Greater Florence Chamber reports membership growth, new website and events

Paul Felker, executive director of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, told the Town Council that chamber membership has risen above its February goal of 250 to about 271 members and that the organization has added 38 new members since January.

Felker reviewed recent and upcoming chamber activities, including two mixers (Allstate agent Eldon Keiser in Anthem and a Windmill Winery event), the Tri City Expo in Eloy, small-business seminars, ribbon cuttings (including Safeway), and a “business spotlight” social feature the chamber will post on Facebook. Felker previewed a new chamber website and an updated business directory and said the website homepage will include an events calendar and member database.

Felker described membership tiers and pricing as presented to the council: individual booster $50; home-based business $100; charitable organizations $100; 1–9 employees $175; 10–49 employees $370.50; 50+ employees $625. He said the chamber has nearly completed a refreshed database, updated financials and new staff procedures.

Council members praised the chamber’s recent outreach. Vice Mayor Adam and Council member Bedford commended Felker’s work; Bedford suggested using Main Street photography to better brand chamber materials and the website.

Why it matters: Chamber events and marketing are an element of local economic development and tourism promotion; Felker said the chamber is working with neighboring chambers to attract tour groups and to promote local businesses.

No council action was requested or taken on the informational update. Felker said he would forward the presentations to the council after the meeting.