The Corvallis Chamber works hard to give you the best value for your dollars, and we are excited to present the inaugural LEAD Summit 2012 on April 20.  For just $35 per person (if registered before April 6) you and your staff can pick up important tools to help your business -- and yourself -- be successful!  Here are the valuable workshops you will be able to choose from:

"A Leader's Guide to Navigating Change"            Jim Steele, George Fox University
"Fierce Conversations"                                         Jean Bonifas, Springboard NW
"Who Are You  - in 30 Seconds"                           Don Neubaum, OSU College of Business
"The Art & Science of Doing More With Less"      Tara Rodden Robinson, The Productivity Maven
"Verbal Judo"                                                        Scott Jackson, Benton County Sheriff's Office
"Crisis Management"                                            Kevin Brett, University of Oregon
"Procteing Yourself & Business Online"               Micah Smith, Linn County Sheriff's Office
"Powerful Presentations"                                      Bob Hazelton,  Author
"Volunteerism - Get Involved"                              Maria Chavez-Haroldson, CASA - Voices for Children
"Search Engines, Marketing, & Pay Per Click"    Katherine Cleland, Cleland Marketing

In addition to these great mini-workshops, you and your staff will network with other business owners and staff, learn about local companies at vendor tables, enjoy lunch, and hear from Will Moore, CEO of Moore Performance Group, and Tim Leatherman, OSU grad and inventor of the Leatherman Multitool. 

Sign up now!  www.corvallisleads.com

A national organization, Move to Amend, recently went to the City Council with a request: place a question on the ballot that would ask Corvallis residents to make a statement to the US Supreme Court about a ruling that gives "personhood" to corporations for the purpose of lobbying Congress.  Their website, www.movetoamend.org, includes this statement:

"We, the People of the United States of America, reject the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling, and move to amend our Constitution to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights."

This made us scratch our heads, and here's why: another website, www.opensecrets.org, lists the expenditures of all Political Action Committees (PACs) in the country, and of the top twenty, only three are corporations.  Of the remaining PACs, thirteen are unions and three are associations (American Medical Association, National Association of Realtors, and National Education Association.)  The last is a collection of small donors and does not lobby at the national level. 

Given these data points, the argument by Move to Amend doesn't make a lot of sense. It is true that lobbyists work Capitol Hill every day (and Salem, too) but the big money isn't being dealt by corporations.  As a business organization, we believe it's important to know these points and inform our membership.  Ultimately you will make your views known on the ballot.  It's just good to have the facts to help you decide.

The #1 reason to join the Chamber: we are the "go to" organization for consumers and visitors.

Every day we hear from newcomers, tourists, and others: "Can you recommend someplace..."  And we do.  We recommend restaurants, retailers, hotels, banks, cellular phone services, and more.  We love to recommend our members and help their businesses grow. We send out relocation packets, provide business directories, hand out brochures and business cards, and direct visitors to our website to your business through our online Traffic Catcher sites. We want people to know that our members are great businesses to work with.  They trust us to direct them to the best of business in Corvallis.

Ultimately, that is the real value of a Chamber membership: consumer confidence.  Consumers trust that Chamber members stand out.  A national study, "The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce,"  noted that 59% of consumers believe that being an active member of a local Chamber is an effective business strategy, means the company uses good business practices, is reputable, cares about its customers, and is engaged in the community.

Your Chamber membership is important, and we hope you let your customers know you are a valued Chamber member.  We are working for you every day, helping promote your business and advocating on your behalf.  Your Chamber membership can cost less than a single ad in the newspaper.  The value is real.   

Reason #2 to join the Chamber: It's an investment in your community - the business community.

Chambers exist to create a place where business people can work together for the common good of the community.  The "strentgh in numbers" philosophy rings true when the Chamber speaks to the City Council, works with partners in the community, and represents the business community at events and meetings.  You "hire" the Chamber to work on your behalf while you are busy running your business. 

The Chamber is your advocate, working every day to promote the business community and keep it strong.  We know that community livability begins with a healty business community.  Join the Chamber today!

The #3 reason to join the Chamber:  Free use of our stuff!

Many small businesses need places to meet or make presentations, but don't have the space - or even an office.  When you join the Chamber, you have free access to our conference rooms, overhead projector, sound system, event canopy, and more!  If you use all these resources just once, you may have saved enough in rental fees to cover your annual membership dues. 

Of course, the Chamber has value in many other ways, but using our stuff for free is really easy to understand.  We'll even make the coffee.

Reason #4 - Influence.

As a Chamber member, you have influence over public policy decisions impacting business and the quality of life in Corvallis.  The Chamber monitors policy at the City, County, and State levels, working to ensure a fair and balanced environment to conduct your business.

The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee meets monthly to review public policy, meet with elected officials, and plan important informational programming, such as the Legislative Affairs Breakfast, Advocacy Reception, and government-focused Forums.

If you would like to be part of the Government Affairs Committee, contact Erin at the Chamber - (541) 757-1505, or ewiedeman@corvallischamber.com .

The #5 reason to join the Corvallis Chamber -- Connections.

Your Chamber membership gives you connections to business prospects, opportunities, and relationships that can grow your business. With a minimal investment of your time, you can meet other business people who need your goods or services.  Making the most of these opportunities will help you be even more successful!

This week, take advantage of Greeters on Tuesday morning.  Meet a great group of Chamber members and learn about the new Forks & Corks Catering  at 1324 NW 9th St. in Corvallis.  Bring a coupon, door prize, or other item to promote your business.  The event begins at 8:30 am.