Chamber Membership FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Osceola Area Chamber of Commerce:
What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A chamber of commerce is a business membership organization.
Why join the Chamber of Commerce?
Businesses typically join a chamber of commerce to increase their visibility, make connections and invest in the future of their community.
I am thinking about visiting the Osceola Area, where can I find information on tourism?
Contact our partner organization, The Polk County Information Center @ 715-483-1410.
What is the Chamber’s Mission Statement?
Our mission statement is “Building business success through education, leadership, and organizational excellence."
What is a Mainstreet Program?
The Wisconsin Main Street program was created in 1987, and is affiliated with the National Main Street Center. The Main Street America
program is designed to provide technical support and training for organizations dedicated to downtown or commercial corridor
revitalization activities. The program is flexible in its ability to accommodate a wide range of community sizes and situations. Successful programs will have established a strong local base of support which enables them to undertake a broad spectrum of initiatives specifically designed to foster local success.
Who do you serve?
We serve the Osceola Area which includes member businesses in Osceola, Dresser, St. Croix Falls, East Farmington and Somerset.
What does the Chamber do?
The varied Chamber activities are dedicated to promoting a vibrant business environment in communities around Osceola-some are easy to notice and some are behind the scenes.
-Make Connections-
We offer valuable networking opportunities for our members through “Lunch and Learns” , the Ambassador program, committee work as well as “Business After 5” evenings to gather for social time at chamber member’s locations.
-Marketing-
We promote tourism and provide business and family relocation information. We showcase Osceola and member businesses by hosting an interactive website and being active in social media. We promote our businesses through member to member referrals, provide ribbon cutting ceremonies for new and expanded businesses as well as provide numerous opportunities to sponsor a variety of events.
-Advocacy-
Our Chamber Director regularly attends Osceola Village Board meetings to keep us in touch and advocate for business within local government.
-Community Events-
The Chamber’s plans two signature events each year, "Wheels N Wings" brings thousands of visitors to the Osceola area and "Celebrate Osceola" promotes excellence in business. The Chamber hosts several promotional events throughout the year around town to enhance living, playing and shopping. The Chamber Pancake Breakfast, Classic Car & Steak Night, Doe on the Go , Lunch with Santa, Lights in the Millpond Park and the beautiful flowers pots on Main Street are all Chamber sponsored activities. For other great community events like Rhubarb Days, Osceola Community Fair and East Farmington Daze, the Chamber acts as a supporting partner.
How do I maximize my investment in the Chamber?
Here are the most important ways to maximize your investment in the Chamber - 1) make sure your listing and categories are correct on the website and your photos and links are great, 2) take advantage of available programs and services to connect and learn; (3) contribute your business news regularly to the Chamber newsletter to keep your business top of mind 4) “like”, comment and post on Chamber’s Facebook page to keep your business connected and (5) communicate your needs to your director, ambassador, or the Chamber Board.
What’s the best way to meet fellow members at Chamber events?
Network, network, network! The Chamber is packed with the best and brightest professionals that the Osceola Area has to offer. Our members enjoy getting to know one another at social events and committee work and many set up follow-up meetings to get to know each others' businesses better. The Chamber makes it easy to make connections that form lasting business relationships, as well as friendships with each other.
Who can attend Chamber events?
Our events are open to members and non-member guests. We also encourage employees of members businesses to get involved.
How does a chamber member get events included in chamber newsletter, online, etc and is there a cost?
Chamber members are welcome to promote their events on our web site and newsletters for no cost. To add an event, please visit our calendar of events and send newsletter announcements to the director through e-mail -info@myosceolachamber.org.
Is the Chamber part of local government?
No, the Osceola Area Chamber is a totally separate and independent organization. However, we do work closely with the local units of government and its elected and appointed officials. Our focus is on the business needs of our Members.
What does the Chamber offer?
The Chamber offers many opportunities for Members to establish new business relationships, renew and strengthen familiar ones. These connections provide a foundation for collaborating on projects that benefit business and contribute to the future direction of the Osceola area. We have something for everyone at all stages of the life of a business. However, stable businesses are key to attracting other businesses to the area. Mature businesses are in the enviable position of choosing to use the Chamber as a forum to give back to the entire community.
I don’t have time to become heavily involved in Chamber activities. Does this decrease the value of my membership?
Not at all, in fact only about 25% of all Chamber members participate actively in volunteer positions within the Chamber. Your membership is designed to give you a good return on your investment even if you do not have lots of extra time to dedicate to the Chamber.
How can I get visibility in front of my key regional markets?
The Chamber recognizes that its small and large business members alike appreciate an opportunity to get involved. Studies show that people recognize and want to do business with Chamber Members who support their communities. To increase your visibility and opportunities to interact with your target markets, we offer a variety of sponsorships, hosting, and speaking opportunities. These larger sponsorships include events like the regionally renowned Wheels and Wings or the prestigious award ceremony of Celebrate Osceola. Other opportunities like hosting or speaking at educational seminars and business mixers will help your business gain visibility, increase clout among your regional colleagues, and reach your target audiences.
I am with education, government, non-profit or a place of worship. Do you have a special rate for these categories?
Yes. A membership is available for these groups who see the benefits of getting involved with the Chamber. The associate membership rate is $75.00.
I am not a business owner and would like to be a Chamber member. Is there an Associate Membership?
Yes. A non-business individual associate membership is available for members who do not conduct business activities. It is typically used by residents who want to volunteer for the Chamber. The associate membership rate is $25.00.
Where can I learn more about the Mainstreet Program?
For more information on the Mainstreet Program of Wisconsin please visit: http://inwisconsin.com/community/assistance/main-street-program/
What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A chamber of commerce is a business membership organization.
Why join the Chamber of Commerce?
Businesses typically join a chamber of commerce to increase their visibility, make connections and invest in the future of their community.
I am thinking about visiting the Osceola Area, where can I find information on tourism?
Contact our partner organization, The Polk County Information Center @ 715-483-1410.
What is the Chamber’s Mission Statement?
Our mission statement is “Building business success through education, leadership, and organizational excellence."
What is a Mainstreet Program?
The Wisconsin Main Street program was created in 1987, and is affiliated with the National Main Street Center. The Main Street America
program is designed to provide technical support and training for organizations dedicated to downtown or commercial corridor
revitalization activities. The program is flexible in its ability to accommodate a wide range of community sizes and situations. Successful programs will have established a strong local base of support which enables them to undertake a broad spectrum of initiatives specifically designed to foster local success.
Who do you serve?
We serve the Osceola Area which includes member businesses in Osceola, Dresser, St. Croix Falls, East Farmington and Somerset.
What does the Chamber do?
The varied Chamber activities are dedicated to promoting a vibrant business environment in communities around Osceola-some are easy to notice and some are behind the scenes.
-Make Connections-
We offer valuable networking opportunities for our members through “Lunch and Learns” , the Ambassador program, committee work as well as “Business After 5” evenings to gather for social time at chamber member’s locations.
-Marketing-
We promote tourism and provide business and family relocation information. We showcase Osceola and member businesses by hosting an interactive website and being active in social media. We promote our businesses through member to member referrals, provide ribbon cutting ceremonies for new and expanded businesses as well as provide numerous opportunities to sponsor a variety of events.
-Advocacy-
Our Chamber Director regularly attends Osceola Village Board meetings to keep us in touch and advocate for business within local government.
-Community Events-
The Chamber’s plans two signature events each year, "Wheels N Wings" brings thousands of visitors to the Osceola area and "Celebrate Osceola" promotes excellence in business. The Chamber hosts several promotional events throughout the year around town to enhance living, playing and shopping. The Chamber Pancake Breakfast, Classic Car & Steak Night, Doe on the Go , Lunch with Santa, Lights in the Millpond Park and the beautiful flowers pots on Main Street are all Chamber sponsored activities. For other great community events like Rhubarb Days, Osceola Community Fair and East Farmington Daze, the Chamber acts as a supporting partner.
How do I maximize my investment in the Chamber?
Here are the most important ways to maximize your investment in the Chamber - 1) make sure your listing and categories are correct on the website and your photos and links are great, 2) take advantage of available programs and services to connect and learn; (3) contribute your business news regularly to the Chamber newsletter to keep your business top of mind 4) “like”, comment and post on Chamber’s Facebook page to keep your business connected and (5) communicate your needs to your director, ambassador, or the Chamber Board.
What’s the best way to meet fellow members at Chamber events?
Network, network, network! The Chamber is packed with the best and brightest professionals that the Osceola Area has to offer. Our members enjoy getting to know one another at social events and committee work and many set up follow-up meetings to get to know each others' businesses better. The Chamber makes it easy to make connections that form lasting business relationships, as well as friendships with each other.
Who can attend Chamber events?
Our events are open to members and non-member guests. We also encourage employees of members businesses to get involved.
How does a chamber member get events included in chamber newsletter, online, etc and is there a cost?
Chamber members are welcome to promote their events on our web site and newsletters for no cost. To add an event, please visit our calendar of events and send newsletter announcements to the director through e-mail -info@myosceolachamber.org.
Is the Chamber part of local government?
No, the Osceola Area Chamber is a totally separate and independent organization. However, we do work closely with the local units of government and its elected and appointed officials. Our focus is on the business needs of our Members.
What does the Chamber offer?
The Chamber offers many opportunities for Members to establish new business relationships, renew and strengthen familiar ones. These connections provide a foundation for collaborating on projects that benefit business and contribute to the future direction of the Osceola area. We have something for everyone at all stages of the life of a business. However, stable businesses are key to attracting other businesses to the area. Mature businesses are in the enviable position of choosing to use the Chamber as a forum to give back to the entire community.
I don’t have time to become heavily involved in Chamber activities. Does this decrease the value of my membership?
Not at all, in fact only about 25% of all Chamber members participate actively in volunteer positions within the Chamber. Your membership is designed to give you a good return on your investment even if you do not have lots of extra time to dedicate to the Chamber.
How can I get visibility in front of my key regional markets?
The Chamber recognizes that its small and large business members alike appreciate an opportunity to get involved. Studies show that people recognize and want to do business with Chamber Members who support their communities. To increase your visibility and opportunities to interact with your target markets, we offer a variety of sponsorships, hosting, and speaking opportunities. These larger sponsorships include events like the regionally renowned Wheels and Wings or the prestigious award ceremony of Celebrate Osceola. Other opportunities like hosting or speaking at educational seminars and business mixers will help your business gain visibility, increase clout among your regional colleagues, and reach your target audiences.
I am with education, government, non-profit or a place of worship. Do you have a special rate for these categories?
Yes. A membership is available for these groups who see the benefits of getting involved with the Chamber. The associate membership rate is $75.00.
I am not a business owner and would like to be a Chamber member. Is there an Associate Membership?
Yes. A non-business individual associate membership is available for members who do not conduct business activities. It is typically used by residents who want to volunteer for the Chamber. The associate membership rate is $25.00.
Where can I learn more about the Mainstreet Program?
For more information on the Mainstreet Program of Wisconsin please visit: http://inwisconsin.com/community/assistance/main-street-program/
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Contact Us:
Osceola Area Chamber and Main Street Program
PO Box 251 Osceola, WI 54020 715-755-3300 Info@myosceolachamber.org |
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
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