Your Membership Value

Since 1897, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce has been working for all Emporia Area Businesses.  The Chamber is a nonprofit organization dedicated to being proactive in creating an environment for business and community success.

We are the voice of Emporia’s business community representing nearly 550 members who employ over 9,110 people.  That represents over fifty percent of the workforce in Lyon County and sixty-four percent of the workforce in Emporia!  Through a wide variety of programs and initiatives, the Chamber works to positively impact the economic vitality and enhance the quality of life in the region, all the while supporting the growth and prosperity of Chamber-member businesses.  We are committed to the greater Emporia region and offer both direct and indirect value to our investors.

A 2007 national survey of 2,000 adults revealed that a business that is a member of a local chamber of commerce is enjoying increasing favorability.  In the second such survey done five years later, The Shapiro Group, an Atlanta-based market research firm, found positive attitudes among adults in 2013 have actually increased over the very favorable findings of the first study done in 2007.

For example:

• When consumers know that a business is a member of the local chamber, there is now a 49% increase in favorability toward that business.
• When consumers perceive that a business is a chamber member, there is a 73% increase in consumer awareness and a 68% increase in local reputation.
• Consumers are 80% more likely to patronize a business in the future that they believe is a member of the local chamber of commerce.
• When business decision makers believe a business is a chamber member, favorability increases by 42%, perceived awareness and reputation grows to 78%, plus the likelihood of future patronage increases by 74%!

The results of the 2007 and 2012 Schapiro studies are clear: Positive perception increases among consumers and business owners when a business is known as a member of the local chamber of commerce, and now we know that positive perception is growing!

To learn more about this study or to get a copy of the summary, contact me here at the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, 620-342-1600.

The staff and I are proud of the work we do and appreciate all that you, our members, do to make our organization what it is today.  I believe this report supports that even if you are unable to participate in the many programs and events we offer, that your membership is worth its investment.  If you are not a member and would like to learn more about what we do, do not hesitate to call.  We will be happy to set a time to meet with you and discuss all our member benefits.

It’s a Great Day in Emporia, tell someone!