Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce Membership Guide
MEMBERSHIP GUIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Welcome to the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce!
We are excited to welcome you to our community of businesses and leaders who are dedicated to making Athens a great place to live, work, and thrive. Your decision to join the Chamber is more than just a membership—it’s a commitment to the growth and prosperity of our community.
We believe that our strength lies in the people, the businesses, and the organizations that call Athens home, and we are thrilled to have you as part of our family.
At the Chamber, we are all about connection, collaboration, and support. We want to see your business flourish, and we’re here to provide the tools, resources, and opportunities that will help you succeed. Whether it’s through our networking events, educational programs, or community initiatives, there are countless ways for you to get involved and make a difference.
As someone who has seen firsthand the impact that a strong business community can have on a city, I know that the work we do together is vital to our shared success. Your presence here means that you are ready to contribute to that success, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have you with us.
This Member Guidelines Book is your guide to everything the Chamber has to offer. Inside, you’ll find information on how to maximize your membership, connect with other members, and take full advantage of the benefits available to you. We encourage you to dive in, get involved, and let us know how we can support you in your journey.
Pammie Jimmar, IOM, AACE. Chamber President/CEO
WHO WE ARE
At the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, we are dedicated to being the voice of the business community. Our mission is to serve our businesses, promote our growth, and empower our community. We strive to advance economic development and create a thriving environment for our community. Through collaboration and strategic initiatives, our vision is to be the bedrock for small business growth in the fastest-growing county in Alabama.
SERVE OUR BUSINESS
We are committed to serving our local businesses by providing essential resources and support. Our focus is on addressing the needs of our members, offering assistance and advocacy to ensure their success and resilience in a competitive marketplace.
PROMOTE OUR GROWTH
Our role is to promote the growth and visibility of local businesses. Through strategic marketing opportunities, networking events, and community engagement, we aim to enhance the presence of our members and drive positive economic development.
EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY
We empower our community by creating opportunities for growth and innovation. By offering educational programs, professional development, and advocacy, we equip business owners with the tools they need to thrive and contribute to the overall vitality of Athens-Limestone County. Together, these principles guide our efforts to foster a dynamic and prosperous business environment for all.
WHAT WE DO
At the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, we are deeply committed to fostering a dynamic and thriving small-business community. Continuously nurturing a diverse, vibrant ecosystem for local entrepreneurs is at the heart of our mission. Our goal is to empower businesses to grow, innovate, and succeed in an ever-evolving marketplace. We achieve this through our Pillars (S.T.O.N.E.): Small Business Support, Tourism & Livability, Outreach (Government & Advocacy), Networking & Leadership, and Education & Workforce.
VISIBILITY
To help businesses gain exposure and attract new customers, we offer various promotional opportunities. This includes event sponsorships, featured listings, and other marketing initiatives designed to enhance your visibility and reach within the community.
GROWTH
We offer a range of educational opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and personalized coaching sessions. These programs are aimed at helping business owners refine their strategies, improve their skills, and stay ahead of industry trends.
NETWORK
Our Chamber provides numerous platforms for businesses to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and potential clients. From networking events and mixers to industry-specific meetups, we facilitate meaningful connections that can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations.
WHAT WE DO
CHAMBER COMMITTEES
Many members actively participate in committees. Through committees, Chamber members help set the course of their organization and ensure that the Chamber’s actions are an accurate expression of the needs and concerns of the business community.
LEADERSHIP & NETWORKING
Through the Chamber’s Leadership Programs and Networking Events, the chamber helps business owners and professionals develop relationships to help grow their business, enhance their visibility, raise public awareness, and strengthen their business development skills and goals.
WORKFORCE EDUCATION
The Athens-Limestone County Chamber is dedicated to developing a highly qualified and skilled workforce for Limestone County, which starts with education. The Chamber aims to encourage workforce preparedness through collaboration with strategic education partnerships and to advocate student workforce awareness at every level of education.
CIVIC & GOVERNMENTAL
The Chamber’s civic and governmental council strives to create a positive business climate by focusing on local issues impacting our business community. We support policies and legislation that encourage economic growth and promote a prosperous environment.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Chamber leads in establishing programs that foster growth for both existing and new businesses. We support current businesses, encourage new retail, commercial, industrial, and technology ventures, and back initiatives for a balanced, high-quality commercial.
CHAMBER PROGRAMS
The Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce offers programs that foster leadership and community engagement, focusing on team-building, knowledge sharing, and developing future leaders across various sectors.
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Ambassadors are enthusiastic professionals with strong leadership skills who serve as liaisons between Chamber leadership, members, and the community. They represent member organizations and commit to a 12-month term.
LIMESTONE LEAD
The Limestone LEAD program develops leadership in 10th and 11th graders from Athens City, Limestone County, and nearby private schools. Students meet monthly from August to May to explore education and career topics, with 25-30 participants annually.
LEADERSHIP ATHENS LIMESTONE
This program fosters future community leaders through a collaborative forum on local issues and services. Participants gain lifelong learning, policy influence, expanded networks, interactions with local government, team building, and a Servant Leadership community project.
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
The Partners in Education program was established to provide our area businesses an opportunity to support our local schools through community service and service project orientated tasks.
DEIBA
The Diversity Equity & Inclusion Business Alliance (DEIBA), part of the Athens-Limestone Co. Chamber of Commerce, is a network of minority businesses. Its goal is to enhance business knowledge, expand market share, and create opportunities for minority business success and growth through coaching.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF ATHENS-LIMESTONE COUNTY
Young Professionals of AthensLimestone County enrich the community by serving others, building connections, and empowering leaders. Whether you seek friendships, growth, or involvement, this group is your gateway to Athens’ future.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
The Chamber’s Women in Business program hosts events designed by women for women, promoting confidence, strength, and learning. It offers opportunities to connect with female business owners, leaders, and professionals, while engaging in hands-on activities with local businesses.
CHAMBER EVENTS
The Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce sponsors several community events throughout the year to bring people together in the spirit of celebrating our business community, spreading holiday cheer, and enjoying good family fun. Here’s a sampling of our events.
BREAKFAST & BIZ
Breakfast & Biz is a quarterly, speed-dating-style networking event where businesses make professional connections. Participants have 60 seconds at each table to pitch themselves, their business, or an event. After everyone speaks, notes are taken, business cards exchanged, and then you move to the next table to repeat the process.
BUSINESS & BASEBALL
Business & Baseball is a relaxed networking event that combines professional connections with a fun night at the ballpark. Attendees enjoy a baseball game while mingling with other local businesses, making it a great way to build relationships in a casual, enjoyable setting.
CHAMBER COFFEE
Chamber Coffee is an hourlong networking event held on the third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m.. Each social is hosted by a different Chamber member at their business’s location. The goal is not to form superficial connections, but lasting relationships. Each event is followed by brief Chamber announcements and an open forum for members to give updates about their business or events!
CHAMBER NIGHT OUT
Each quarter, the Chamber hosts Chamber Night Out, a casual networking event from 4:30–6:00 p.m. at a member’s business location. Members network and participate in a brief meeting with Chamber announcements and updates from various businesses and organizations.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
We host Christmas events including the Merry Market, a festive holiday market with local vendors and crafts; the Open House, a community gathering with holiday cheer and activities; and the Christmas Parade, featuring floats, music, and seasonal decorations.
FIDDLERS CONVENTION
The Old Time Fiddlers Convention, held annually on the campus of Athens State University, attracts over 20,000 attendees. Musicians from across the county compete to become the Fiddle Champion.
HOME & GARDEN SHOW
The Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce is delighted to offer the Home & Garden Show. This event specializes in promoting businesses, specifically related to the home and garden industry.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
An opportunity for the business community to meet with the Limestone County legislative delegation for a summary of policy issues from the session. This advocacy event focuses on discussing policies that impact business and the community.
MONTGOMERY DRIVE-IN
The Chamber’s Montgomery public policy trip includes meetings with Alabama legislators to discuss business and county issues, along with tours of key historical landmarks. It offers a chance to engage with state leaders on these matters.
SPORTING CLAY SHOOT
This event is an excellent opportunity to network in a relaxed atmosphere with fellow Chamber members and potential business associates. The tournament will take place at the Old South Clay’s Event Venue in Ardmore, AL.
GET INVOLVED
Join the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and become an integral part of our vibrant business community. By getting involved, you’ll have the opportunity to connect and further your professional network, and grow your business.
HOST AN EVENT
Showcase your business and connect with the community by hosting an event with the Chamber. Whether you’re looking to promote your brand, launch a new product, or simply bring people together, hosting an event offers a unique opportunity to engage with local professionals and leaders.
PARTICIPATE IN A LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
By joining one of our leadership programs, you’ll not only enhance your own personal and professional growth but also contribute to the success of the Athens-Limestone County community.
SERVE ON A COMMITTEE
Forward your knowledge and expertise with other members. Being on one of our committees gives an oppurtunity to gain and build more relationships within the community
CONNECT
Networking and connecting is a huge part of growing your business and something we value most. The Chamber hosts special events, after hours, networking opportunities, and much more.
GET INVOLVED
MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Unlock the full potential of your membership with the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce by leveraging the diverse range of resources, events, and promotional opportunities available to you. Here’s how you can make the most of your membership:
EVENT CEREMONIES
The Chamber provides a platform for showcasing your events. We offer free ribbon cuttings when you join the Chamber, as well as anniversary celebrations, open houses, groundbreaking ceremonies, and more. We invite elected officials, ambassadors, and the public to make your event a success.
SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION
As a member, you can benefit from our social media channels to promote or repost your events and job postings. Simply notify us, and we’ll help spread the word to our extensive network.
DIRECTORY LISTINGS
Our website directory is widely used across the community. Enhance your listing to make your business stand out, ensuring that you are easily found by those seeking your services.
EXPAND YOUR REACH WITH NEWSLETTERS
We offer two newsletters, one of which you can use to advertise job listings, news, and ongoing events within your business. Submission is free, and the newsletter reaches both members and the public, providing maximum exposure for your announcements.
PERSONALIZED DIRECTORY PAGE
Every member receives their own directory page on our website. You can include your company name, address, phone number, social media links, and website, ensuring potential clients have all the information they need to connect with you.
PROMOTE WITH WINDOW AND WEBSITE STICKERS
Show your Chamber affiliation with our window sticker on your business and our “Proud Member” sticker on your website to boost your credibility and showcase your involvement in the Chamber community.
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER DEALS
Enjoy exclusive discounts on Chamber events throughout the year, These events provide excellent networking and promotional opportunities.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
Enhance your business visibility and connect with our community through a variety of targeted marketing opportunities. We offer several platforms to promote your business and engage with Chamber members, residents, and visitors. Explore how you can make the most of our advertising options below:
EMAIL & NEWSLETTERS
Advertise in our weekly and monthly newsletters to connect with over 500+ members.
WEBSITE ADVERTISING
Feature your business on our website, a reliable source viewed by members, the public, and visitors.
NEW MEMBER WELCOMES
Highlight your business through new member welcomes featured on our website and in our newsletter.
EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
Gain visibility and show support for the community by sponsoring our Chamber events.
NEW MEMBER INVESTMENT
SCHEDULE 1
RETAIL, GENERAL SERVICES, INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING, PROCESSING, WHOLESALERS, DISTRIBUTORS, UTILITIES, ACCOMMODATIONS, and AGRICULTURAL: The Schedule 1 fair share investment schedule is based on number of employees (including owners) as follows:
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:
100 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:
$800 + $1.75/employee over 100
SCHEDULE 2
PROFESSIONAL: Fair share investment is $263 for the firm and one professional. $129 for each additional professional associate (per attorney, doctor, dentist, CPA, etc.) to be listed as a member.
SCHEDULE 3
COMMERCIAL BANKS & CREDIT UNIONS offering the same services as commercial banks: Fair share is a $800 base plus an additional $20.00 per million dollars in deposit.
SCHEDULE 4
INDEPENDENT SALES AGENT representing a member firm ( Real estate, insurance, etc.) Fair Share $210.00.
SCHEDULE 5
CIVIC GROUPS, NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, and CHURCHES: Fair Share is $185.00.
SCHEDULE 6
INDIVIDUALS: Individual memberships may be held by those who display interest in the purpose of the Chamber and who are not otherwise designated as an instututional repesentatives of a member firm,association, corporation, partnership of estates and who are not managers or owners: Fair Share is $146.00. Investments for retired individuals and junior members under 21 are $94.00.
NOTES:
1. Two part-time employees constitute one full-time employee in computing the annual membership investment.
2. Your Business investment in the Chamber is 100% tax deductible as a business expense.
OUR STAFF
Our staff is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the Chamber, organizing and executing events, and providing information for our members and community. We aim to maintain a standard of excellence, acting as accessible resources for all things Chamber and for what’s going Athens and Limestone County.
