Now in its second printing, our idea-packed Chamber Membership Builder is a powerful, working reference for Chamber execs who want to grow their membership numbers, plus encourage a more positive-thinking, involved membership base. Here's what you get:

200-plus entries!   The Chamber Membership Builder gives you no-fluff, workable, specific ideas for membership development, condensed from the pages of the Chamber Executive Network newsletter, Chapters cover membership services, recruitment, retention and Chamber social/networking events.  There is also a chapter devoted entirely to "teams and themes" suggestions for membership drive campaigns!

Easy to use!   Need a fresh idea for Business After Hours?  Pull the Membership Builder off the shelf and you'll find 16 ideas dealing exclusively with BAHS.  Our complete table of contents lists every single article entry to help you find what you want right away.  Plus, a total of 45 illustrations show you how sharp Chambers are building membership. 

Sources listed.   Entries list the home city of the Chamber where we uncovered the membership project.  That gives you a contact if you need more information.  Boxes allow you to "check off" the best ideas you want to try later!

Money-back guarantee.   Return the book within 30 days for a full refund if you are not satisfied.  We're not worried!  We know you will USE this book to its full potential!

Excerpts from our Membership Builder . . .

Membership grants.   Offer fledgling businesses or small firms which have never joined the Chamber a one-shot, six month "membership grant."  The member pays no dues during this period and takes part in all Chamber functions except voting.  In return, the member must donate 20 hours of service to the Chamber, such as clerical work in the office or committee service. It's a terrific deal for a new business which can benefit greatly from Chamber networking programs, plus the Chamber gets extra volunteer help and a chance to enroll a new member at full dues six months later!  [Wasilla, Alaska]

"Prescription" thank you.   Here's an innovative and inexpensive way to let your members know you appreciate them.  Secure clear plastic prescription bottles from your pharmacy and fill them with jelly beans.  Then attach a label which says "Take our thanks daily for your membership."  Have your Ambassadors dress in surgical scrubs borrowed from the local hospital and present the gifts to your members in person.  Be sure to collect feedback on the Chamber as well!  [Marlow, Oklahoma]

One-hour planning retreat.   This is fast, easy and it works!  Invite all members to a planning retreat which begins at 7 a.m. with a half-hour continental breakfast, followed by just one hour of retreat brainstorming.  Have board members lead small group discussions at tables, but coach them not to offer specific information about the Chamber.  They should listen, take notes and let members sound off.  The notes are reviewed later when the board holds its own planning retreat.  [Warsaw, Indiana] 

Fight stuffy annual banquets!   Liven your annual banquet with a carnival held prior to the dinner.  Gather your members at the hall for 90 minutes of carnival fun, including games of skill and chance, photo buttons, a putting green, caricaturists, a popcorn machine and a clown distributing flowers to each guest.  Have business sponsors donate small prizes for the games.  Then move the crowd to an adjacent room for the dinner and awards presentations.  This kind of event is practically guaranteed to boost banquet attendance.  [Malden, Massachusetts]

Hakes Publications, PO Box 603, Storm Lake, IA 50588;
phone 712-732-7718 e-mail: hakesd@iw.net
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