Marshall Chamber of CommerceGoverned by the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance

J U LY 1 , 2 0 2 0 – J U N E 3 0 , 2 0 2 1

M E M B E R S H I P PA C K E T

The Marshall

Chamber Works

for its Members During the COVID-19 crisis and the ensuing economic uncertainly, the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) has continued to offer valuable guidance and support to our business community. MAEDA board and staff have provided unique solutions and assistance including:

• Timely, relevant COVID-19 business resource and community updates through virtual meetings, social

media, a dedicated page on ChooseMarshall.com, and email newsletters.

• Free one-on-one business counseling with the Small Business Development Center and other contacts.

• MAEDA Local Grants totaling over $75,000 awarded to Marshall businesses from MAEDA funds; coordination of community donations of close to $15,000 for additional local business support; coordination of grant funding through Southwest Michigan First/MEDC.

• Launch of EatShopMarshall.com, providing businesses and customers a free, one-stop ordering and shopping marketplace platform.

• Hand sanitizer, face masks and filters provided to area businesses at no cost.

• Continuation of anchor programs such as What’s Brewing as a virtual event.

• Collaboration with local and state government to improve quality of life, strengthen local economic growth, and promote tourism.

Now more than ever, we must work together to strengthen our business community.

Membership in the Marshall Chamber will help make our city a must-visit destination!

Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance323 W Michigan Ave, Marshall, MI 49068 • 269-781-5163info@ChooseMarshall.com • ChooseMarshall.com

Greetings! It is an exciting time to be a member of the Marshall Chamber. We are always creating new networking and promotional opportunities to help our member businesses succeed and grow, including continuing education, monthly networking opportunities, business referrals and enhanced website listing. Great events that allow our member businesses to gain visibility include Cash Mob Monday, What’s Brewing, The Annual Chamber Dinner and ribbon cutting presentations. We continue to partner with local government and other organizations to pursue improvements in the overall quality of life for the city, county and region, particularly in the areas of small business development, economic and community development and tourism. Our success in achieving our mission and purpose is due to a collaborative effort from our Board of Directors, Chamber Ambassadors, City of Marshall and Chamber and community members. Joining your local Chamber can be a huge credibility booster. When consumers know that a business is a member of the Chamber they are 49% more likely to have a favorable view of your company, it can increase your local reputation when compared to the competition by 68%, there is a 73% increase in consumer awareness of your business and an 80% increase in the likelihood that a consumer will patronize your business according to the Schapiro Group Study on Chamber Effectiveness.   To renew or become a member of the Marshall Chamber, complete and return the enclosed Contact Information Form with your membership dues to: Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, 323 West Michigan Avenue, Marshall, MI 49068. For more information, contact Jane Reid at 269-781-5163 or jreid@marshallaeda.org.  Thank you to our current members for your continued support. For those of you opening a business in Marshall or considering membership, you will find that becoming a member of the Marshall Chamber is of great value to you. Marshall is thriving, join us as we continue to grow.  Scott Fleming                                                                               Jane Reid                                                               CEO                                                                                              Chamber Coordinator                                                                             

Scott Fleming Jane Reid

Welcome!To have a strong economic environment, you must have a strong community. The Marshall Chamber, governed by MAEDA, is dedicated to promoting the local business community to help owners network and grow. The Chamber’s goal is to work toward improving the quality of life for all, through the support and commitment of its members. Become a proud Chamber member and join today!

“Marshall Chamber and MAEDA were

instrumental in helping us find a store location. Their help didn’t stop there. They continue to help with promoting our downtown and activities that keep customers loving our downtown area and, therefore, returning to shop.”

– Kathy Pryor and Michele Wilkerson,OwnersLiving MI

“The Marshall Chamber does so much to create a positive atmosphere. It is great to be part of such an awesome group of individuals.”

– Tom Sowles, ManagerMarshall Country Club

“We love the opportunity to make new friends and valuable connections through the Chamber. There’s a great energy in Marshall right now, and it’s clear that MAEDA is helping provide that momentum. Being a part of that excitement and positivity has been beneficial to the zoo in countless ways. And, did I mention that Chamber gatherings are fun?”

- Leslie Walsh, Manager of Marketing & DevelopmentBinder Park Zoo

According to the Shapiro Group, 49% of consumers are more likely to think favorably of a local business if it was a member of a local Chamber, and 80% are more likely to purchase a product or service from a Chamber member.

Membership is affordable and your Marshall Chamber benefits have a value of more than $1,500!Membership will foster invaluable business connections through many networking opportunities.

The Chamber promotes your business and the City of Marshall on our website, ChooseMarshall.com,and through social media and at the Marshall Welcome Center.

Small Business Academy educational opportunities and business counseling keep you on the cutting edge and move your business forward.

Join us in our combined efforts to make Marshall the place to live, work and visit!

Membership has Benefits!Your Marshall Chamber membership includes these valuable business resources and tools to help your business thrive and grow.

Business Guidance and Support

Business CounselingIn cooperation with SCORE and the SBDC, members may obtain business counseling and mentoring free of

charge.

Education/Small Business AcademyTo help businesses thrive and grow, we routinely offer relevant, current, local education in the form of seminars and workshops. A wide variety of experts lead business-related sessions covering topics such as social media, leadership, marketing, business plans and finance issues.

Meeting RoomUse of City Hall training room on a first-come basis for the purpose of tourism, training or development.

Property ListingMAEDA will list commercial or industrial properties on a national database free of charge.

Equipment UsageSpecial event equipment such as ceremonial scissors, raffle hopper, and large insulated drink coolers are available upon request for short-term use.

Strength in Numbers

AdvocacyThe Chamber creates an environment for your business to grow by connecting businesses to the right people and resources.

As the need arises, the Chamber organizes political candidate forums and brings information to businesses that they need in times of crisis, such as during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

InsuranceMedova Healthcare and VSP Vision Care insurances are available for Chamber member businesses. Contact

VantagePointe Benefit Group, 269-781-7199.

Michigan Chamber BenefitsMAEDA is a member of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce so Marshall Chamber members are eligible for significant discounts on many products and services, including State and Federal Labor Law posters.

Networking Opportunities

The Chamber provides opportunities to help your company gain exposure and to build lasting relationships with key leaders in the business community.

What’s BrewingThis monthly breakfast meeting offers time for valuable networking, sharing information about the Chamber and community happenings, and to highlight Marshall Chamber member businesses through short, casual presentations. While the public may attend, only Chamber members are allowed to present.

Ambassador CommitteeMarshall Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers from the community who work to enhance and promote local businesses, and to act as liaisons between businesses and the Marshall Chamber.

5:01 After HoursDrop-in events at local restaurants or pubs that offer a casual networking event full of fun-filled camaraderie in the early evening.

Annual Chamber Awards DinnerEach year we celebrate the accomplishments of our business community and acknowledge those who made a significant contribution to our community at the Chamber Dinner.

Marketing and Advertising

Business PromotionsChamber members promotions include Ribbon Cuttings, “We Noticed” presentations and New Member presentations, all which include a press release and photo. The Chamber also utilizes several social media platforms to promote members and the City of Marshall.

Member ReferralsThe MAEDA office receives multiple inquiries each day asking for information about area businesses and services. Marshall Chamber members are prioritized when making referrals.

Group AdvertisingMAEDA advertises with several organizations, such as West Michigan Tourist Association, Pure Michigan, and area news outlets to promote businesses and the City of Marshall.

ChooseMarshall.com Website ListingAs a member, your business will have an enhanced listing on the Chamber website which includes up to 10 photos and a video.

Mailing LabelsFor your own advertising efforts, members may request one set of member mailing labels each fiscal year.

DiscountsMembers receive one Buy Smart membership card which allows special offers. The list of available discounts is posted at ChooseMarshall.com.

Marshall Bucks ProgramMarshall Bucks are gift certificates that work like checks to purchase goods and services at participating Chamber member businesses.

Phone Book Bold ListingMembers receive a special bold listing and icon in the Marshall phone book identifying them as a member.

EatShopMarshall.com WebsiteMAEDA and the Marshall Chamber provide this marketplace site at no charge to be part of your toolbox to support restaurant and retail re-opening and growth moving forward. Customers can view merchandise and menus, order and pay - all at no cost to participating businesses in Marshall.

Community Events

MAEDA sponsors, promotes and participates in a number of events for the enjoyment and enrichment of our community and visitors.

• Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues Festival

• BluesFest

• Cruise at the Fountain

• July 4th BBQ, concert and parade

• Home Tour

• Donut Roll cycling event

• Skeletonfest

• Christmas Parade

…and more!

Tourism

While not directly related to the Chamber, tourism is vitally important to the health and well-being of our business community. MAEDA has created an extensive program to promote tourism in the Marshall area. Activities include:

• Operation of the Marshall Welcome Center, offering maps, business and event brochures, and a warm welcome both in-person and via Live Chat.

• Creation and distribution of brochures and sample itineraries to area retailers, prospective tour groups, area visitors and MDOT Welcome Centers.

• Compilation and distribution of hundreds of information packets each year to visitors, businesses, and potential residents.

• Management and operation of the Marshall Trolley Company, which brings a unique experience to Marshall with free weekend loops around town and ticketed specialty events.

Membership Dues

Dues are based on number of Full-Time Employees (FTE)

1-10 FTE........................................$200

11-50 FTE ......................................$300

51-100 FTE....................................$500

101-500 FTE..................................$750

500+ FTE ....................................$1,000

Educational ....................................$500

Government ...................................$500

Individual .......................................$100

Retired Individual .............................$50

• Business owners with more than

one business receive a 50%

discount for each additional

business.

• First-time Marshall Chamber

members receive a one-time

50% discount.

• Businesses negatively impacted

by COVID-19 may receive a 50%

discount and/or the choice of

making monthly payments for the

2020-2021 fiscal year.

Dues & Sponsorships for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021Your Marshall Chamber offers opportunities for growth, access to resources, community involvement and camaraderie. Join today! Sponsorship opportunities provide additional visibility - see form on the last page.

Marshall Chamber Sponsorships

What’s BrewingSponsors have the choice of hosting the event for 50-60 participants and/or paying for breakfast. Hosting entitles you to speak for five minutes, providing breakfast also allows you five minutes - do both and have ten minutes to discuss your business or organization. Your logo will be included on the printed program and your business will be mentioned in event promotion via emails, website and social media.

5:01 After HoursHost or sponsor and be mentioned in event promotions.

Annual Awards DinnerSponsor event and, depending on contribution level, your logo will be included on the invitation, the event program, on a banner displayed at the event, and the event video. Your business will be thanked in event promotions and live during the event. You will also receive complimentary tickets to attend.

Small Business AcademySponsor a speaker and your logo will be included on the agenda and your business mentioned in event promotion via emails, website and social media. You also will be thanked during the event.

Marshall Chamber eNewsletterSponsor an edition and your logo, website link and a two sentence discription of your business will be included at the bottom of the newsletter.

Marshall BucksSponsor printing and your business logo will be included on every Marshall Buck sold.

MAEDA Events & Trolley Sponsorships

SkeletonfestThis month-long event draws hundreds of people to town each year to see the whimsical, life-sized skeletons posed downtown. Help host the event and receive recognition via press releases and social media.

Spend Local CampaignHelp sponsor this program and your business will be mentioned in event promotion via emails and social media.

Celebration of TreesSponsor this annual event and your business or organization will receive a tree to decorate and a plaque with your name.

Marshall Trolley CompanySponsor a stop along the Trolley’s weekend route and your logo will appear on a Trolley stop sign, and/or opt to have your logo on a sticker adhered the Trolley itself and enjoy recognition on the move.

Marshall Event Sponsorships

MAEDA facilitates sponsorships for these valuable, long-standing community events.

BluesFestDepending on level of sponsorship, you can display banners, address the crowd during the event, have an informational display table, print your logo/name on event t-shirts, and be recognized on websites, press releases and social media promotions.

Christmas ParadeSponsor the parade and your name will be mentioned by the MCs during the event, now live-streamed around the world! You will also be included in the parade press release and your logo will appear on the holiday poster and holiday gift guide.

Access to

New Business

Relationships

The face-to-face marketing opportunities at Chamber events allows businesses to start or strengthen relationships with an unlimited number of clients and customers.

Demonstrates

Civic

Engagement

All businesses play an important role in the framework of a community and accept a portion of the responsibility to ensure the community stays healthy and whole.

Advertising/

Publicity

Chamber events are highly publicized and so are their sponsors. Exposure in print, in the media, and at the program or event ensures heightened sponsor brand recognition among a targeted audience.

Creates

Customer and

Community

Loyalty

Your sponsorship and support of local community events builds rapport and increases the odds of your customers recommending your business to friends and other members of the community.

Association with

High Profile Businesses

Companies that desire to be coined “Industry Leaders” welcome the benefits of being associated with local events and programs. Chamber events are among the top places to gain name recognition within the professionals commiunity.

MISSION & VISION

The Marshall Chamber Ambassadors promote

Marshall through attendance and volunteerism

at events, support Chamber member and area

businesses through ribbon cuttings and business

visits and encourage Chamber membership

through attendance and participation at

Chamber events. 

MARSHALL CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

WHAT WE DO

Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers from the

community that enhance and promote the image of

the Marshall community and the Marshall Chamber.

Ambassadors meet monthly to network and receive

business updates,

Ambassadors act as public relations liaisons between

the business community and the Chamber.

Why Join?

Promote your own business

Make stronger business

connections

Network with other business

professionals

Be first to learn what 's

new in Marshall and our

business community

Receive exclusive business

tours  

Join Now!

Learn more about becoming a

Marshall Chamber Ambassador :

MAEDA

323 W . Michigan Ave .

Marshall , MI 49068

269-781-5163

info@choose .org

www .choosemarshall .com

It’s Easy to Post Your Event on

ChooseMarshall.com

1. Go to ChooseMarshall.com and click “Events” in the light blue bar.

2. Click the in the box on the right.

3. Fill out the form, and don’t forget a picture!

4. Click at the bottom.

5. MAEDA staff will review your post and approve it for public view.

________________________________________________________________________________________________Complete Business Name (please print)

________________________________________________________________________________________________Business Address City State ZIP

________________________________________________________________________________________________Billing Address (if different) City State ZIP

______________________________________________ _____________________________________________Primary Contact Person Name (internal use only) Secondary Contact Person Name (internal use only)

______________________________________________ _____________________________________________Email Email

______________________________________________ _____________________________________________Phone Number Phone Number

Total Local Employment: ____________ Full Time ____________ Part Time

SOCIAL MEDIA ADDRESSES/LINKS

Website _______________________________________ Facebook _____________________________________

Instagram ______________________________________ Twitter _______________________________________

Business Phone Number to appear on website and in CRG phone book ______________________________________

Public email address (that can be shared with other Marshall Chamber members) ________________________________________

q We will accept Marshall Bucks. (please initial agreement): ____________

q We have public meeting/banquet space. If yes, max capacity? ____________

q Please send the Chamber eNewsletter to this email: ____________________________________________________

CHOOSEMARSHALL.COM Website InformationMarshall Chamber members receive an enhanced listing on the ChooseMarshall.com website. Email the following information to info@choosemarshall.com.

q Up to 10 pictures (high-resolution .jpeg format) and one video (MUST be hosted by YouTube or Vimeo)

q Description in complete sentences of your business/services as it should appear on the website (may be edited for clairity/space)

$___________ Membership Dues for for July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 fiscal year

– $___________ Discount

$___________ Sponsorship Total (see worksheet on back of this page)

$___________ GRAND TOTAL

q Check enclosed q Invoice me q Monthly Payments NOTE: Payments made to MAEDA are not a charitable deduction for tax purposes.

The undersigned hereby subscribes to membership in the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) and the Marshall Chamber and agrees to pay the above amount in dues and sponsorships.

________________________________________________________________________________________________Signature of Applicant Printed Name Date

Marshall Chamber of Commerce

MEMBERSHIP CONTACT INFORMATION

In an effort to streamline this process, all sponsorship opportunities are listed below. If you are interested and able, you may choose your event(s) and level(s) below and make one easy payment. Some sponsorships are limited - if we have reached the limit on your choice we will contact you to make changes. We appreciate your generosity!

Marshall Chamber of Commerce & MAEDA

2020-21 SPONSORSHIPS

Questions? Please contact Kierith Kurth at kierith@ChooseMarshall.com

Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA)323 W Michigan Ave, Marshall, MI 49068 • 269-781-5163 • info@ChooseMarshall.com • ChooseMarshall.com

Marshall Chamber Sponsorships

What’s Brewing Chamber Breakfast Sponsors are recognized in all promotions, have

their logo on the program, get 2 free breakfasts, and speak at their sponsored event.

$____ $0 = host plus provide breakfast$____ $350 = host only, Chamber provides breakfast$____ $500 = logo on agenda plus thanked at event

5:01 After Hours$____ $250 = recognized in print and on social media

Annual Awards Dinner$____ $1,500 = 6 tickets with preferential seating,

large logo on invite, logo on banner at event, recognition on website, program, video, press release and social media

$____ $1,000 = 4 tickets, medium logo on invite, recognition in program, video, press release and social media

$____ $500 = 2 tickets, recognition in program, video and press release

Small Business Academy$____ $1,000 = funding to bring in national expert,

large logo on flyer, website and program, recognized on all promotions and social media

$____ $500 = funding to bring in regional expert, small logo on flyer, recognized on all promotions, website and social media

$____ $300 = funding to sponsor a local expert, logo on website, recognized on all promotions

Marshall Bucks$____ $300 = printed logo/thanks on each Marshall Buck

Marshall Chamber eNewsletter$____ $100 = includes logo, website link and two

sentences describing your business

Good Samaritan Sponsorship Funds for general Chamber support.$____ (any amount) Facebook thanks with logo and

website link

MAEDA Events & Trolley Sponsorships

Skeletonfest$____ $2,000 = Bring an additional skeleton to town! $____ $500 = Your banner displayed at the kick-off party

(sponsor supplied) plus everything below$____ $300 = Your business featured on a skeleton

for one month (placements pre-determined) plus everything below

$____ $100 = Your business logo on sign at kick-off and recognized on ChooseMarshall.com and social media

Spend Local Campaign$____ $250 = recognition in print and on social media

Celebration of Trees$____ $100 = per tree (limit two) for your business or

organization to decorate, includes name plaque

Marshall Trolley Company$____ $850 = Logo on Trolley stop sign for one year $____ $625 = Logo sticker on side of Trolley for one year

Marshall Event Sponsorships

BluesFest$____ $7,500 = 300 sq ft of prominate display space plus

everything below$____ $5,000 = 4’ x 20’ banners on main stage and

4’x4’ on beer tent stage (both sponsor provided), opportunity to address audience, MC read 30 second live promo, inclusion in radio ads, plus everything below

$____ $2,500 = opportunity to introduce a band on stage, inclusion in print advertising (t-shirt, posters, fliers) plus everything below

$____ $1,000 = logo and website link on MarshallBluesFest.com for one year plus everything below

$____ $500 = up to 4’x4’ logo/banner in beer tent (sponsor provided), display space to distribute promotional materials plus everything below

$____ $250 = highlighted on Blues Festival Facebook page$____ $100 = mention on Blues Festival Facebook page

Christmas Parade Donation$____ (any amount) Facebook thanks (logo and link),

press release, poster, and gift guide

$_________ Total Left Column + $_________ Total Right Column = Total Sponsorships $___________