South Columbia County Chamber reports membership growth, new membership tiers and banner advertising program

Jack Massey, president of the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, delivered the chamber’s semiannual report to the city council on Feb. 19, saying membership has grown and the organization is expanding programs to promote local businesses.

Massey said the chamber added about 25 members compared with the same time last year and that networking events such as “coffee and commerce” and monthly happy hours are drawing between 30 and 50 attendees. He described ribbon-cutting events, member spotlights and an annual awards banquet planned for March as tools to highlight local businesses.

The chamber has reorganized membership tiers — adding nonprofit and sole-proprietor levels and a new “diamond” top tier — and increased rates for select tiers while expanding benefits. Massey said gold members will receive complimentary awards-banquet tickets and platinum members receive four tickets; diamond members receive a larger banner location in a new railing-banner program.

On the banner program, Massey said the railing along the railroad near the chamber building will host 3-foot-by-4-foot banners for a year, with 11 railing sections and room for two banners per section (22 banner spaces total). Diamond members may receive a full section for a larger banner; he said only six or seven standard spaces remained available at the time of his presentation.

Massey encouraged council members to attend chamber events and asked the city to consider participation in banner placements and sponsorships. He also noted the chamber’s work with county partners on small-business support and candidate forums that had been posted to social media.