Member Benefits

Thank you for the opportunity to present the advantages of membership with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Since 1914, the mission of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce is to pursue the continued economic growth for Stark County and the Canton area through positive business development while ensuring that this economic growth is supported by the highest quality of life for our community.  With the support of current members and recruitment of new members, we will continue to pursue this effort.

Let me suggest a few reasons why our organization can benefit your firm.

Accreditation - You will be given a membership plaque to display stating your firm is a Chamber member.

Recognition, Exposure, Advertisement – Chamber members are included in a Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide, which is a valuable resource and reference guide for the entire business community.  Distribution of this publication is over 4,000 yearly. You will receive by mail the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, “Action”.  This publication will inform you about the Chamber’s programs and events, important community issues, downtown developments and events, and lastly, countywide economic development efforts.  Your company will receive a free listing as a new member of the Chamber within the “Action” newsletter as well as free listings on the Chamber’s website, www.cantonchamber.org.  Also, Tuesday of each week you will receive by email a reminder of Chamber happenings for the month.  New members are also listed here for the first month of their membership.

Monthly Events and Business After Hours – Business After Hours provides an informal networking opportunity for members to meet each other and develop new business contacts.  These gatherings take place at different Chamber locations throughout Stark County and attract 100-175 attendees each month.  Ask about the “tabletop” opportunity at this event, which allows you to showcase your products and services.  Other monthly events include the AultCare’s Fast-Break Breakfast series, Canton Forum luncheon and the Safety Council luncheon.

Workshops and Seminars – Educational and training workshops and seminars are available to chamber member companies and their employees throughout the year.  These programs always provide great networking arenas before and after the event.

Award Dinners – Several dinners throughout the year recognizing large and small businesses, for-profit and non-profit businesses, business and individuals for community service.  These include the “Community Salute Dinner”, and the  “Business Excellence Awards Banquet”.

Safety Council – A division of the National Safety Council, Ohio has 76 Safety Councils with more than 8,000 members statewide.  Monthly speaker luncheons, trade shows, various award dinners and other related events with regard to safety.  Developing and maintaining a safe workplace is our mission.

Annual Events – The Annual Meeting brings close to a thousand chamber members together each year with the Chamber’s past year accomplishments, future plans, changing of our Chairman of the Board.  Annual events include: Network ’09, Blue’s Festival, Zing in the City, Vintage Canton, Light-Up Downtown, golf outing, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival events, and many others.

MAGNET – (formerly CAMP), The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network.  Since 1984, Magnet has assisted over 2,000 manufacturers in the northern half of Ohio with its business consulting, product development and business incubation programs.  Magnet is the “Voice” for the region’s manufacturers. 

YStark!-  This Chamber initiative is to retain and attract talented young professionals for Stark County.  Look for monthly networking, educational and social events.  Ask about the YStark! Golf  or dodge ball leagues.

Legislation – The Chamber addresses legislative issues that impact local businesses and give members the opportunity to communicate their views.  This is done on local, state and national levels.  The chamber continues to enhance relationships with elected officials, as well.

Economic Development – Countywide and downtown Canton efforts (Canton Development Partnership) to aggressively promote new business growth throughout the market area.  By aiding in the expansion of existing companies, relocating new companies to the area and fostering new business startups, new investment and accompanying jobs will result, positively impacting the local economy.

Discount Benefit Programs – Several discounted programs have been made available for eligible chamber members.  These discounts include major medical health insurance coverage through Aultcare, workers’ compensation through Compensation Consultants and shipping discounts through Unishippers.

More Business Thru Awareness Club - This program offers Chamber members the opportunity to come together on a weekly basis and exchange leads with each other and make new business contacts.  Meetings are held at various times during the week over breakfast or lunch.  One will surely meet your schedule.  Attend and make lots of contacts.

Chamber WebLink – www.cantonchamber.org  The Chamber’s website.  This site includes information about both Stark County and Canton city economic development; relocation information; an in-depth community calendar featuring public events and area festivals; employment opportunities within Stark County; local, regional and state business legislative updates; Chamber-related event information, free advertising with the coupon pages and a local business directory which is the members of the Chamber.  Please contact us for additional partnership opportunities.

Enclosed are a few materials to further outline the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Chamber membership offers a variety of benefits and reasons for joining.  We would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you in the near future to discuss our program in more detail.  We will follow up with you soon or please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Again, thanks for the opportunity to share the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce with you.

Denise A. Burton                                                                    

Director of Membership  & Sales

330.458.2067

deniseb@cantonchamber.org

Terri Fullmer

Membership Sales Manager

330.458.2077

terrif@cantonchamber.org