Advertising: The Chamber's magazine, ChamberWorks, reaches every member each quarter and offers reasonable advertising rates. The "About Our Members" section keeps members up-to-date on promotions, awards and other local business news. A monthly newsletter, ChamberEvents which offers easy event registration, offers advertising opportunities in the form of flyers. Members also place ads in the Chamber's annual Membership Directory and Buyer's Guide. Other opportunities include the Corporate Sponsorship Program, and advertising in special events programs.

"Our Chamber membership has been instrumental in the growth of our business by its continued support with referrals and problem-solving." Jo Fleck Inspirations and The Westminster Gift Basket Co.

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Bulk Rate Permit: Chamber members are entitled to use the organization's bulk rate mailing permit at no additional charge.

Business-Building Programs and Events: The Chamber presents an on-going series of regular events, special programs, and workshops and seminars.

"The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce is a team of business people, working together and providing a networking forum and resources that help the individual businesses and collective business community to be successful." Scott Singleton Carroll County Sports Complex

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Certificates of Origin: Member companies doing business overseas may have their certificates of origin authorized by a Chamber staff member.

Corporate Sponsorships: The Corporate Sponsorship Program promotes member businesses through sponsorships for regular meetings, special events and publications. Sponsorships are available at various financial levels to encourage participation by all members.

"Hosting a 'Connections' Chamber event is a fun, networking opportunity for any business. We felt it was extremely worthwhile for us, an easy way to welcome new friends to our office." Joanne Frances Edward Jones

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Directory: Chamber members receive two free listings (alphabetical by business, and by business classification) in the Chamber's annual Membership Directory and Buyer's Guide. Chamber members receive a free copy of the directory. Nonmembers can purchase copies at the Chamber office.
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Free Notary Service: A member of the Chamber staff will notarize documents for members free of charge.

Gala Dinner Dance: Each year, in January, the Chamber hosts a dinner dance to introduce the new officers and to start the new year off with a celebration. Proceeds benefit the Chamber's Charles D. Schaffer Scholarship Fund for Carroll County high school graduates pursuing a business-related degree at McDaniel College or Carroll Community College.

Golf Tournament: Members make new business acquaintances and strengthen existing relationships while having fun on the course. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Chamber programs and services.

Grand Openings: Members come to the Chamber when planning their grand openings. The Chamber offers a Grand Opening Packet with ideas, suggestions and a list of important contacts for use when sending out invitations. In addition, the Chamber's photogenic oversized ribbon-cutting scissors are available to member businesses at no cost.

Leadership Carroll: This once-a-month, ten-month program provides existing and emerging community leaders with leadership training and an expanded knowledge of the problems, opportunities and issues facing Carroll County. The program broadens communications between businesses, government agencies and nonprofits with the ultimate goal of developing skilled and informed community leaders.

Legislative Advocacy: The Chamber is the voice of business in Carroll County, providing information on current legislation, soliciting member views, expressing those views and concerns to legislators, and providing opportunities for members to meet with legislators. State legislators look to the Chamber office for local opinion on proposed bills.

Mailing Lists and Labels: A great way to reach Chamber members is through the purchase of ready-to-use mailing labels.

Map of Carroll County: The Chamber publishes The Official Carroll County Street & Road Map.
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Member Recognition and Awards: The Chamber's Member Appreciation and Small Business Awards events honor outstanding achievement by our members.

Member to Member Benefit Program, formerly the Prosperity Program: was developed to encourage Chamber members and their employees to do business with other Chamber members. Participating members offer exclusive offers/discounts for their products/services and receive an M2M sign announcing their participation. Chamber members receive a M2M wallet card to present at participating businesses to receive the discounts.

Members-Only Focus Groups and Surveys: Chamber members participate in focus groups and surveys by which they candidly share thoughts and views on a variety of issues and topics.

Membership Decals: Window decals are distributed to all members for display in their places of business. When you see a Chamber decal, you know you are supporting a fellow Chamber member business.

New Member Orientation: New members join Chamber staff and one or more Board members for an informal morning get-together that informs and educates new members about Chamber programs, services and opportunities. Calendar of Events

New Residents: For a fee, New Resident Packets are sent to businesses and individuals planning to relocate to Carroll County. The packets contain useful information about schools, demographics, tourism, and real estate in our community.

Regular Publications: The Chamber publishes an informative quarerly magazine entitled ChamberWorks which highlights recent events, grand openings, new members, upcoming events, and includes articles of interest to the business community. Members promote their businesses by sending in news releases for the "About Our Members" section. A monthly newsletter entitled ChamberEvents provides an easy registration venue for current Chamber events. ChamberWorks and ChamberEvents also offer advertising at reasonable rates.
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Professional Development: Monthly Chamber programs keep members up-to-date on the latest business trends and practices. Leadership Carroll and Chamber-sponsored seminars and workshops provide additional leadership training and skills development opportunities.
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Referrals: The Chamber receives many requests for information pertaining to local businesses. Referrals are made from Chamber membership listings.

"The Chamber has helped me grow, not just in my business; it's helped me grow personally." Jennifer Bittner Corporate Occupational Health Solutions

Representation on Local and Regional Boards and Committees: Chamber members and staff serve on a variety of town, county and regional boards and committees. The business point of view is represented at all levels.
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Tourism: New residents and visitors to Carroll County often request information on accommodations, restaurants, and things to see and do. Referrals are made from Chamber membership listings.
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Website: The Chamber's website, www.carrollcountychamber.org, offers information about the Chamber and Carroll County. All Chamber members are listed on this high-traffic site and can also have a direct link to their homepage and an e-mail link.
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