to see what they6 say about the chamber of commerce. You'll find a list of the business members on the chamber's website: www.silvercity.org.
4. Fill out a membership application and include a check for annual membership.

What does a membership cost?
It depends on the type of business you have. Non-profit and home-based businesses pay $135 a year. Most small businesses pay $155 a year. However there are other categories of businesses that may cost more. The chamber of commerce professional can help you determine what your annual membership fee would be.

And what will your business receive by becoming a member of the chamber of commerce?
Honestly, the space for this article is large enough to list anything and everything that you would expect to receive. In fact, there are some business types that will probably benefit more than others, simply because of the type of business. The chamber professional will gladly visit with you to discuss all the things the chamber can do for your type of business.

Will simply joining the chamber of commerce make my cash register ring?
No. It's like anything else that is worthwhile. You will have to put forth a little effort to receive chamber benefits. Learn how to use the chamber's website to market your business to a larger possible customer base. You should plan to network with other business managers and owners at chamber events, such as the monthly chamber lunch meetings. You should provide the chamber of commerce office with marketing materials about your business. We will have those items in our office to share with people, as well as placing those items in the relocation and tourism packets we mail across the country. If you are opening a business, let the chamber of commerce assist you with a ground breaking ceremony, ribbon cutting, open house, remodeling ceremony, anniversary celebration. The chamber of commerce can assist you with many things. Let our office be an advocate for your business.

We want to have your back. So call us at 575-538-3785 to learn more about what the chamber of commerce can do for your business.