MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Join the chamber by downloading this
form in Adobe, print, fax or mail. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

About the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce


Our Mission Statement:
To promote issues and provide services that enhance the economic growth of the Wayland area.

Purpose:

  • Advocate for businesses and a business friendly environment
  • Help retain and recruit jobs and businesses
  • Educational opportunities for members
  • Work with local agencies to provide quality, community events
  • Promote the City of Wayland and the surrounding community


Who Should Join the Chamber?
The Chamber is a non-profit organization composed of business and professional men and women who are interested in the successful economic growth of the City of Wayland and the surrounding area. These are individuals with a sincere commitment in working together toward business vitality and an enhanced quality of life in our community.

Membership:
Membership annual dues are $125.00. The cost of membership is not a donation but an investment in the business and the community. The dues are a major contribution toward Chamber projects and goals completed every year. When a business or organization invests in a Chamber membership every employee also becomes a member… adding to the exposure for that business. Dues cannot be deducted as a charitable contribution but can be used as a partial tax-deductible business expense.

For questions regarding membership and to obtain a membership application please contact Jackie at the Chamber office: 269-792-9246.

Benefits
Annual Wayland Area Directory
Chamber members are listed in the annual directory at no charge. They are also given the first opportunity to advertise in the directory. Over 4,000 copies are distributed to businesses and residents in the surrounding area. In addition, the directory is the #1 promotional item used in visitor packages and relocation packets.

Chamber Website
We have a new look! Our members have free website presence, information and promotion online. The Wayland Area Chamber website had over 5,000 visitors to its website in 2006 and over 7,000 in 2007.

Allegan County Chamber & Business News
The Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce and its members are highlighted monthly in Allegan County Chamber & Business News. Distribution is made as an insert to over 10,000 subscribers of the Allegan County News, Union Enterprise and Saugatuck-Douglas Commercial Record. Special advertising rates are offered only to Chamber members.

Referrals
The Chamber office receives multiple, daily telephone inquiries and drop-in visitors. As a clearing house for information we serve local businesses, residents, as well as, visitors from Allegan County, State of Michigan and around the country who are interested in services, products, and recreational or relocation opportunities in this area.

Member to Member Advantage Program
The "Member to Member Advantage" is a voluntary program offered exclusively tyo Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce members. Wayland Chamber members offer services or discounts to fellow members as an advantage and opportunity to support each other toward economic success.

Small Business Counseling
We are here to help you succeed as a business owner!

SCORE - (the service corps of retired executives ) is a premiere, free business counseling and advice service available through the Wayland Area Chamber office. SCORE operates in cooperation with the Small Business Administration helping small business owners start or grow their companies. For information vital to business success including financing options, business planning, marketing strategies, product development and more…visit the SCORE website at www.score.org or contact the Chamber office to set up an appointment with a SCORE counselor. 269-792-9246.


We Are Working For You !

  • The Chamber works with the City of Wayland, Downtown Development Authority and DDA "Blue Print" Task Force in efforts toward the revitalization of downtown Wayland, and promotion of the Wayland area as a whole.

  • The Chamber works with Wayland Union Schools and the Education Foundation helping to promote community awareness about the excellence in year round education and recreation opportunities in our community.

  • The Chamber is working closely with the Allegan County Community Foundation and 30 different communities throughout Allegan County as part of the "Small Town Success" Task Force. The goal is to promote successful economic growth in each community by identifying and promoting our areas of agriculture, culture, heritage, tourism potential, unique businesses and hidden art "treasures".


Networking Opportunities
Quarterly Membership Luncheon or Breakfast Seminars.
These events include guest speakers and the opportunity for membership to highlight their businesses… all without interrupting their normal business day!

Annual Membership Luncheon
A networking event of celebration and recognition. An opportunity to review the accomplishments of the previous year and preview the goals for the new year. A time to enjoy fine food, fellowship and guest speakers.

Annual Chamber Golf Outing
The Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing is held the first Friday in August to provide a fun way for business people to network in a casual atmosphere. The 4-person scramble is a popular event that provides great food, prizes, gift pack, and 18 holes of golf for at least 36 teams. There is always a waiting list!

Positive Exposure & Recognition

Annual Chamber Awards’ Banquet
The awards banquet is an opportunity for Chamber members to gather, hear a great speaker and to celebrate excellence in the surrounding business community.   The awards presented during the evening are a result of nominations received from the Chamber membership and include:

  • Community Service Award
  • The President’s Leadership Award
  • Business of the Year

Community Business Expo
The Chamber sponsored the first Community Business EXPO on October 1, 2005.  Every year we partner with Wayland Union Schools to offer:

  • 100+ exhibits
  • 1500+ visitors
  • Opportunity to highlight businesses, schools, churches & organizations.
  • Opportunity to survey for public/exhibitor opinion
  • Opportunity for future business leads
  • Positive event for the Wayland community


Your Chamber draws people together to share their special interests and talents which benefits the community economically and aesthetically.


We are working for you and the success of our community!

For further information regarding membership please contact the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce office: 269-792-9246.