Chamber Membership FAQs
Why should my business join the Shenandoah County Chamber?
Joining the Shenandoah County Chamber is an investment in your business and your community. Our Chamber brings businesses together to build relationships, share resources, promote one another and create opportunities for growth.
Whether you are a new business or an established company, the Chamber can help you expand your reach, connect with potential customers and build relationships with other business and community leaders. We believe businesses that participate in the Chamber help each other succeed—and together, we can make a difference for businesses throughout Shenandoah County.
What does Chamber membership include?
Membership gives you access to a variety of opportunities designed to help your business grow and become more visible. Benefits include a listing in the Chamber's online business directory, networking opportunities, business referrals, weekly eNews exposure, ribbon cuttings, member-to-member discounts, educational opportunities and opportunities to participate in Chamber councils and programs.
New members also receive additional visibility through a welcome announcement on social media, inclusion in the Chamber's Welcome New Members eNews section and the opportunity for a ribbon cutting.
How does the Chamber help promote my business?
The Chamber provides several ways to increase your business's visibility. Your business is included in our online directory, and members can receive business referrals, social media promotion, eNews exposure and opportunities to spotlight their business.
New members receive a welcome announcement with pictures and links, four weeks of exposure in our Welcome New Members eNews column and the opportunity to have a ribbon cutting celebrating a new business, owner, location or special milestone.
Will joining the Chamber actually help my business grow?
That is our goal. The Chamber connects you with other business owners, professionals and community leaders while providing opportunities for networking, referrals, education and visibility. Our mission is to foster economic growth and prosperity in our community through business promotion, education, networking and advocacy.
The key is participation. The more you engage with the Chamber, attend events, build relationships and take advantage of member benefits, the more value you can get from your membership.
Who can join the Chamber?
The Chamber welcomes a wide range of businesses, organizations and individuals. Current membership options include individual members, home-based businesses, charitable/nonprofit organizations and businesses ranging from 1–5 employees to businesses with 101+ employees.
Membership is designed to accommodate businesses of different sizes and types, from entrepreneurs and home-based businesses to large employers and nonprofit organizations.
Can nonprofits join the Chamber?
Absolutely! Nonprofits are an important part of our Chamber community. The Chamber offers a specific Charitable/Non-Profit membership level for qualifying 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations. Nonprofit members can also participate in Chamber programs, networking opportunities and the Nonprofit Council.
Can businesses outside Shenandoah County join?
The Chamber's membership is focused on businesses and organizations serving and supporting Shenandoah County. Our membership directory includes businesses across many industries, and our mission is to support the broader business community and economic growth of Shenandoah County. If you're unsure whether your business is a good fit for membership, contact the Chamber and we'd be happy to talk with you about how membership can support your business.
Can my employees participate in Chamber events?
Yes! Chamber membership is about more than one person in your organization. Depending on your membership level, your membership may include multiple member representatives. Larger membership levels include bundled memberships for two, three, four or more representatives. Your employees can also take advantage of networking, educational and professional development opportunities offered through the Chamber and its councils.
What networking opportunities are available?
There are many ways to connect through the Chamber. Members can participate in networking events, Chamber councils, Lead Share groups, Business After Hours and other Chamber programs. Lead Share groups are specifically designed to build relationships and generate referrals among participating businesses, with groups meeting regularly throughout Shenandoah County.
Our councils also provide opportunities to connect with others around shared interests, industries and community issues—including the Home-Based Business Council, Hispanic Advisory Council, Nonprofit Council, Women's Business Council, Young Professionals Network, Economic Development and others.
How does the Chamber advocate for local businesses?
The Chamber serves as a voice for its members and the broader business community. We stay engaged with economic development, education and workforce development, community development and issues affecting the business environment. Our goal is to help create a successful business environment and bring the perspective of local businesses to the conversation.
What is the difference between Chamber membership and sponsorship?
Membership is your ongoing investment in being part of the Chamber and its business community. It provides access to membership benefits, networking, referrals, visibility, programs and opportunities to participate.
Sponsorship provides additional opportunities to promote and position your business through specific Chamber programs, events and initiatives. The Chamber offers several annual sponsorship levels designed to provide businesses with additional promotional opportunities.
Businesses can choose the membership and sponsorship opportunities that best fit their goals and budget.
How do I get started after joining?
Don't just join—get involved! Start by making sure your business information is complete and up to date. Then attend a Chamber event, introduce yourself to other members, explore the Chamber councils and look for opportunities that fit your business goals.
New members can also take advantage of their welcome benefits, including a social media announcement, Welcome New Members eNews exposure and a ribbon cutting opportunity. The Chamber also offers Chamber 101, designed to help new members learn how to make the most of their membership.
What should a new member do first?
Get involved! A great first step is to attend a Chamber event and meet other members. You can also attend Chamber 101, explore our councils, visit a Lead Share group and connect with Chamber staff about the opportunities that best fit your business. Your membership is most valuable when you use it. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself, bring your business cards and start making connections.
How do I get the most out of my Chamber membership?
The more you participate, the more value you can get from your membership. Attend networking events. Join a council. Participate in Lead Share. Take advantage of member discounts. Promote your business through the opportunities available to members. Attend educational programs. Meet other members and look for ways to do business with one another. Most importantly, show up and get involved. The Chamber provides the connections and opportunities—you make them work for your business.
What does my membership investment support?
Your membership investment helps make the Chamber's programs, services and advocacy possible. Membership investment, along with annual partners and event sponsors, supports the Chamber's staff, programming and efforts to create a successful business environment. Your investment helps provide networking, education, business promotion, referrals, community programs and a unified voice for the business community. When you join the Shenandoah County Chamber, you aren't just buying a membership. You're investing in your business and in the future of Shenandoah County.
Is your question not answered above? Email the Chamber or call us at (540) 459-2542.
Who We Are
Established in 2013, the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce was formed when the Chambers in the Towns of Woodstock, Edinburg, and Mount Jackson merged to form a county-wide Chamber to serve and provide a voice for all businesses throughout the County. The Chamber's mission is serving as a leader in creating a vibrant and diverse business community that drives economic opportunity and well-being.
The Chamber has 535 members representing a workforce of 10,000 strong. Members look to the Chamber for best practices, connections, education and advocacy. The Chamber provides successful programs, strategies and trends to position our members for growth and success.
The Chamber is a 501(c)6 voluntary membership organization of more than 500 businesses whose goal is to strengthen the business and economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Shenandoah County. Businesses and nonprofits primarily join the Chamber for networking and business development, community engagement, educational opportunities, marketing, and to influence the voice of the business community through government affairs and advocacy. The Chamber’s efforts are focused on business-to-business and business-to-community opportunities. We host more than 90 events a year, connect business leaders to the community through our various councils, and more.
Does the Chamber have a monthly meeting?
We know your time is precious; therefore there are no monthly meetings. However, there are a number of monthly networking events we encourage members and non-members to attend in order to mingle with fellow professionals and build solid business contacts. Visit our calendar of events to view the Chamber’s many events and programs.