ValpoMag12-19-2011_3

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ask an expert Susan Antoszewski is the Marketing & Communications Specialist and Publications Editor at the Valpo Chamber. Antoszewski joined the Chamber in 2006 and serves as its communication professional, including the management and coordination of all Chamber publications and Chamber Web site www.valparaisochamber.org. Antoszewski is the staff liaison to the Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy and also serves the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation in a marketing and communication role. A Valparaiso resident, Antoszewski graduated from Purdue University North Central with a degree in Behavioral Sciences. 30 By Susan Antoszewski Valpo Chamber Why Join a Chamber of Commerce? “It is refreshing to learn what we have suspected for years — that chamber membership and community involvement are good investments.” This statement, by J. Mac Holladay, CEO of Market Street Services, corroborates the findings of a national study conducted by The Shapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm. In this scientific survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, The Schapiro Group found overwhelmingly positive perceptions of chamber members in a number of areas, including overall favorability, consumer awareness and reputation, and likelihood of future patronage. Why Join a Chamber of Commerce? The Shapiro study reveals that membership in a local chamber of commerce can significantly boost a business’s image among consumers, as well as among other businesses. The study, commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), and Market Street Services, showed that when respondents were told that a particular small business was a member of its local chamber, they were 44 percent more likely to rate it favorably than study respondents who were not told of the chamber affiliation. Respondents were also 63 percent more likely to want to purchase goods or services from the small business that is a chamber member. The positive impact of chamber membership is felt by big businesses, too. For example, when consumers believed that a restaurant chain was a member of the local chamber of commerce, they were 40 percent more likely to eat at the franchise in the future. How Can I Help my Business? The message from the Shapiro Group study is as simple as it is groundbreaking. Join your local chamber, be an active participant in its Value. programs, and be sure to let your customers and prospects know you’re a proud chamber supporter when they come in your business and when they see your marketing material. As many companies struggle through this difficult economy, owners and employees are asking themselves, “How can I help my business?” Joining your local chamber of commerce is one answer. When a company is active in its local chamber, it is doing the The Schapiro Group and Market Street conducted a research study and asked 2,000 U.S. adults* questions about their business perceptions as they relate to chamber membership. If a business is active in their local chamber… • 59% of consumers believe that is an effective business strategy • 25% believe it communicates good business practices • 25% think it communicates the business is reputable If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber, consumers are… • 19% more likely to think favorably of the company overall • 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber, they are… • 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future • 57% more likely to believe it has a good reputation • 44% more likely to think favorably of it What does a chamber membership show the consumer? • 70% said it showed you use good business practices • 69% thought it showed you have a good reputation • 64% believe you care about your customers • 63% believe it means you are involved in the community *The respondents to this web-based survey were demographically and geographically representative of the adult U.S. population.
Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted right thing not only for the business community as a whole, but for its own success as well. Connections are made with possible clients, new business relationships, and throughout the community. Not to mention that the perception of your customers will be more positive toward your business. The Valpo Chamber is a non-profit partnership of businesses and professionals working together for a common goal – to build a healthy local economy, build business, and improve the quality of life within the community. The Chamber is uniquely positioned to connect members with opportunities to grow their business. The Chamber not only connects businesses to other businesses, the Chamber connects its members to valuable community resources and information that is essential to maintain a business. It’s a one-stop shop for business success. By utilizing the Chamber’s assets, together we can all succeed and serve the greater Valparaiso community with purpose and passion. VM CALLTODAY toScheduleYour FREEConsultation! Valparaiso 219.462.3537 Crown Point 219.663.3399 orthobyhyde.com After-school, Evening, & Saturday Hours Available Compassionate Care Close to Home Ventilator Care Unit Rehabilitation Services Long-Term Skilled Care Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Medical Director Sudhakar R. Garlapati, MD 3301 N Calumet Ave •Valparaiso, IN 46383 219.462.0508 •www.wphcc.org Non-profit Nursing Homes • People Before Profits Congratulations to the Valparaiso Chamber for 100 exceptional years of representing and providing service to the business community. Shannon Franko Banking Center Manager Peoples Bank offers: > Personal and Business Checking, Savings and Money Market Accounts > Mortgage, Home Equity and Auto Loans > Commercial and Small Business Loans > Wealth Management > Free Consumer and Business Online Banking > Mobile Banking Your banking resource. John Breckenridge Commercial Loan Like us on Facebook! . . . 2905 Calumet Avenue Valparaiso, Indiana (219) 462-4100 ibankpeoples.com www.valparaisochamber.org 31
Page 1: The Magazine of the Greater Valpara
Page 4 and 5: Blazing the Trail Chamber Celebrate
Page 6 and 7: He reminisced about a homecoming th
Page 8 and 9: “Even the most recent announcemen
Page 10 and 11: The younger Coolman took on the cha
Page 12 and 13: New Member Investors The Valpo Cham
Page 14 and 15: 3Barb Young, 2000 > Dee Haklin, 200
Page 16 and 17: By 2000, when Young served as Chair
Page 18 and 19: chamber focus • A Salute to leade
Page 20 and 21: chamber focus • A Salute to leade
Page 22 and 23: Business snapshot Jean Kohler Ameri
Page 24 and 25: around town Around Town is an impor
Page 26 and 27: around town >> across the generatio
Page 28 and 29: around town >> Jan Rubsam, owner of
Page 32 and 33: usiness spotlight Spotlight your bu
Page 34 and 35: = our voice aimingHigh FUTUrE for t
Page 36: During a stroke, know where to go.

ValpoMag12-19-2011_3

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