JUST THE FACTS, MA'AM:   The Chamber Executive Network is a popular, concise, targeted six-page advisory newsletter for Chamber of Commerce managers in the U.S. and Canada. Subscriptions are $159 for 12 monthly issues. Articles emphasize projects with proven success records. Sources are listed for further information.

     Each issue contains a four-page main section covering general Chamber topics, plus a special report section which explores a specific Chamber issue in greater detail. Expanded reports are issued periodically and an annual index is published at the end of each calendar year. Subscribers are encouraged to save the newsletter in a three-ring binder, which makes a handy and valuable reference when used with the annual index.

Excerpts from the Chamber Executive Network . .

“Talk to the attorneys with no billable hours!”   That’s the statement and title Southern Saratoga County (New York) Chamber used to promote a special Chamber breakfast. Two cooperative attorneys were on hand for a “legal question and answer session” on any problems or issues attendees would like to discuss -- at no charge. The event was being promoted as “the opportunity of a lifetime” to get answers from attorneys for the cost of a breakfast! Registrations were being collected at $6.75 for members, $8.75 for non-members . . . .

Chamber’s “Couch Potato Sit-A-Thon”   raises cash, boosts winter fun. A late February weekend in downtown New Richmond, Wisconsin revealed an unusual sight: Groups of persons, many dressed in outlandish costumes, sitting on couches in the windows of stores for 24 hours straight to raise money for their favorite non-profit organization. This first annual “Couch Potato Sit-A-Thon” was the brainchild of Chamber exec Lynn Regnier and her creative planning committee. Labeled “24-hours of laid-back, foolish fun,” the promotion was designed to be a fund-raising opportunity for community groups, plus a way to build shopping traffic and shake the winter doldrums . . . .

“Show your mug at the Chamber office”   was the invitation extended to members of Fort Morgan Area (Colorado) Chamber. Members were invited to donate two of their company-logo coffee mugs to the Chamber -- one to be used for meetings in the conference room when coffee is served and the second to be placed on display, providing more free advertising to the member . . . .

Chamber finds tourism niche by starting its own photo art gallery.   Exec Dave Smith of Luverne Area (Minnesota) Chamber thinks his Chamber might have been the first one on the continent to own and operate an art gallery. Here's what happened: Smith grew up in Luverne with Jim Brandenburg, the internationally famous wildlife photographer featured often in National Geographic and many other publications. To “give something back” to his hometown, Brandenburg agreed to provide his photos at a friendly rate to the Chamber for its Brandenburg Gallery which now occupies a Main Street storefront. The gallery features 100 of his prints, professionally displayed in rooms, plus includes a theater, and draws busloads of tourists to the town . . . .

Brief “My Favorite Chamber Business” essays   from fifth grade students in the Big Spring, Texas area provide great reading material in the Chamber newsletter. One student likes a particular bank because “I trust them with my money.” Another praises a dentist because “he always comes in with a funny joke to keep you on your feet.” Still another writes about a barbecue restaurant, stating “The help is so nice that you almost think they are family.” Your members can’t buy this kind of advertising!  The Chamber tied the fifth grade essay contest to its annual banquet theme . . . .

Chamber’s mural brightens office, becomes focal point.   When exec Silvia Klatman returned to her Bremerton Area (Washington) Chamber job after a brief hiatus, she noted a “big ugly white wall” in the Chamber office right in front of a large window facing the street. Soon she had made a deal with local artists Stuart Dempster and Erika Bristow to trade out Chamber dues to their trendy Bad Hair Day firm in return for a hand-painted mural. The focal point of the artwork is the new, state-owned, state-of-the-art passenger ferry which whisks locals comfortably to Seattle at high speeds with low wake, a source of pride to residents here. “The mural cost us very little and it does great things,” she says. “People sometime bring their kids in here and they recognize the boat. It also helps to bring artists and the business community together when they usually don’t mingle very much . . . . ”

What you get when you subscribe . . . .

  Practical ideas that work!    We search the continent each month to bring you “good ideas that work” from sharp Chamber execs. We look for first-class fund-raisers, creative membership campaigns, timely tourism tips, effective retail promotions and innovative project ideas to help revitalize your Chamber.

  A newsletter that pays for itself.   Our articles tell you how to boost dues income, cut expenses and throw better fund raisers. It’s a no-fluff Chamber seminar delivered to your desk every month for a fraction of the cost.

  Great sources to lean on!   Most CEN articles list a connection for more information. These are hard-working Chamber execs who are glad to share ideas. Plus they become career-enhancing contacts!

 The chance to build a valuable reference book.   Smart CEN subscribers save each monthly issue in a three-ring binder. Add our index at the end of the year and you have your own Chamber reference.

 Free national publicity.   When your ideas appear in the CEN, from 800 to more than 1,000 Chamber execs in the U.S. and Canada take note. That promotes you, your Chamber and your community!

 Respect for your reading time.   Our six pages pack a wallop because we cut to the heart of topics. Execs tell us 20 minutes with the CEN is better than two hours of wading through dozens of magazines or reports.

 An editor willing to listen.   We encourage subscriber calls to discuss Chamber problems or projects. Our editor is experienced in Chamber work, accessible and writes from the heart.

What your peers say about our publications . . .

"The CEN remains the most useful periodical that I receive out of all of my mail, with tons of practical ideas being implemented already by other Chambers. It's been a part of our overall plan which is working well for us -- we just achieved our record net membership level!" -- John Crawford, Wyoming-Kentwood Area (Michigan) Chamber

"We created our own Chamber Member Owner's Manual after reading about the idea in your Chamber Membership Builder guide. We then hand-delivered the piece to our members during a member appreciation month and got a very positive response. Thanks for the great idea!" -- Shari Alfaro, Waxahachie (Texas) Chamber and CVB

"One of the great things about the CEN is that it has ideas from all sizes of Chambers. Sometimes, even when you are searching the Internet, you see a lot of stuff for Los Angles-size Chambers, but not much else."
-- Liz Smith, Blytheville/Gosnell (Arkansas) Chamber

"I'm very enthused about the CEN because it is short and sweet and I've gleaned lots of ideas from it. It's one of the first things I look for every month. -- Joanne Wix, Greater West Plains (Missouri) Chamber

"A big thank you for all you do to assist those of us in this industry to look 'great' for our board, members, staff and volunteers. Your newsletter is one of the top tools I utilize to affect change in my chamber. I save every copy!" -- Debbie Miller, Woodland Park (Colorado) Chamber

"I've relocated and switched chambers and would like to receive your fabulous newsletter again .I used to look forward to it every month when I was at Greater Glenside Chamber in Pennsylvania." -- Annie Winterbottom, East Orlando (Florida) Chamber

"Your publication and your attitude toward Chambers keeps our Chamber going."
-- Marty DeLaney, Bethlehem (New York) Chamber

"Each time I read another edition of the Chamber Executive Network, I remind myself that I should jot off a thank-you note to you. It's through your publication that we've received and implemented several good ideas in our Chamber. Thank you for your work! -- Bob Singer, Fort Dodge (Iowa) Chamber

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