2024 - GACC 80th Anniversary
5-minute read
80 years ago, a group of businessmen decided to organize themselves and started meeting as the Greenville Business Men's Association. In 1974 the organization changed its name to the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to enter 2024 and celebrate this anniversary. Before you TL:DR (too long, didn't read) this article, jump to the section that you care about the most by clicking on the section headers below.
What is the Chamber?
In one sentence: This chamber is a group of local businesses that, through membership, create networking opportunities, build a stronger business community, and support the community in which they do business.
Business Exposure. Our chamber of commerce is still a go-to resource to learn about reliable and legitimate business services in the area. Businesses listed in our directory also have improved online searchability. We increase the exposure to your events, promotions, and general messages through our website, e-newsletters, and social media.
Networking Opportunities. Our chamber provides networking opportunities throughout the year. Whether it is a morning Coffee Chat, our annual Golf Day, or providing support for initiatives like the Small Business Connection, the chamber is here to make meaningful business connections. Networking can lead to valuable partnerships, referrals, and collaborations that can benefit your business.
Referrals. Our chamber of commerce exclusively endorses members when providing referrals to other businesses and the community. Our board votes on accepting membership and we value trustworthiness. We do not accept members who would degrade the credibility of our business organization.
Credibility & Trust. Being a member of the chamber of commerce adds credibility and trustworthiness to your business.
Exclusive Discounts & Benefits. Our members are asked to provide exclusive member-to-member perks that include discounts on services, supplies, and events. These cost-saving benefits can help reduce business expenses and increase profitability.
Access to Resources & Education. Our chamber partners with experts and other qualified professional organizations to offer resources and educational programs that can help businesses grow and succeed. We often organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions on topics such as marketing, finance, technology, and business development. These resources can provide valuable insights and knowledge to help you stay ahead in your industry.
Community Involvement. Our chamber of commerce plays a vital role in the local community. By joining, you can contribute to the betterment of your community through participation in events, charitable initiatives, and volunteering opportunities. This involvement not only strengthens your business's reputation but also fosters a sense of pride and connection with your local area.
We are a membership organization. Our services are strictly accessed by members only. Members are not required to serve on committees or attend meetings.
We are a not-for-profit 501(c)6. Our governing body is volunteer and is made up of 15 board members and 5 executive board members. Day-to-day operations are performed by the chamber's one full-time staff, the executive director.
What isn’t the Chamber?
We are not a government entity. This chamber of commerce is a non-governmental institution and has no direct role in the writing and passage of laws and regulations that affect businesses. We do advocate on behalf of businesses to our local municipalities. The chamber is often mistaken by our community as the borough council.
We are not a branch of the national or state chamber of commerce. There are three other chambers in our county and hundreds in the country. Each chamber is unique in its own way and no two chambers are the same. That being said, our chamber has unique offerings and does not operate the same way that our other local chambers operate.
How should members participate?
Share a member-to-member perk. The more members who participate in the perk program, the more we can strengthen our exclusive benefits. Consider offering a perk if you aren't already. View perks here.
Keep us in the loop. One of our primary functions is to increase your exposure, but we can't help if we don't know what is going on! Don't forget to add us to receive your event and promotional information, your press releases, or even just shoot us an email about a milestone!
Participate in events. Participation is key to getting the most out of your membership. Take advantage of your free vendor space for our expo event Meet Me on Main if you have a Builder membership or above. Join us for our annual dinner and get to know your fellow chamber members. We'd also love to meet over coffee at our Coffee Chat events that happen quarterly!
Share your concerns. We want to be an advocate on your behalf. Although we strictly do not participate in lobbying activities, we can voice concerns to our local government.
Encourage others to join. Participate in this year's referral program and enjoy benefits! Our organization is only as strong as our membership. The more members, the more we can collectively accomplish.
BHAG: Big Hairy Audacious Goal
BHAG is a concept shared in the book Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras¹ that encourages businesses and organizations to think big, and aim high. In celebration of our 80-year anniversary, our big hairy audacious goal for the year is to add 80 new members to our roles. This would bring our membership representation to almost 350 businesses and organizations.
Remember, the members are the chamber. The more members the Chamber has, the better it can represent the business community. It accomplishes collectively what no one business could do alone.
Member Referral Program
Help us reach our goal of 80 new members in 2024 and enjoy rewards for referring!
We have hundreds of businesses in Northern Mercer County that could benefit from membership. Help spread the word and receive the following referral incentives!
Just make sure they mention you or your business in the section of the online application that says “Referred by Name/Organization”.
Associate, Nonprofit, and Builder Members: 1 Event Sponsorship FREE for Every Converted New Member
Mentor and Advocate Members: Level Up FREE for Every Converted New Member (Up to Champion Level)
