Prospective members nearly always ask a common question, "Tell me, why do we need a Chamber?" That question is usually followed with "What will the Chamber do for me?" or "Whats it all about?"
Ironically, it isnt just prospective members who pose these questions. Staff members and Chamber directors are often recipients of the inquiry: "Why should I maintain my membership in this organization?"
What is it all about? Well frankly, it's about concern for your community; caring about Appling County and the municipalities; it?s about networking; and it's about what we call "self-interest" rightly understood."
If you live, work, or do business in this area, then the economic vitality and the livability of Appling County must be of concern to you because, (and it's very simple) if these decline, then business declines. Therefore, it is essential for the business community to be part of the decision making process that will impact on the community.
To gain this input, a business or professional person has choices:
- Take individual action. This would be very time consuming.
- Add employees to handle this important task. This would be very expensive.
- Let the government do it. This would lead to increased taxes and development constraints.
- Do nothing. If we do nothing, then government will do it.
- Take collective action. This is volunteerism"this is the Chamber of Commerce-and what it's for.
How can you, one person, have the time to attend all community meetings, work on all community projects, and run a business? You can't. But, by becoming a member of this Chamber; you buy into a cooperative effort of the ablest men and women in business, industry and the professions, with whom you can join hands to do those things you can't do by yourself.
By banding together to undertake aggressive action programs, both business and the community prosper.
Many Chamber members belong even though they know they will be unable to take an active part in the organization. They realize that their financial participation is important because it helps to fund those programs and activities of importance to the business community, and in many instances to their own business. They realize, like those members who personally participate, that it is in their best interest to have a strong, active Chamber working for them.
