10 Ways to Get the Most from Your Chamber Membership
April 14, 2025
Some people think chambers of commerce work magic—and in many ways, they do. But the real power comes when you get involved. Joining the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce is a smart investment, but the greatest return comes when you tap into all the opportunities available to you.
Whether you’re just getting started or wondering if you’re using your membership to the fullest, here are ten practical ways to engage and grow through the Chamber:
1. Show Up and Be Seen
The simplest way to get the most out of your membership is to show up! From ribbon cuttings and grand openings, to professional development workshops, to community-wide events like Octoberfest, our calendar is packed with ways to meet people and grow your network.
Showing up builds trust. And trust builds business.
2. Introduce Yourself Online
Make sure your business profile on our Chamber website is up to date. We also promote new members and member milestones on social media - engage with our posts and share them to increase your visibility. Certain membership tiers include custom spotlight posts or sponsored content, so if you're not sure what’s included in your new membership tier, just ask!
3. Use Member-Only Marketing Perks
From the weekly Chamber Scoop and Member Spotlights, to event sponsorships, members can take advantage of highly targeted, affordable marketing tools. Some are even included in your membership—especially in our new membership tier model. Not sure what you’re eligible for? Let us help you figure it out.
4. Host or Sponsor Events
Want to put your business front and center? Consider sponsoring a Chamber lunch, hosting a CBYP event, or becoming a presenting partner for Octoberfest, the Chamber Annual Banquet, Leadership Bolivar County, or many others. Sponsorships come with great exposure and show your business is invested in the community.
We’re always open to creative sponsorship ideas, including in-kind contributions, giveaways, or hosting events in your space.
5. Participate in Advocacy Efforts
We represent the voice of business—from Cleveland City Hall to Jackson and beyond. We regularly engage with local and state leaders, organize legislative visits, and advocate for infrastructure funding, small business support, and regional development initiatives like Terrene Landing and industrial park expansions.
6. Leverage Learning Opportunities
We partner with experts to bring in free and low-cost professional development—like the upcoming SBDA Digital Marketing Bootcamp, business finance workshops, and small business training series. These events are tailored to help you grow, stay competitive, and upskill your team.
7. Connect with Other Members
Need a graphic designer? Looking for reliable insurance? Want to source products or services locally? Our membership base is a great place to start. When you do business with other Chamber members, you strengthen our local economy—and often find unexpected opportunities for collaboration and referrals.
8. Tell Your Story
We love sharing good news! From grand openings and growth milestones to personal member stories, we want to hear about it. Our newsletter and social media channels are great ways to share what’s going on in your business—and remind others why they should support you.
Have something exciting coming up? Reach out to our team—we’re always looking to feature member wins!
9. Get Your Team Involved
Your membership benefits your whole organization. Encourage your staff to join you at Chamber events, enroll in Cleveland-Bolivar County Young Professionals, Leadership Bolivar County, or attend workshops and networking meetups. It’s a great way to build community, develop leadership skills, and show your team you’re invested in their success.
10. Ask Questions and Offer Ideas
Finally, know Chamers are member-driven organizations - you help shape what we do. Got an idea for a workshop, speaker, or community project? Let us know. We're always listening, and your feedback helps us better serve your business and our region.
Your Chamber is a Partner, Not Just a Provider
The Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce is here to help you succeed—through connection, advocacy, promotion, and leadership. But the key is engagement. When you take advantage of what’s available, you don’t just grow your business—you help grow the Delta.
Let’s build something great, together.
