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 Chamber
Membership…what’s in it for you!
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
Business Matters
A monthly publication of the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce,
Business Matters is inserted in the Valley Morning Star (circulation
of 33,000), and mailed to chamber members and their representatives
(over 1,200 copies). Business Matters is also available online at www.harlingen.com.
In each edition, you can see what the Chamber and other member businesses are doing, and even include yourself in a member spotlight. To further
promote their business and services, chamber members also have the
option of placing inserts in Business Matters for a nominal
fee. Contact Cori Peña, Membership Services Manager, at (956)
423-5440, ext. 214, or cpena@harlingen.com.
Business Directory
We provide exposure for our member companies in our published annual directory. The guide is distributed
to all chamber members and is used as a resource by area newcomers,
visitors, hotels and real estate agencies. Chamber members receives one free listing both alphabetically and by category. Additional listings and advertising are available for a nominal fee.
Online Membership Directory
We provide exposure for our member companies in our online directory. Not only is general information about your business listed by name and by type of business, your website is automatically linked to ours. You can upgrade your listing, which includes a map link, email link, and a 35 word description with logo of who you are and what you do. Additional website advertising available to increase your company's visibility.
We Promote our Members!
The chamber receives thousands of calls each month from visitors,
newcomers and residents requesting information on goods and services
in the Harlingen area. In response to these requests, the chamber
takes pride in referring only chamber member businesses. Members
are also encouraged to display their flyers, brochures and business
card racks in the Chamber lobby.
Ribbon Cuttings/Groundbreakings
This popular benefit is a $300 value of FREE advertising
and is available to all members. The event is lead by the Chamber
Ambassadors who, along with the chamber staff, will take a photo
of the event at the members’ business location for publication in
the Harlingen Area Business Journal.
Special Events
The chamber hosts several special events throughout the year. Through
sponsorships, members receive quality recognition on the chamber’s
web site, our newsletter, Business Matters, email and fax broadcasts and during the events. Contact the chamber at 423-5440,
ext. 218 or mboykin@harlingen.com
for more details on how you can sponsor one of these events.
Networking Opportunities
Meet other members and have the chance to develop profitable
business contacts, the chamber hosts several networking
opportunities per month and throughout the year which include:
Business After Hours Mixers
This popular chamber networking event is held monthly at a member’s
business location. Food, beverages and entertainment are provided
by the sponsor of the event. Sponsors are given time to speak at
the event and promote their business. Contact Cori at cpena@harlingen.com
to reserve your month!
New Member Welcome Parties– they’re not just for new
members-old and new
members enjoy this opportunity to network too! New members take the
spotlight and the microphone during these quarterly events. Every
attending business representative has an opportunity to introduce
themselves and talk about their products or services. The chamber
staff also takes a few minutes to give everyone an overview of the
chamber’s program of work, benefits, activities and events.
Network Express - Another great networking
opportunity! A quick lunch followed by a fast paced exchange
of ideas, business cards and leads with other sales
professionals. When the hour’s up, you’ve got up to 50 new
contacts! Interested in becoming the next host for Network Express? Email Cori Peña at cpena@harlingen.com
Seminars, Workshops & Training
Small Business Seminars:
These seminars address the various needs of the business community
and cover a wide variety of topics including traditional core
business needs such as marketing, taxes, OSHA compliance and
business loans, in addition to more management-related training
seminars, such as hiring and screening employees, employee morale,
time management and conflicts in the workplace.
Specialized Training:
At the request of our member businesses, the chamber will provide
assistance in organizing specialized training sessions, locating
industry-related professional presenters and providing the facility
and equipment needed for the training.
For more information on seminars, workshops and training, please
contact the chamber at 423-5440, ext. 216 or czamponi@harlingen.com.
Small Business Counseling:
Through a joint partnership with the University of Texas Small
Business Development Center, a full time business counselor is
available at the chamber during regular business hours. Services
provided by the SBDC and the chamber include:
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Small business start-assistance
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Market & feasibility studies
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Business plan development
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Identification of financing sources
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SBA loan packaging
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International trade assistance
For more information on small business counseling
services, please contact the chamber of (956) 423-5440.
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