MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Chamber membership is the first step to making genuine connections in the Greater Williamsburg business community. Through a variety of programs, you will be able to meet clients and build your professional network.

• New Member Connections: This invitation-only event offers a great orientation to membership and introduces you to several other new members in a casual, intimate setting.

• Business After Hours: This signature evening networking event develops your professional network and helps you meet potential clients. A nominal admission fee is charged to cover the cost of hors d’oeuvres and drink tickets for the evening.

• Women’s Business Council: The Women’s Business Council aims to bring together women of diverse occupations in the Chamber to provide opportunities for professional and personal growth through networking, leadership, development, peer-to-peer engagement, mentoring, and educational programming.

• ASPIRE Young Professionals: ASPIRE aims to connect, develop, and empower young professionals by providing them a voice in the community and opportunities for networking, as well as personal and professional growth. Between educational workshops, volunteer opportunities, the Mentorship Program, and more, ASPIRE programs are designed to support young professionals of the Chamber ages 21 to 39 as they grow their careers and become established in the Greater Williamsburg business community.

• Committee Volunteering: Establish business relationships by volunteering on one of our committees.

Chamber events are designed with connection in mind, providing Chamber members the opportunity to form professional relationships and growth their client networks.

• Business After Hours: This signature evening networking event develops your professional network and helps you meet potential clients. A nominal admission fee is charged to cover the cost of hors d’oeuvres and drink tickets for the evening.

• Chamber Challenge: This signature golf tournament features a morning reception, mulligans, drinks on the course, a banquet lunch, and more, providing an excellent opportunity for team building and entertaining clients.

• Christmas Parade: Take part in one of our community’s most memorable events! An endearing local tradition since 1965, the Christmas Parade ushers in the holiday season with festive floats, live performances, and a special visit from Santa himself.

• Legislative Forums: Before and after the General Assembly session, members of the Chamber have the opportunity to hear from local senators and delegates as they voice their positions on key issues facing our region. The Forums specifically cover the Chamber’s legislative priorities, as set by the membership. View the Advocacy tab for more details.

• State of Greater Williamsburg: This annual breakfast presents Chamber members with insightful updates relevant to the strengths and challenges of the Greater Williamsburg business community.

• Commonwealth Conversations: This reoccurring in-depth conversation series allows our members to hear from diverse speakers, including industry leaders, elected officials, and more.

• The Learning Table: This educational training series allows our members to sit with professionals from a diverse background to learn new skills and gain new connections.

Through Chamber programming and our ever-growing online platforms, members have the opportunity to build brand recognition in our community.

• Online Directory: All members are listed in the online Member Directory with an opportunity to be viewed in up to three categories. Design your directory listing with eye catching images, descriptive text, and staff headshots to ensure a hassle-free connection with those in the community!

• Chamber Website: New members are featured in a graphic on the Chamber homepage for one month. Members may also submit Events, News, Coupons, and Job Openings using the Info Hub to be featured on the Chamber website. Once submitted through the Info Hub, your content is also queued for the Member Bulletin section of the Weekly Newsletter.

• Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening, and Expansion Ceremonies: We’d love to celebrate milestones with you! Submit the online form to get started.

• Welcome Home Guide: The Welcome Home Guide is an annual publication created to put Chamber members in front of one of the most valuable audiences—new and existing residents. Republished each summer, Welcome Home Guides are distributed to the Chamber office and mailed to all new residents in the area throughout the year. Retailers, food and beverage establishments, educational institutions, health care providers, and non-profits are all included in the Welcome Home Guide directories. Exclusive advertising opportunities are also available for Chamber members throughout the Guide. View the current Welcome Home Guide!

• Weekly Newsletter: Stay in the loop with Chamber events and the Member Bulletin. New members will receive a shoutout in the newsletter shortly after joining. Sign up for email updates here!

• Email Advertising Opportunities: Reach members of the Chamber and community by placing an ad in the Chamber newsletter. Browse advertising packages!

• Community Calendar: Share your upcoming events to the online Community Calendar. Once submitted to the Calendar, your event is also queued for the Member Bulletin section of the Weekly Newsletter.

• Social Media: New members are featured in a welcome post on the Chamber’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Content submitted through the Info Hub, including Events, News, Coupons, and Job Openings, will also be queued for the Chamber’s stories on Facebook and Instagram.

• Non-Profit of the Month Campaign: Non-Profit members have the opportunity to be featured on the Chamber social media accounts in this monthly campaign. Members may submit the Interest Form online.

• Awards: Each year the Chamber recognizes organizations and individuals with the following awards: Small Business of the Year, Early Stage Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Health Promoter of the Year, and Emerging Leader of the Year. Committee members are also recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Ambassador of the Year and Membership Star of the Year Awards.

• Brochure Display in the Lobby: Members have the opportunity to display rack cards or business cards in the Chamber lobby. Members can contact the Chamber team today to take advantage of this benefit!

• Art Display in the Lobby: Artists and photographers may also showcase pieces in the Chamber Lobby as part of a two-month Featured Artist campaign. Eligible members can contact the Chamber team to book a two-month slot.

Each year, our Legislative Affairs Committee surveys members concerning the top legislative issues affecting our business environment. These results are compiled into a legislative agenda, which is then approved by the Board of Directors. The 2024 Legislative Priorities may be found below. This year, the Chamber is pleased to continue working with the Access Point Public Affairs team as they advocate for these priorities during the Virginia General Assembly session.

2024 Legislative Priorities

• Education / Workforce Development and Retention

• Business Recovery and Maintaining Economic Strength in the Face of Potential Future Disasters

• Technology Infrastructure Development and Investment

Chamber members have access to several tools for business growth and operations.

• Conference Room: Members may book the Chamber Conference Room for meetings, perfect for home-based businesses or an off-site gathering.

• Info Hub: Members can access a variety of resource through the Info Hub that can be shared on the GWCC website, including sharing events, job opening and news.

• Your Employee Connection: Under Construction

Between local coupons, complimentary advertising packages, and standing member-to-member deals, your membership investment has an incredible return!

• Member Coupons: Keep an eye on the Member Coupons page to find great local deals on products and services. Offering your own coupons is a great way to stand out on the website and connect with new customers!

• WYDaily Feature: Receive a profile in the Chamber’s monthly WYDaily article.

• 92.3 FM The Tide: Receive 10 new member shout-outs on 92.3 FM The Tide.

• WMBG FM 93.5 and AM 740: Receive an on-air interview on WMBG Radio.

• William & Mary School of Business: Those interested in pursuing an MBA through the William & Mary Raymond A. Mason School of Business are eligible to receive a 10% tuition scholarship.

• Southern Bank - Southern@Work is a program includes customizable financial education online, ID theft protection, savings on everyday purchases, and much more! This program is free for active members of the chamber.

Sponsorship investment opens the next level of opportunity for Chamber members. Browse a variety of packages to secure yours, or build a custom investment plan with the Chamber team!

• Annual Sponsorship: Annual Sponsorship offers a great avenue to set your business apart. Between publicity, premier brand association, and access to new relations, the benefits of Annual Sponsorship ensure your organization is top-of-mind among Chamber members and the community. Interested? Connect with Ann Bowe, Director of Membership & Development.

• Programming Sponsorship: Reach a targeted audience and meet your outreach goals through programming sponsorship! Chamber programming is supported through sponsorship packages, each designed to be an impactful investment for your business. Browse all Investment Opportunities online, or work with the Chamber team to build a custom, year-long package as a Programming Patron. Interested? Connect with Lauren Moore, Vice President of Communications & Programming.