Identification : A membership decal, for display on your front door or window, identifies you as a member in good standing with the Chamber.  It offers assurance to your customers or clients that your business adheres to the highest standards of integrity.

Presence on the Internet : As a part of your membership investment, you are listed on the Chamber’s web site – www.nccoastchamber.com.  The Chamber receives more than 16,350 page visits each month, or 138,750 successful hits, according to our WebTrends Summary Report.

Virtual Decal :You are encouraged to place the Chamber’s logo as a “virtual decal” on your own web site to reinforce your membership in the region’s leading business association.  To access the Chamber logo, contact Tracey Willis at the Chamber, 726-6350.

Advertising Opportunities : Chamber publications and the web site offer effective and affordable advertising outlets that are targeted toward your potential customers. 

The Chamber’s Business Directory & Visitors Guide is printed annually.  More than 6,000 copies are distributed to all members, every Chamber business contact, second home owners, seasonal renters and newcomers.  In addition, copies are placed in rooms of local hotels/motels for visitor reference.

The Chamber News is a monthly newsletter that is published as an insert in the Carteret County News-Times on the last Friday of the month.  Advertising is available to members only…and at special rates.  It’s an easy way to reach an estimated 30,000 readers.

The Chamber also distributes Informational Flyers to the full membership once a month.  This is an ideal way for members to advertise special sales or seasonal promotions.

The PULSE is a weekly e-mail newsletter that contains “news you can use” and helps the members keep abreast of upcoming Chamber activities, programs and functions.

The Chamber web site – www.nccoastchamber.com – offers banner ads at cost-effective rates.  To inquire about rates, contact Laura Jackson at 726-6350.

The Chamber makes Referrals – typically more than 2,500 each month – when someone visits the office or inquires by telephone, e-mail, fax or mail about your specific type of business.  As standard policy, we only refer to our members.  In this way, the Chamber staff works for you every business day. 

Bring your Promotional Literature and Business Cards to Chamber headquarters for Free Display in our front lobby.  Also, on a rotating basis, members can display their wares in the lobby front window at no cost for a one-month period.  Preference is given to those small businesses that do not have their own storefronts. 

Chamber members are eligible to enroll in a Workers' Compensation Program that is offered by First Benefits Insurance Mutual Inc. that can lower your workers' compensation expenses. Your existing agent can write the coverage or call 1-888-393-2667.

Small Business Roundtables meet regularly in four different locations across Carteret County.  Each Roundtable provides business owners with an opportunity to discuss common business concerns and learn from one another.

The Business Advisory Network serves small business members of the Chamber by providing up to one hour of free consultation on a business matter with a professional in the fields of accounting, banking, financial planning, human resources, management, insurance, legal, marketing, small business development and technology.  All requests are treated confidentially.

“Shop Carteret First” is the Chamber’s ongoing education and awareness campaign to encourage citizens and visitors to shop locally, giving area merchants an opportunity to show how they excel in the areas of accessibility, affordability, value and customer service.

The Chamber’s Member to Member Discounts Program is a system whereby Chamber members agree to offer fellow members a discounted price on merchandise and services.  Chamber members receive ID cards that they can show and cash in on huge savings.

Chamber Checks work like gift certificates, except they are better.  Chamber Checks can be redeemed at any participating Chamber member, so they have a built-in flexibility to be used all across the region.  Chamber Checks make great gifts for all occasions and are ideal for employee recognition or sales awards programs.  They are on sale only at Chamber headquarters.

The Chamber’s “Hand of Hospitality” initiative promotes a tourism friendly environment.  Our goal is to be seen as the friendliest community in North Carolina – where visitors and guests are always welcome. 

Sponsorships : Capitalize on partnering with the Chamber in a multitude of ongoing activities and events.  These are legitimate marketing opportunities to put your business in the spotlight.

Business After Hours is a popular Chamber tradition.  This is a series of high-powered networking events, which are designed specifically for Chamber members to combine business and pleasure.  The host company is featured prominently.  Typically, 10 functions are scheduled each year.

The Crystal Ball is the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, held in January.  Several annual awards are presented to recognize outstanding achievements by community leaders and Chamber volunteers.

The Chamber serves as the “Voice of Business” in matters of public policy, providing a forum for dialogue on contemporary issues affecting the region.  The Chamber advocates a pro-business Legislative Agenda and hosts functions several times a year to bring Chamber members into direct contact with local and state elected officials.

The JobLink Appreciation Breakfast & Awards Presentation helps recognize the JobLink Career Center as a valued resource to the employers of Carteret County.  Held in late spring, we pay tribute to two “Employers of the Year” and present two “Community Advocate Awards” to deserving businesses or organizations.  A fifth award recognizes the outstanding Skilled Trades Professional of the Year.

Other Advantages :

Grand Opening Services.  The Chamber is ready to assist you with your celebration –   grand openings, ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and milestone anniversary events. 

Mailing Labels.  Available to members only, you can benefit from the best mailing list around.  You may purchase a set of labels for $45 (one name per company) or $60 (all business contacts).

Relocation Leads.  For a small annual fee, the Chamber will mail your business the complete list of relocation leads.  Packages can be tailored to meet your needs.

Meeting Space.  Chamber members can reserve the Chamber Conference Room at no charge for important business meetings, workshops or seminars. 

Chamber Action TV Show.  Time Warner Cable Channel 10 broadcasts a 30-minute segment twice a week.  Our members are the stars of the show.

Tax Deduction.  Since the Chamber serves as a business advocacy organization, your Chamber membership investment is deductible as a necessary business expense.

90-Day Money Back Guarantee.  The Chamber stands behind its products and services and is pleased to offer new members a 90-day guarantee.  If a business or organization joins the Chamber and is not fully satisfied with the level of service, we will return the investment.  All we ask is that the new member attends at least three Chamber events to give us a try.