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Chamber of Commerce offers business assistance, seeking new membersBy Barbara Brown Getting your foot in the door as a new business in the North Branch area can be tough. But with help from the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce, new and not-so-new businesses can see improvement in customer numbers as well as their networking opportunities. The purpose of the Chamber is to promote the community and help businesses prosper in any way they can. A private, not for profit group, the Chamber is often the first place many visitors and new residents go to find out where to get medical and dental help, look for attorneys or find businesses that can serve their needs. The group is independent of the government, but works hard to attract businesses and new residents alike to the town, said executive director Kathy Lindo. While the Chamber does not actively recruit business or residential growth, the staff will help people and businesses become acquainted with the area. ìWe want people to feel like the North Branch area can be a home,î said Arlys Walberg, a chamber staff member. The organization is supported by members that pay dues. Not only does the organization hold a monthly lunch meeting and additional marketing and planning meetings, it also hosts events that are open to the public. For example, in North Branch, the Chamber hosts Winter Fest, Fall Harvest Festival and the Community Connections Expo as well as supports various community events. ìIt isnít the same small town it used to be,î Lindo said of North Branch, ìand by doing these things, we try to keep that old, small town, hometown feeling.î In an area like the Chamberís membership area ñ the North Branch school district ñ the Chamber is a united front, Lindo said. She said the Chamber is united on what businesses and government officials could do to attract high-paying jobs to the area, but that the Chamber does not get politically involved in any development decisions nor does it release statements of support for one legislation or another. ìWe donít go out and invite them, but once theyíre here weíll make them feel comfortable,î Lindo said. For example, Lindo said, the school district is a member of the Chamber and while the Chamber would not take a stance on support of the school referendum coming up soon for a vote, it would mail information in its monthly newsletter to members. The organization also has polled members on their stance for issues up for votes as a data collection service to government. ìWe donít want our involvement to affect business,î Lindo said. ìWe donít want someone to not buy something from a local business because the owner feels differently on a topic than they do.î Mostly, the Chamber has come to be known as one of the best points of information for people traveling in and around North Branch, new residents or even long time neighbors. The office phones ring consistently throughout the day, with most questions focused on resources like tax information on the city, services that are available here, maps, phone books, ECM community guides and voting information. Chamber members often can be spotted around town delivering new resident packages or taking photos with new member businesses that receive a sign for display indicating the business is a member of the Chamber. A recent addition to the resources available through the Chamber of Commerce is the improved Web site for the organization which lists all members of the Chamber by name and category of business. The site, www.northbranchchamber.com, also offers tips on how to start a new business for people who think they have a great business idea but just donít know where to start. Membership fees vary based on the size of the business. To join the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce, call (651) 674-4077. ©ECM Post Review |