Member Benefits
Click here for Membership Application Form.
UPPER KENNEBEC VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Proudly Serving the Towns of
Bingham, Moscow, Solon, Concord, Embden, Pleasant Ridge,
Caratunk, New Portland, The Forks & The West Forks
Have you ever thought, "Why should I invest in a Chamber of Commerce membership?" Or, even wondered what a Chamber of Commerce is and what it does?
The Chamber is a voluntary organization that unites business and professional leaders and firms, thus creating a central agency that lends itself to improving business and promoting a better community. Even more importantly, the Chamber is people . . . people just like you. It is people who realize that through the Chamber they can accomplish collectively what no one of them can do individually.
Now, think to yourself, "What would the Upper Kennebec Valley be like without a Chamber of Commerce?" There would be reduced efforts to attract new customers to your business, decreased help to small businesses, limited networking and cost effective advertising opportunities, and the absence of a collective group of business owners/leaders who have achieved real bargaining power. Those are just a few of the ways that the Upper Kennebec Valley would be poorer without the efforts of the Upper Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce. The real strength of the Chamber lies in the number of members who create a pool of resources from which can be drawn ideas, energy, and finances.
The Upper Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce is a TOTAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION. We work hard to keep things simple in a complex world. We listen to our members and take quick action to help resolve problems. The Chamber is in business, too . . . the business of providing services to our members that are meaningful in terms of their businesses and their daily business realities. Our members are essentially "shareholders" who have invested in the Chamber and realize a definite return on their investment. As a member, you are buying the many benefits the Chamber provides, which can mean a competitive edge for your business. We have a collective and accessible pool of talent ready to address your priority concerns as they occur, and committees hard at work meeting the community's needs.
Not only does the Chamber address business concerns and priorities, but as a total community development organization, the Chamber strives for a better community environment; i.e., fair taxes, quality government representation, adequate energy resources, efficient transportation systems, quality education, and cultural amenities.
Please take a few moments to review the following pages where specific Chamber programming and benefits of investment are outlined. We believe that once you see the difference that this Chamber can make for your business, you will want to become one of the "shareholders". Investors in the Chamber have purchased part of the ONE STRONG VOICE in the Upper Kennebec Valley that can make a difference-The Upper Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce-and we're known by the "companies we keep".
Click here for Membership Application Form.
We've Meant Business for More than 50 Years
From its start in 1954, the Upper Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce emerged as a leader in business development, a collective organization of business leaders dedicated to making our area a better place to do business and to live.
Over the years, the Chamber evolved from a group of business persons concerned with the business concerns of Bingham and Moscow to a regional Chamber encompassing the needs of businesses in the towns of Solon, Concord, Embden, Pleasant Ridge, Caratunk, The Forks & West Forks. Although the promotion of travel and tourism is still very much a part of what this Chamber does, it at least indirectly benefits us all. Programming has become widespread to include economic development, community development, governmental affairs, and much more.
What the Chamber Does for You
Business Referrals-When the public needs information, they call the Chamber of Commerce first. We are in the business of referrals . . . where to stay, where to go, where to dine, where to shop, and how to obtain professional services. Our members are referred on a daily basis, strengthening their income and their businesses.
Economic Development
Support Local Business and Professional Organizations-The Chamber interacts with, supports, and provides direct assistance to local business organizations in order to strengthen their specific economic climates.
Community Development
The Upper Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce is a TOTAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION committed to improving the quality of life not only to the business community, but also to our local communities as a whole.
Assist Local Clubs and Organizations-The Chamber can provide resource assistance and distribution of literature for clubs and organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Health Resources, Community Services, etc.
Monthly Newsletter-The Chamber is setting up to publish a monthly newsletter sent out to Chamber members and others. Information on local businesses and their concerns will be published, as well as business changes and press releases on member businesses. New members will be introduced, and Chamber events announced. We want to keep you abreast of what's happening in business within our area. Cost effective advertising will be available in the newsletter, and we take care of the collating and postage. What better way to get your message out for a small investment?
Individual Business Promotion-The Chamber will step in and provide individual attention to your business when you need help. Ribbon cuttings or media events can be arranged to promote your new business or new product or service that you would like to highlight.
Business Seminars and Informational Training-Programs are being planned throughout the year to help you achieve higher success as a business person.
Click here for Membership Application Form.
Travel and Tourism Development
Operation of Visitors Info Center, Bingham, Maine-The Chamber will be staffing and maintaining the Visitors Info Center, where we will provide information and referrals to vacationers daily during the height of the summer season. Chamber members have the benefit of exhibiting their brochures, discount coupons, or literature for distribution at no cost.
Central Lodging Referral-The Chamber has, for many years, tracked room availability for referral to its hotel, motel, and cottage rental members. Vacationers will be able to make one call (1-207-672-4100), or log on to http://www.upperkennebecvalleychamber.me/ and have access to all the amenities and lodging opportunities in the area. Only Chamber lodging members are referred, and are referred by amenity and area.
Organization and Management of a Series of Events and Activities-These events draw the crowds that again increase your sales of product or services, i.e.:
Wyman Lake Ice Fishing Derby: Approaching its 10th year, this event in January attracts Ice Fishermen from all over the country.
You CAN Get There From Here Yard Sale: The Chamber sponsors this annual event every Memorial Weekend to attract early vacationers. The Yard Sale is approaching the 4 mile mark and will continue to grow each year.
Family Day and Fireworks: This year and in the future, we will be having a 4th of July celebration starting with a Family Day full of games, food and entertainment continuing through the afternoon and into the evening with the Finest finale...Fireworks over the Kennebec River.
Art Festival: Running the 3rd week in July, this Festival allows our local talent to show off their artistic talents.
Upper Kennebec Valley River Festival: A celebration of what made our area grow and prosper. Held the last Wednesday in July and running through the weekend, this Festival is supported by the communities and organizations up and down the Upper Kennebec Valley Corridor. Crafters, Carnival games, Flea Markets, Bingo, Bean suppers, Pie eating contests, concerts in the Park, parade, Fishing Derby, Beauty Pageant are all part of this celebration of the Kennebec River and all it has meant to our livelihood.
Gadabout Gaddis Fly-In: A long standing tradition in this area, the Fly-In draws pilots, fisherman, and hords of spectators to the Gadabout Gaddis Airport (Now North Country Rivers). The Festival atmosphere is a big draw to the community.
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GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Interaction with Local, State, and Federal Agencies-Representing your business concerns on such important issues as solid waste, tax structures, new laws and ordinances affecting your business, and more.
Town Government: The Chamber works with town officials and local organizations to produce quality events that benefit the community.
State Legislature: The Chamber participates in the legislative process when necessary on issues of importance to the Upper Kennebec Valley and small business. We work side by side with such organizations as Maine Lodging and Restaurant Association, Maine Travel Council, and Maine State Chamber of Commerce.
Click here for Membership Application Form.