Are You In?

The Forest City Area Chamber of Commerce is the number one business organization in the area! Here are 6 great reasons to join and explain how we will work for you!

1. Referrals
   • The Chamber of Commerce is usually the first place contacted when information about the community, its businesses, recreation and other facilities desired. The Chamber refers ONLY Chamber members, to the many people who call, walk-in and email, to request information each month, whenever possible!
   • Visitors to the Chamber website are able to find your business name, address and any contact information you have provided us with, including a link to your business website!
   • Forest City Bucks are gift certificates the Chamber sells to businesses and individuals all year. These make great gifts for employees, friends and/or family members. These certificates which can be used at any Member Business, are an advertising tool for your business because whether the gift certificate is used at your business or not, the name of your business is still seen by the receiver!
2. Recognition
• A membership plaque is provided for you to display in your business, to show your enthusiasm and association with the Chamber. Chamber membership sends your customers the right message - yours is a reputable company that actively participates in and is committed to the local business community.
• Ambassador visits welcome new members and mark special occasions for existing members, such as anniversaries, ribbon cuttings, and grand openings! These events often make the newspaper, giving your business free exposure!
• Chamber membership includes both a radio spot on KIOW and a newspaper ad in the Forest City Summit that runs twice a year to get your Business Name in front of Forest City and surrounding area consumers!
  
3. Relationships
• Monthly “Business After Hours” gatherings for chamber members are held at member businesses. This gives you the opportunity to showcase your business for your fellow business owners to see!
• Opportunities to network, share ideas and learn from other successful business owners at Chamber sponsored events!
• Chamber members are encouraged to "remember a member" when fulfilling business and personal needs for goods and services thereby keeping the money flowing and working in our community!
  
4. Reciprocity
• The Chamber offers opportunities for direct involvement on numerous committees that promote and benefit the community. Our committees include: Ambassadors, Beautification, Promotions, Marketing and Outdoor Recreation Activities.
• Community events sponsored by the Chamber that you can be a part of include: Annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, Puckerbrush Celebration, Ladies Day Out, Heritage Park Tractor Ride, Annual Golf Outing, and Christmas Events!
• Be a good citizen by getting involved in your Chamber, our members MAKE THE DIFFERENCE by working to improve the quality of life and business environment by supporting industries and businesses that bring people, employment and a better economy to Forest City.
  
5. Resources
• The Chamber Newsletter provides monthly up-to-date information on the happenings, programs, and activities of the Chamber, along with items of community and business interest. Share what new and exciting things are happening within your business or organization and we’ll get it in the newsletter!
• The Small Business Development Center has space at your Chamber and is a resource that can help you achieve your business goals. This provides a local place where you can get advice and help; from guidelines for starting a new business to advice for getting an expansion loan.
• The Chamber is actively involved in creating Business/Education opportunities to help your business succeed and prosper!
  
6. Representation
   1. Chambers across the nation are becoming proactive to the needs of small businesses and they are hard at work ensuring those needs are met. We do the work for you whether it is City, County or State legislative issues.
   2. The Chamber is continually working hand in hand with other leaders toward expanded development in the Forest City Area, addressing retention of business and industry. Other areas include: The Forest City Economic Development Office and the Grow Forest City project.
   3. We provide brochures and information to visitors with regard to tourism by mail, walk-ins and telephone calls. We are part of the Central Iowa Tourism Region and participate in co-op ads that generate leads for tourism information for our area destinations!

   We are the clearinghouse for all requests regarding the Forest City area. The Forest City Chamber office handles numerous telephone calls every year, assists with Economic Development, distributes pieces of promotional material, and meets and greets people at the Chamber office.

Become a member of an organization that is working for you!