What we do

Chamber Development Services Inc. is your Chamber's strategic partner. We tell you what to expect from us, and what we expect from you. After more than 650 programs in which each volunteer averaged three new members, we know what works. Here are the three things you need to build your Chamber:

Potential. Your Chamber has to have a benefit package that validates this statement: Chamber membership is an investment, not a donation.
Potential. Your community should have at least 300 local prospective members with a small business membership of at least $200 annually.
Potential. You should embrace a partnership that will measure success not only by gaining new dollars but by gaining new direction.

A typical partnership involves this time-tested process:

Step One: Analysis.
We will work with your staff to gather information about your Chamber, your market, and your membership. We will provide a detailed analysis to you that will contrast your Chamber's membership against other organizations nationwide. We also will provide recommendations and strategies based on this analysis.

Step Two: Training.
We will travel to your community, at our expense, to train volunteers and staff involved in your project.  You are also encouraged to invite others from the community (members and non-members alike...why not spread the message!  As a comprehensive multi-facetted program, part of our analysis will identify ways to recruit members in underrepresented categories. The remainder of our work will go toward a workshop that will turn your current members into disciples for the Chamber. This community awareness and outreach is critical to you, and to us.

Step Three: Outreach.
In one key week, we will return to your community to oversee an outreach program aimed at attracting new members. No cold calling nor boiler-room techniques will be tolerated. The purpose of this effort is to encourage current members to attract new members based on their personal experience about the benefits, networking, productivity and joys of being a Chamber member. Each new member's first-year membership investment is acquired during this effort. The volunteers agree to take an active interest in the retention of these members.

Step Four: Recognition.
At the conclusion of the week, we present personalized certificates of achievement to many of your volunteers. Your local newspaper is informed of the effort's success. And we recap your activities (with a sharp focus on the future) in a brief meeting with your key staff members, directors, volunteers or ambassadors.  All information gathered during the program is presented to you in easy to use (and re-use) written and computerized format.

Step Five: Retention.
You will receive an analysis of new members and their sponsors. Our exclusive Attention to Retention manual is also yours to keep and use. And for an entire year, you are welcome to consult with us on topics such as new-member support, involvement and retention. Our purpose is to provide an effective way to develop your organization at all levels. We will be happy to help.