Chamber Member Benefits
Membership Has Its Rewards

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - Members areintroduced to the community through many avenues of advertisement which include print, email, and through calls to the Chamber office.

• REFERRAL NETWORK - The Chamber receives calls from the public either asking for a confirmation that a business is a chamber member or requesting a referral for a specific type of business.  The Chamber staff gives the caller the number for every member business listed in a specific category when asked for a referral. Value-Priceless

• BROCHURE DISPLAY - Chamber members can bring a quantity of brochures or promotional literature about their business to display in a special display case located in the chamber lobby. The Chamber receives visitors each day who come by the office to gather information on Giddings and it’s local businesses. Value-Priceless

• ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP/VISITORS/RELOCATION GUIDE - Each member receives one free alphabetical listing and up to three categories in the annual guide.  The guide is distributed to more than 3,000 persons per year through requests for relocation and visitors packets, and in hospitality or visitors bags. Value-$35.00

• ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS - We receive requests for hospitality and/or visitors bags to be made for conferences, reunions, meetings, and bus tours which will include brochures, business cards, and promotional items.  Bags requested in 2006 - approx. 1100.  Value-Priceless

Business MAIL - Members receive discounted rates on the following office products or service.
Value for	Members	Non-Members
Membership Mailing Labels	$25.00	Not available
Bulk Mail Stamp – For use by member businesses to take advantage of the reduced postal rate	$160.00

• MAILINGS FROM CHAMBER - All members receive a monthly newsletter, as well as invitations to all Chamber functions like Business After Hours, Quarterly Luncheons, Annual Banquet, New Member Receptions, Membership Meetings, and other special activities. Value- $160.00

• NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING – The Chamber will partner with the Giddings Times and News newspaper to publish a monthly newsletter.  Chamber members may advertise in the newsletter with a business card size ad for $50 per month. Businesses can reserve their ad space for three months, six months, or one year.  These newsletters will reach up to 6500 Giddings Times and News readers and subscribers.

• NEWSLETTER LISTING OF NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS - When a new member joins, the member’s business name, address, and phone number will appear in the Chamber newsletter under the “Welcome New Members” section.  Also, all members who renew their membership will be listed by their business names in a special section entitled “Renewing Members”. Value-$160.00

• MEMBER-TO-MEMBER PROMOTIONAL PACKETS - Each month, members are invited to drop off copies of 8 ½” x 11", unfolded pieces of literature promoting their businesses and/or offering a discount to fellow Chamber members.  This material will be included in our monthly newsletter that is delivered to all Chamber members.  Value-$160.00

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE RESOURCE CENTER - Materials are available at the Chamber office to assist those interested in starting up a new business or furthering their business growth. Value-$199.00

• The 2006 TexasHuman Resources Manual and Model Employee Policies and Forms for Texas Employers is in the office as a resource for our members. It allows you to create your own employee handbook or policies and procedures manual. 

• Statistical and Demographic Information - Giddings demographics are constantly being updated from sources such as the U.S. Census, the Texas Workforce Center, the City of Giddings and various private research firms.

• Business Development Roundtables - Rural Capital Area Workforce Development Board has partnered with the GACC to provide employee training, speakers, and learning materials for roundtables. Three per year valued at $600.00.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES - Members are encouraged to attend Chamber activities so that they can meet other local business people to exchange business cards and information.

• BUSINESS AFTER HOURS, RIBBON CUTTINGS, GROUND BREAKINGS AND OPEN HOUSES are all activities that provide opportunities for Chamber volunteers to welcome new members.  The Chamber provides special three-foot scissors and red ribbon for the ceremony at no cost to the business.  A photo advertisement will run in an upcoming issue of the Giddings Times and News free of charge provided the business has advertised prior to the event. Value-$150.00

• DISCOUNTED RATES ON CHAMBER EVENTS - Members receive reduced rates when they attend Chamber sponsored events such as the annual Chamber Banquet. Value-$150.00

• GET INVOLVED – Members and their designated employees are welcome to join Chamber committees as a service to the community.  This community was built by business members giving of their time to the Chamber. Priceless

DIGITAL SIGN - Chamber members will receive an economical way to advertise with the Digital Sign.  New members will receive one week FREE advertising.  Special pricing is available for monthly, quarterly, and yearly advertising packages. Value-$50.00

WEBSITE - Chamber members are listed on the website alphabetically.  Our website has been visited 8576 since January 1st, 2007.

• Google Calendar is our own community calendar where events in the community are listed free of charge to all groups and organizations. Value-$1200.00

• Advertise your company on the website.  Your logo with a link to your website will help visitors find you quickly.  Call for prices. Priceless

GIDDINGS MAPS – The Chamber has city and county maps on hand to distribute to members or visitors to our community.  Maps are provided as a service to the community.

Tangible Value to Members Only- $3049.00    Intangible Value to Members Only- Priceless
If you have any questions regarding these benefits, please call the Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce at 542-3455.

*All benefits highlighted are provided by the Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce as opportunities for our members.  However, the Board of Directors, having approved these benefits, is in no way endorsing one member’s products or services over another.