The Chamber Beat

Photo:

John Williams

The Chamber of Commerce has a brand new website, constructed by Krack Media and Web Design out of Mechanic Falls.

Eric Lammers, former Board Chair here at the Chamber and owner of Krack Media and his entire staff, have done an outstanding job of designing and implementing this new site, so you should check it out.

The home page is very dynamic with a rotating slide show that embraces and promotes the Oxford Hills region. The Community Calendar is also brand new so if you’re looking for an event in the area, look no further.

Don’t miss the new interactive Maps with flags designating Food and Dining, Accommodations, Things To Do and Shopping.

Just click onto the flag and you get the whole picture of what’s available in the area you have an interest in. The site also has a special Members Spotlight sidebar where you can highlight your business free.

For members only, of course, but we need your logo and it should be in color so send it along. And the new sidebar also has a place for you to promote your special event.

We’ll give your business a special attention-grabbing headline on the main page of the of the Chamber website and then a more in depth description on the linked content page.

You can even include special photos and other graphics to promote your event. If you want some details on this great marketing opportunity give me a call.

I was reading the National Chamber of Commerce Review the other day and it was providing some interesting statistics on the over all profile of a typical Chamber of Commerce across this country.

For example, what do you suppose the most valuable tool a Chamber provides is? Well, it’s a tie. Marketing and Networking take up the largest percentage of focus for a typical Chamber across the country.

In fact over 60 percent of the services provided revolve around those two critical components. I love hearing that because it is exactly what we preach to our members all the time.

We are here to promote you, market your business and help you network in the community and beyond.

The next most utilized services that Chambers offer is different forms of Training and Community Involvement. Both of these services are important as well.

Our Chamber offers training through our community business partners, like WMEDC, AVCOG and through Roundtables with SCORE.

And finally, the survey indicated that Chambers also provide Advocacy and Insurance Services and benefits for their members, and indeed the Oxford Hills Chamber does that as well.

I’ll have some additional interesting statistics about the make-up of Chambers all across the country next week.

Speaking of members, as usual, I have another new member of our Chamber to tell you about.

Welcome to PLD Auctions, Inc., headquartered in Mechanic Falls, providing Antique Auctions and Estate Services. PLD hosts fun and lively auctions every month at Boyd’s Auction Barn in Mechanic Falls.

If you would like more information call them at 595-2643 or email them at pldauctiona@yahoo.com

As always, the Chamber is on top of business throughout the Oxford Hills-are you a Chamber Member yet? It’s easy, just call us at the office and speak with Jennifer or myself and we’ll sign you up. I'll see you next week.