Membership Benefits

Committees: You can be part of a chamber committee (we have several to choose from).  This helps you meet more members in a different setting and further expand the knowledge of others knowing your business.

Business After Hours:  Business after Hours, (BAH), is sponsored by a different business member each month.  Hosting a BAH is the perfect opportunity to showcase your business.  It is an occasion that brings our members together for business-to-business and business-to-consumer interaction.  A ½ page feature of the event in the Partnering for Success monthly newsletter is provided by the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce as well as potential media coverage.

Breakfast Before Business:  Breakfast before Business is a quarterly event hosted by Sauk Valley Area Chamber members.  This event is designed to help foster additional networking opportunities among chamber members and provides a forum for discussion of business topics and events.  A ½ page feature of the event in the Partnering for Success monthly newsletter is provided by the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce as well as potential media coverage.

Being a member of the chamber gives customers the impression that you are committed to the community and that you are a community supporter.

As a member you are entitled to one free set of mailing labels each year of all chamber members.  So if you want to do a bulk mailing (and we have a bulk mailing permit so you can even do the mailing at a discounted rate) you can do it through our office.  Additional labels are available for $10.

The chamber works with area employers and realtors to provide new resident packets for those looking to move or moving to the area.  This packet includes the Sterling/Rock Falls guidebook which includes the chamber’s membership directory, information and coupons from chamber members. Chamber members have the option of including information about their business at no extra cost.

Advertising

Partnering for Success Newsletter: The newsletter goes out on a monthly basis to the chamber membership. 

2017 Advertising rates are as follows:

• Business Card Ad = $30/month *6 month commitment = $25/month (save $30)
• Quarter Page Ad = $60/month   *6 month commitment = $50/month (save $60)
• Half Page Ad = $80/month         *6 month commitment = $65/month (save $90)
• Cover Banner Ad = $90/month   *6 month commitment = $75/month (save $90)
• Inserts = $50/month; non-profit rate = $25/month

SaukValleyAreaChamber.com advertising rates are as follows:

Static Banner Ad (780px x 90px) = $100/month *6 month commitment = $85/month (save $90)

Rotating Banner Ad (780px x 90px) = $65/month *6 month commitment = $55/month (save $60)

Ad Bundle = $135/month (save $55 with bundle) *6 month commitment = $110/month (save $150) Bundle includes static banner ad on main page of website & cover page of newsletter (if available)

AdBlasts

Electronic ad-blasts go to 600+ people electronically.

There are two options available: Group AdBlast= this you can do for $25 on a Monday when they are released with other ads. Exclusive AdBlast= you can do an individual ad for $50 on any other day of the week (Tuesday – Friday).

Social media posts from our SVACC accounts: If you pay for an AdBlast, your ad will be posted onto our Facebook (@SaukValleyChamber), Twitter (@SVA_CC) and Instagram accounts (sva_cc) for no extra charge.

Every other Friday, members receive an e-news email which contains information on various items of interest, governmental affairs and the following week's chamber event schedule.

This is an opportunity for our chamber members to offer a discount on products/services to other chamber members. Many members in the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce shop their members first, and a Member to Member discount is the perfect way to promote your business. If you would like to offer a discount, call the Chamber at 815-625-2400.

The chamber has an active government affairs activity.  We send out numerous pieces of information updating members on a variety of legislative issues.  We also have a government affairs committee that meets quarterly.

We regularly offer lunch and learn seminars as well as other educational workshops and programs.  If you have training needs, contact us and we can put together a program.  In some instances it allows us to make members a sponsor of an event (some are sponsorship in name only) to further promote your business.  Members attend events at low cost or at no cost "member" rates.

Chamber members generally have more publicity and increased name recognition so customers know who they are.  In fact, studies have shown when a consumer knows a small business is a member of the local chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.  So proudly put your membership sticker on your door and tell people that you are a chamber member!

The chamber only refers chamber members when asked for suggestions on businesses that provide certain services.  For example, if someone is looking for a local coffee shop, we give them Air Play Sports & Espresso's information.

Each month, the chamber awards a member with the Customer Service Award.  Members that provide quality customer service are rewarded!  When an award is presented, we take a picture which goes in our monthly newsletter and in the newspaper all at no cost to you.

The chamber has worked hard on shop local campaigns and other efforts to encourage people to shop locally, keeping the money circling in our community.

New members, as well as those who relocate, remodel or change their business, are entitled to a ribbon cutting.  Members will benefit by Chamber Ambassadors and city officials being present, as they will promote your business in the community.  A photo of your ribbon cutting will be showcased in the Sauk Valley Daily Gazette newspaper, free of charge, and in the chamber’s Partnering for Success newsletter ($200-300 value).

The Chamber’s website includes the membership directory and links to member’s websites.  The Chamber also keeps track of hits to member websites and can share that information with members upon request.

Member businesses may book the chamber conference room two times per month free of charge, based on availability.  Non-member businesses may utilize the room for a $25.00 charge.

Current members are included in the chamber’s directory which can be found on the chamber’s website.  Information is also included in the new Sterling/Rock Falls guidebook which can be obtained for free at the chamber office.

Current members can request a membership list at no charge.

Notary Public service is available at no charge for chamber members.