Marketing Opportunities
Marketing
your business through Your Chamber is cost-effective and it works.
Direct mail companies charge hundreds of dollars for targeted mailing
lists, but even those can be hit or miss. When you market via the
Chamber, you pay a modest fee to access member organizations and
individuals who are already predisposed to purchase your goods or
services.
And
it's effective. But don't take our word for it--listen to what our
members are saying. "I have built a new business by marketing with the GREATER Chamber," comments Bill Flynn, President of Flynn Video Services. "It’s amazing--minutes after the GREATER Chamber sent out the latest bulletin that I sponsored, I got an inquiry about my service."
Below
is a listing of the marketing opportunities available to you as
a member of the Chamber. Sponsorships are sold on a first-come,
first-served basis. Prices are available when you contact our Membership & Sales Director for more information on any of these opportunities.
Sponsorship
Opportunities
Annual Dinner Dance
The Annual Dinner Dance is a formal and festive evening in June that celebrates the conclusion of the existing Chamber year and launches the new Chamber year with the installation of officers. Sponsors' names are included on invitations and programs, in the Calendar of Events, INPRINT, What's Happening, on a display board and projected on screen at the event itself. Sponsors are also featured in all pre- and post-event publicity and on the Chamber's website.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Various levels
Business Before Hours and After Hours
Attending these hour-long morning and hour-and-a half-long afternoon functions is an excellent way to make valuable contacts. Event hosts personally showcase their businesses to attendees. Hosts are listed in the Calendar of Events, Weekly Update, What's Happening, on the Chamber's website and on-hold telephone message and in all pre- and post-event publicity. Hosts are required to pay a fee and opportunities to host are limited and are routinely booked six to eight months in advance.
Staff contact: Events Director
Cost to Host: Responsible for Chamber PR fee and for providing appropriate refreshments at the event.
Connections ETC Trade Show
The largest trade show in Prince William County, this blockbuster event highlights our members and the exploding growth of the area. This sellout event is held annually in October at the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center at George Mason University, Prince William Campus. This formal "pipe-and-drape" trade show has become a Chamber trademark event! Registration is available online at www.pwcgmcc.org.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Members: $425 to exhibit; Non-members: $850 to exhibit
Cornerstone
Contributor Program
The pinnacle of sponsorship opportunities is the Chamber's Cornerstone
Contributor Program. Members are recognized for their continued
support of the Chamber and its mission. Limited to six participants,
Cornerstone Contributors are listed as sponsors of the Chamber's
Annual Business Plan with a special logo showcasing all six members.
These logos or listings are included on all printed and electronic communication
including the Calendar of Events,
INPRINT, What's Happening, Weekly Update, on-hold telephone message and the Chamber's website for the year. A poster
featuring all six logos is displayed in the Chamber office and at
all events. A plaque is updated on an annual basis and is displayed
in the Chamber office.
Staff contact:
Chamber
President
Limited to 6
Meet the Media/Marketing, Advertising & PR Strategies (MAPS)
Meet the Media and MAPS events alternate annually. Meet the Media introduces representatives from local media outlets who explain how to get publicity for your organization or events, write press releases or place paid advertisements. MAPS consists of a hands-on marketing seminar conducted by marketing professionals. Each attendee receives continental breakfast and a free up-to-date media guide.
Cost: Varies annually
Monthly Breakfasts and Luncheons
The sponsor is included in the event agenda and has an exclusive opportunity to speak for three minutes to the attendees and to place literature at each place setting. The sponsor is also offered a display table near the Chamber registration table at the event on which to promote their business or organization. The sponsor is listed in the Calendar of Events, INPRINT, What's Happening, the Chamber's Message-on-Hold telephone system and in all pre- and post-event publicity. Scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis and the cost to sponsor may vary. Some luncheons/breakfasts have an established theme and are held around the same time each year. Below are listed some examples:
Cost to sponsor most monthly breakfasts/luncheons: $500.00
Legislative Kick-off or Wrap-up Breakfast. Twice each year, the Chamber invites local representatives of Virginia's General Assembly to breakfast. The Kick-off breakfast is held in January to present the Chamber's joint Legislative Agenda package to elected officials before the General Assembly convenes in Richmond. The Wrap-up breakfast is held at the conclusion of the session, typically in March, to brief members about political issues of interest to local business.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Community Showcase Luncheon. The Community Showcase luncheon is held annually in February to provide member nonprofits the opportunity to exhibit and inform the membership about their mission and programs. More than 20 nonprofits eagerly participate each year. The Agnes Colgan (formerly Shelley Krasnow) Community Service Award is also presented at this event.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Education Honor Roll Breakfast. Honoring the contributions of local education leaders each April was the inspiration for this event. Invited representatives from the three school districts include school superintendents and award-winning teachers. The Chamber also invites its annual college scholarship recipients.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Annual "Excellence in Business" Awards Luncheon. The Chamber membership recognizes the outstanding contributions of its peers each year in May. With numerous awards presented, including "Business of the Year," "Member of the Year" and "Rookie of the Year," many member organizations opt to bring their entire staff to share the suspense as the winning name is revealed and the honor of being recognized.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Cuisine de Commerce Luncheon
An annual "potluck" luncheon held in November at which member restaurants, caterers and gourmet and specialty shops contribute their signature entrees, appetizers, desserts and much more. This tasty event attracts more than 200 attendees each year and proceeds support the Chamber's annual Agnes Colgan Community Service Award.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
New Member Showcase
This quarterly event is an opportunity for new members to showcase their business and meet Chamber veterans, Board members and Ambassadors. The sponsor's name appears on invitations, Calendar of Events, on the Chamber's website and on-hold telephone message and pre- and post-event publicity. The sponsor is provided a display table at the event and allowed to make a 3-5 minute presentation about their company or organization and hand out brochures.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
"Pat on the Back"
As part of "March Member Appreciation Month," every member is given a token of appreciation for their support on or around St. Patrick's Day. Sponsorship of this event is a great way to get your name out to the entire membership!
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Polar Bear Scramble
The Polar Bear Scramble, held annually, raises money for the Chamber's Scholarship Program. Members and their guests enjoy the kickoff of golfing season at this event traditionally held in March and consisting of an afternoon of nine-hole Captain's Choice golf and lunch.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Agnes Colgan Community Service Award Sponsor
Recognized at both the Cuisine de Commerce Luncheon in November and the Community Showcase Luncheon in February and on the Chamber's website for one year.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Silent Auction Luncheon
Held in December with a holiday shopping theme, the Silent Auction luncheon has become one of the most popular of the year with approximately 200 "happy shoppers" in attendance. Donated items ranging from signed lithographs to golf outings help members get a head start on their holiday shopping. Members are encouraged to donate items.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Virtual Bus Tour
An annual breakfast held in June, the Virtual Bus Tour highlights newly constructed commercial properties for sale or lease in Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park by means of a slideshow containing spectacular aerial and ground photography. Each attendee also receives a printed "Tour Guide" describing the properties.
Staff contact:
Chamber
President
Young Professionals of Northern Virginia (YPNOVA) Benefactor
The YPNOVA Benefactor is listed in the Calendar of Events, on the Chamber's website, on the on-hold message, and is recognized at every YPNOVA event throughout the year.
Staff contact: Membership & Events Coordinator
YPNOVA Monthly Mixer Sponsor
YPNOVA holds a complimentary, after-hours mixer every month where members can network with young professionals. At most monthly meetings, a speaker addresses personal and professional development topics and a member nonprofit organization is highlighted. The sponsor's name appears on the Calendar of Events, on the Chamber's website and on-hold telephone message and pre- and post-event publicity. The sponsor is provided a display table at the event and allowed to make a 3-5 minute presentation about their company or organization and hand out brochures.
Staff contact: Membership & Events Coordinator
Advertising Opportunities
Art Gallery Sponsor
The Art Gallery Sponsor receives space to display an exclusive 8-1/2" x 11" ad in the Manassas Office conference room for one year and premium space for their brochure and a reserved slot for business cards in the lobby. Sponsorship runs annually from July 1st through June 30th. Space is limited and fills up quickly.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Brochure Wall Ad
This impressive wall, located in the Chamber's foyer, contains 16 premium advertising spots around its perimeter that are available to lease on an annual basis. In addition to ad space, Brochure Wall sponsors also receive premium space for their 8 ½" x 11" brochure and a reserved slot for business cards. Sponsorship runs annually from July 1st through June 30th. Space is limited and fills up quickly.
Staff contact: Chamber President
Brochure Wall Business Cards & Brochures
Another benefit of membership is the opportunity to display business cards and promotional materials on the brochure wall located in the front office of the Chamber. Members of the public, many looking for relocation information, stop by our convenient Center Street location every day and Chamber members attending meetings browse through the materials with interest. To display your company's business cards and brochures, just drop them off at our front desk.
Staff contact: Operations Assistant
Cost: Included in the cost of your annual membership fee
Brown Bag Seminar Speaker
This program provides Chamber members the opportunity to make a presentation on a topic that is of general interest to the membership. These hour-long, informational seminars are intended to help members improve their businesses or their personal lives. Two sessions are offered each month and are free to Chamber members and their staff. This series is a winner for everyone: attendees profit from the invaluable information derived, while presenters benefit from the exposure.
Staff contact: Events Director
Cost: Included in the cost of your annual membership fee
Brown Bag Seminar Series Sponsor
The Brown Bag Seminar Series is held twice each month and consists of free, hour-long seminars on a variety of topics of interest to businesses and organizations. The programs are arranged six months in advance and listed on the Chamber's website featuring the sponsor's name with a hyperlink. The sponsor is also listed in the Calendar of Events, the on-hold telephone message and in all pre- and post-event publicity.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Business & Information Directory
One of the benefits of membership is a listing in the Chamber's annual Business & Information Directory, our most-requested publication. Advertising opportunities are available and ad rates are determined yearly. Production on new directories including ad sales begin in the early spring and printed directories are distributed around mid-summer.
Staff contact: Operations Director
Cost: Advertising rates vary according to ad size and placement
Calendar
of Events Insert
The Chamber's events calendar is published six times each year and
includes all scheduled events for a two-month period. Only one advertising
insert is included per issue. The Calendar
of Events is mailed to more than 1,200 members and their
representatives and is included in prospective and new member packets.
Insert: Member provides 1,300 copies of 8 ½ x 11 flyer on 20 lb.
paper (may be two-sided)
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Cost:
$500 per issue
Calendar
of Events Display Ad
(See description above.) The Calendar
of Events features only one ad per issue, which is landscape (horizontal) 5"
high x 7" wide, and located on the outside back cover for maximum exposure.
Ads must be submitted via email. Of the 1,300 copies
produced, more than 1,200 copies are mailed directly to members
and their representatives and the remainder is included in prospective
and new member packets.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
New Member Mailing
Insert/Envelope Ad
A listing of all new members who have joined in the past 3 months are listed on the New Member Mailing that is mailed to every member as an addendum to the printed
Business & Information Directory. Members are given the opportunity to insert a flyer.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Inserts: Member provides 1,200 copies of 8 ½ x 11 flyer on 20 lb.
paper (may be two-sided)
Envelope Ad : Exclusive ad, which is portrait (vertical) 5" wide x 7" high on the mailing side of the New Member Mailing Envelope.
Online & Media Opportunities
E-Burst Series
One of the Chamber's most effective and newest forms of communications is the E-Burst. This communication simply and succinctly delivers information regarding upcoming Chamber events, news or other opportunities. The Chamber emails a minimum of 6 E-Bursts per month to every member. As E-Burst sponsor, you are entitled to several lines of advertising copy at the beginning of every E-Burst as well as the opportunity to include a hyperlink to your website or email address.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
News & Events Wire/Online Member Directory Banner or Logo Ad
The Chamber’s most popular web pages are the new News & Events Wire and the online Member Directory. The News & Events Wire offers a community calendar with member events and a page full of member news. Your banner ad or your logo ad will appear either on the search page of the online Member Directory or repeated on all Wire Site pages for three months for one low price.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Choose from a Banner Ad or a Logo Ad
Weekly Update
The bi-weekly bulletin for Chamber events alternates with the What's Happening and contains information on upcoming Chamber events. As the Weekly Update sponsor, you are entitled to several lines of advertising copy at the beginning of every What's Happening as well as the opportunity to include a hyperlink to your website or email address.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
What's Happening
Our electronic events bulletin is emailed every other Friday to the entire membership. It contains information supplied by members about their upcoming events. As the What's Happening sponsor, you are entitled to several lines of advertising copy at the beginning of every What's Happening as well as the opportunity to include a hyperlink to your website or email address.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Member Markdown
Your exclusive discount, special offer or coupon is emailed one time to the entire membership along with a hyperlink to the Chamber's Member-To-Member Discount wepage where your discount will also be listed for for one full year.
Staff contact: Events Director
Other
Promotional Opportunities
Mailing
Labels
Crack-and-peel.
Self-adhesive mailing labels for the entire Chamber membership are
available for purchase.
Staff contact:
Operations Assistant
USPS Mailing
List. A USPS Mailing List of the entire Chamber membership is available to be sent electronically as an email attachment. Purchasers are entitled to 1 full year of unlimited usage with updates for a nominal fee.
Staff contact:
Operations Assistant
Member-To-Member Discount Program
Members can promote their business and help fellow Chamber members save money
by particpating in the Member-To-Member Discount Program. Businesses have the opportunity to advertise their products and services on the GREATER Chamber’s website while fellow Chamber members save by taking advantage of special offers. Members are directed to the site every other week via a hyperlink on the Member Markdwon coupon that is emailed to every member. (See the Member Markdown opportunity above for a combined offer.)
Staff contact: Membership & Events Coordinator
Networking Connections Sponsor
Members can contact every member attending a specific event by typing their email address into the Chamber's laptop at the event. We then email a link to download copies of all business cards collected at that event. Your 1/3-page ad is reproduced on our business card mailings.
Staff contact: Membership & Sales Director
Searchable
Online Database
Another great benefit of membership is a listing in the Chamber's
searchable online database, the most popular page on our website.
Users can search for your business name or for your company's products
or services, while a list of new members continuously scrolls on
the left side of the page. Your listing provides a free link to
your website and a map directing customers to your door. Additional
keywords can be added to your search protocol, you can link to an
email address and you can insert a business description in the "More
Info" pop-up box for a nominal fee. One sponsor per quarter
can display a company logo, telephone number and address in a banner
ad appearing on every database page.
Staff contact:
Operations Director
Cost:
Basic listing included in the cost of your annual membership fee
Speakers
Bureau List
Members are encouraged to submit their names and areas of expertise
to the Chamber for inclusion on our Speakers Bureau List. This list
is requested by groups and organizations looking for speakers.
Staff contact:
Communications Director
Cost:
Included in the cost of your annual membership fee
Western Prince William Branch Office Sponsorship Opportunities
Western Connection Contributor
Much like the Cornerstone Contributors at the Main office, the Western Connection Contributors are recognized for their continued
support of the Western Prince William Branch office. Limited to two participants,
Western Connection Contributors are listed on printed and electronic communication
including the Calendar of Events, INPRINT, on-hold telephone message and the Chamber's website for the year. A poster featuring all six logos is displayed in the Western Prince William Branch office and at all Western Prince William events.
Staff contact: Membership & Events Coordinator
Western Prince William Branch Office Conference Room Sponsors
Western Prince William Branch Office Conference Room sponsors are limited to two participants who are recognized with two ads hanging in the conference room, the highest traffic area of the Western Prince William Branch office.
Staff contact: Membership & Events Coordinator
Display Wall
Much like the Brochure Wall in the Main office, this wall is located in the Western Prince William Branch Office lobby and contains 12 premium advertising spots that are available to lease on an annual basis. In addition to ad space, Brochure Wall sponsors also receive premium space for their brochure and a reserved slot for business cards. Sponsorship runs annually from July 1st through June 30th. Space is limited and fills up quickly.
Staff contact: Membership & Events Coordinator
Monthly Business-Building Breakfast (MB3) Sponsor
The Monthly Business Building Breakfast is a complimentary networking event specifically for members located in Western Prince William, although all Chamber members are welcome to attend.
Staff contact: Membership & Events Coordinator
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