TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN

Our staff of professionals at the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce makes it a priority to serve as a valuable resource to your business by offering networking, advocacy, and marketing opportunities available only to chamber members. We tailor our service offerings to each individual member to advance your business needs and presence in the community.

Here are the top ten reasons to join today!

(1) Networking

Increase your business-to-business relationships by making contacts, giving and receiving referrals, and expanding your network.

• Business @ Sunset Mixers
  Network and exchange business cards at our monthly mixer! The monthly mixers are held at different member businesses each month, including many of the top hotels and restaurants in the area. If you are looking into chamber membership, come to our friendly Santa Monica Chamber mixers to meet current members and see if the chamber of commerce is right for your business.

• Speed Networking
  Fashioned after speed dating, members have a chance to meet someone new every three minutes. Instead of love connections, business matches, leads, and referrals are made at this popular bi-monthly event.

• Member Networking Breakfast
  Our Member Networking Breakfast is an exclusive bi-monthly opportunity for our members to talk about their business and service offerings to other new members and to find out how to maximize their chamber membership.

(2) Better Business Exposure

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce provides you with opportunities to boost awareness of your company to potential customers and business professionals.

• New Member Profile
  All new Chamber members are given the opportunity to include a 100-word profile and logo in our Weekly Update eNewsletter (4,500 subscribers).

• Santa Monica Business Guide
  All Chamber members receive a listing in our premier publication, the Santa Monica Business Guide (distributed to 28,000 business professionals and residents annually).

• Online Business Directory
  Only chamber members are listed in the business directory, increasing your visibility in the community.

• Weekly Update eNewsletter
  This informative weekly email keeps you up-to-date on important area information, business issues, and upcoming events throughout the Santa Monica Community. With over 4,500 subscribers, it is a valuable advertising tool for your business, and an affordable option at only $35 per issue.

(3) Business Representation

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce is the business voice for Santa Monica. We help local businesses build rewarding relationships with city government and its communities, and take political action on business-related issues at a local, state, and national level. We invite you to express your voice in the organization that fights for you and help us build a better business environment in Santa Monica.

(4) Think Business Smart

Take advantage of our business education programs and one-on-one consulting. Learn to develop and manage your business by attending seminars and forums and gain insights into community news and issues affecting your business.

• Educational Resources
 - Learn to develop, manage, and grow your business by attending seminars and educational workshops.

• SCORE 
- One-on-one consulting is available at the Chamber through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (every Wednesday morning by appointment). Get the answers you need to improve your business or find access to capital.

(5) Join a Committee

The best way to forge long-term business relationships is by working closely with people to accomplish goals that help the community. At committee meetings and events, you will have the opportunity to network and talk face-to-face with government officials and business community leaders. Email govaffairs@smchamber.com to join one of the committees below:

• Ambassadors
• Environmental Affairs
• Government Affairs
• Land Use
• Homelessness
• Professional Emerging as Business Leaders (PeBL)


(6) Stretch Your Marketing Dollar

The chamber offers low cost ways to advertise, including:

• Mailing labels
  Up to 750 chamber member labels can be purchased from our office.

• Website and e-newsletter advertisements
  We can help set your business apart with affordable advertising opportunities on our website and in our e-newsletters.

(7) Have Your Clients Come to You

Our unique membership system allows anyone in the community to find you online and contact you directly. Never has it been so easy to have potential clients get in touch with you.

(8) Showcase Your Business

Highlight your business and forge stronger bonds with the community at annual Chamber events. Our signature events include:

• Business and Consumer Expo
• Taste of Santa Monica
• Sustainable Quality Awards
• Installation Dinner
• New Heroes Celebration

(9) Increase your Business’ Credibility

Being part of a Santa Monica Chamber demonstrates your business’ stability and reliability. When you join the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, you will receive a window decal. Make a statement that you are a reputable business and that you are committed to the future of the community.

(10) Community Involvement

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce works to better the community as a whole. Seize the opportunity to become a more active player and join the effort. The more proactive your business is, the more your business will be seen!