By Elissa Friday
If you are looking to be a part of a growing business community that is largely about connecting people through business networking, while acknowledging and celebrating success, then look no further. As a member of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce you belong to the main business support body in the region. Membership provides you with opportunities where you can network until your heart’s content, and at the same time, enjoy the associated social aspects at our vibrant online and face to face events. Our regular events give you the opportunity to grow your contact lists, expand your network, meet new people and catch up with those you may already know.
Here at the Chamber we are about fostering a community based upon networking. Connections as we all know are key for business relations, and for strengthening and maintaining those crucial long term business relationships. Whether you’re just starting out in business or have been in it for years, the Chamber accommodates and provides resources and networking opportunities for all, including those who are time poor.
Hear from Lisa Cunningham what it means to be a Chamber member:
Lisa Cunningham, Business Executive at K5 Furniture
We are truly an active business community, welcoming in businesses and professionals from all backgrounds. Providing advocacy, learning, and development opportunities, mentoring, wellbeing programs, and a wide range of business resources, of which some are available for non-members. As a member, you will be faced with numerous opportunities that you can pick and choose from, to communicate other members and partners through networking events.
Our highly anticipated by many monthly After 5 events, are not just a great way to connect with other members, they’re also incredibly enjoyable, social, and never dull. Every event is held at a different venue that has been carefully pre-selected by our sponsors and organised by our Chamber team. Overall, you’ll reap the benefits of a fun and social evening packed with business networking opportunities. Surely, it can only be described as a win-win situation.
Why should you join the Geelong Chamber of Commerce?
You’ll be joining Geelong’s biggest business community, plus….
NEW MEMBER VIDEO OPPORTUNITY
Share a 30-50s video, tell us about your business and why you joined the Chamber so we can splash it across our social channels.
TICKETS TO AFTER5 NETWORKING EVENTS
Automatically receive ticket/s to our members-only After 5 networking events.
BRAND EXPOSURE AND ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
Increase your brand’s exposure through networking, purchase an expo table at an After 5 event to showcase your brand. We also have sponsorship options available such as advertise in ‘Business Matters’, our electronic newsletter reaching 4,000 people.
ONLINE BUSINESS PROFILE LISTING
As well as getting an online business profile, connect with other members via the member portal, and membership directory.
STAY IN THE KNOW
Special member announcements, get the latest news on business, grants, and industry news.
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Register for our online seminars and masterclasses, podcasts, or get involved in our expert panel webinars. Access educational resources and embrace the support and encouragement
WE CAN BE YOUR VOICE AND PROVIDE ADVOCACY FOR YOUR INDUSTRY
On behalf of local businesses’, we advocate to local government and on state level. As advocates for regional business we form an alliance with a regional chamber called the Victorian Regional Chamber Alliance.
OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD YOUR SKILLS AND THE SKILLS OF YOUR STAFF
Build your knowledge and skills through our business mentoring, and wellbeing programs.
ATTEND THE GEELONG BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Each year the Geelong Business Excellence Awards celebrate our outstanding businesses in the region.
SUPPORTING GEELONG’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
For those at the start of their career, events are run by the Geelong Young Professionals network, a Chamber initiative.
BE A PART OF A GREAT BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Most importantly, as a Chamber member you are part of a vibrant business community. Network with other local businesspeople, make new business connections, share your insights and hear from your peers.
If you haven’t already joined the Chamber, what are you waiting for? We’re here!
Reap the benefits of making new connections
“The After 5 was enjoyable and very pleasant. It was an evening full of down to earth business professionals getting to know each other. People were willing to talk and were generally interested in what I had to say about my business and about what I do.”
Kathryn Rae, Pawfect Pet Vet Aquarium Supplies
Overall, membership gives you access to an impressive range of resources, including new network connections, opportunities to attend fun events, including breakfasts, corporate lunches, the Geelong Business Excellence Awards, online webinars, masterclasses, online member mingles, support, advice, mentoring, wellbeing programs, local business advocacy, with the option to showcase the Geelong Chamber brand on your social channels and pages.
As a new member you’ll receive a personal welcome form the CEO, a meet and greet, complete membership guide, digital web badges, certificate and window sticker, we can connect you to our ambassador program, and you can immediately start registering for member-only events.
Don’t delay, join the lifestyle, become a member and start reaping the benefits of membership!
Elissa Friday
Membership Consultant with the Geelong Chamber
Elissa is our Membership Consultant at the Geelong Chamber and has a broad knowledge of the Geelong community, with a background in sales, and in journalism, she loves hearing all about local business and people. Look out for Elissa at our upcoming After 5s and make sure to say hello!
