Why Should I Join?
A Letter from the Board of Directors
In years of working at the chamber of commerce, I’ve noticed that the most successful business people are the ones who build strong connections. They are personally involved in their community and get to know their clients and customers, or future customers, one-to-one. That’s where chamber membership can be extremely valuable.
Chamber members can connect with each other at workshops, monthly, and signature events. You can make deeper connections by joining one of our leads groups, hosting an event or by serving on a committee.
Our e-newsletter will help you stay informed about chamber programs and business trends affecting our area. At the bimonthly Chamber Business Lunch, speakers share insight on timely topics affecting our businesses in Sumter.
Chamber members enjoy benefits that help their bottom-line, with member-to-member discounts and exclusive advertising opportunities. New businesses can boost public awareness with a chamber-organized ribbon cutting or grand opening. Our staff refers members to thousands of consumers who contact us by phone or e-mail each year, and we list members on our high-traffic website and popular business directory.
Perhaps the biggest benefit is having a group of people who are looking out for you and your business and who are available to help you address the inevitable bumps in the road as you navigate your business through difficult economic times. Why struggle alone, when there are people who want to help you succeed?
I urge you to take the step to become a member of the chamber family. Together we can keep Sumter County’s business community healthy and moving forward.
Warmest Regards,
Sumter County Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
People are often surprised to learn that a county as large and diverse as Sumter has only one chamber of commerce, but the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce has been working on behalf of all the county’s businesses for more than 91 years. The chamber is not part of the government but an independent coalition of business members, as varied as feed stores and wholesale plant growers, to beauty consultants and boutiques.
Tangible benefits include:
✅ Advertising discounts for all members in the Sumter Express and Sumter Sun Times
✅ A 15% discount on rooms at the Waterfront Inn (some restrictions may apply)
Members also realize special benefits through participation on the Chamber’s website:
✅ A listing in our online membership directory, which includes a searchable description of your business
✅ Privileges to post job openings in the Chamber’s “Hot Jobs listings
✅ The ability to enter items in our Sumter County Calendar of Events
Your Chamber membership also gives your business valuable direct marketing exposure that includes:
✅ Listing in our membership directory, in print and on our website (see below for details)
✅ Publicity for your events through Chamber emails and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts sent from our office (see details below)
✅ Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings and Ground Breaking events
✅ US Chamber Federation Partnership
✅ Credibility for Your Business (See the Shapiro Report below)
Resources