Benefits of Membership
What benefits are you looking for when you become a member of the Chamber of Commerce? Do you want discounted rates on your credit card transactions? First Data and Moneris Solutions offer Chamber members excellent rates that can save your business hundreds of dollars each year. Perhaps you're interested in group rates for your medical benefits. The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan includes all Chambers across Canada and can offer premium rates whether you are a company of one or one hundred. There are several gas companies that offer reduced gas prices to Chamber members. You can also negotiate your telephone rates by being a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Possibly the most important reasons for being a member of the Chamber of Commerce are not quite as tangible as Visa rates or health insurance. In the "A to Z" of membership benefits, A is for Advocacy. The Chamber represents the interests of its members to the local, regional, Provincial and Federal governments to accomplish collectively what no one person could do alone.
Networking is a major aspect of Chamber Membership. The Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts ten General Membership Dinner Meetings each year. These meetings allow members the opportunity to share ideas and to connect with other members. Typically a guest speaker will be asked to provide a presentation on a topic relevant to our area. Business After Business is also a great way to meet other business people or to showcase your business.
As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, there are numerous opportunities for you to promote yourself. Racking privileges are available at both the Chamber office and the Visitor Info Centre as well as a business card display in the Chamber office. If there is a special announcement you would like to send out to all our members, let the Chamber office know. It will be included in our monthly newsletter or our member to member bulletins, which come out as frequently as they are required. The Chamber also has a popular website on which all Chamber members are automatically listed.
We encourage commercial development and we are always ready to explore new possibilities for growth. We encourage Chamber members to do business with other Chamber members and we reinforce the "Shop Local" message at every opportunity. Your involvement and your input guide this organization in creating a healthy business environment and contributing to the quality of life in our community. Our strength is in our membership and you, our members, are our greatest asset.