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NOT A MEMBER? JOIN NOW!!!
For a complete Membership Packet or any additional information regarding the Madera Chamber, please call (559) 673-3563 MISSION, PURPOSE, AND COMMITMENT STATEMENTS OUR MISSION: The Mission of the Madera District Chamber of Commerce is to support a diverse regional economy by promoting a thriving business environment that contributes to our community's quality of life. OUR PURPOSE: The Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization representing all segments of the business community with the potential for marshaling the energies and efforts of its membership toward the accomplishment of common goals for a better community. OUR COMMITMENT: The Madera District Chamber of Commerce strives to: Endorse a Strong Local Economy Represent and Advocate on Behalf of Business Provide Opportunities for Enhancing Business Connections Promote Our Community
The Madera Chamber of Commerce offers the following to fulfill our commitment to our Members: THE CHAMBER ENDORSES A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY BY: Responding to thousands of telephone and walk-in requests resulting in business and agency referrals (consumer-to-business referrals, business-to-business referrals, and business-to-consumer referrals.)
Assisting out-of-town event coordinators in bringing their activities to Madera. We have assisted in providing input and referrals regarding: National Bikers Round Up, National Fiddlers Association, Motorcycle Events, Car Shows, Dog Shows, Madera County Stage Race, just to name a few...
Referring potential new businesses to the Central California Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Central Valley Business Incubator, and the U.S. Small Business Administration who offer counseling and resources for small business start-up and existing business support.
- Supporting two state correctional facilities move to Madera County; Central California Women's Facility and Valley State Prison.
THE CHAMBER REPRESENTS AND ADVOCATES ON BEHALF OF BUSINESS BY: Hosting Governmental Affairs Breakfast Meetings as the need arises; the purpose of these meetings is to link business to government and vice-versa. They are designed to provide a forum for our members to receive information and discuss local, state and federal governmental issues that affects how we do business in the Greater Madera area.
Providing information from the California Chamber of Commerce weekly update Inside the Capitol, which highlights current legislation and regulations that may impact your business; this e-newsletter also states the CalChamber's position, action items and contact names for your benefit.
THE CHAMBER PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENHANCING BUSINESS CONNECTIONS:
Networking does not take any special talents or tools, but you do need to take every opportunity to do it. The technique can best be used at Chamber membership meetings, luncheons, mixers, and other special events. Join us at these functions to introduce yourself and your business. ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, AND PROGRAMS Informational Meetings, Seminars & Workshops - Throughout the year, the Chamber organizes breakfast and lunch meetings, seminars and workshops for our members and the community. For current scheduling call the Chamber Office at (559) 673-3563, visit our Website calendar or review your monthly newsletter and inserts announcing upcoming sessions.
Leadership Madera Program - Participants in the Leadership Madera Program have a unique opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership skills. Each session is designed to inform, educate, motivate and challenge participants. Each session also is developed with a diversity of creative learning methods. These classes have been designed by over 30 of Madera's top business people, educators, government officials and Leadership Madera alumni.
Lifetime Achievement Awards - Annual Chamber Award presented to individuals who have differentiated themselves through their dedication to the quality of life in Madera for a minimum of 25 years, both personally and professionally. The criteria used when selecting the individuals for this award calls for a significant dedication to Madera in the areas of Economic Development, Education, Cultural Enhancement, Public Policy or Government, Business and Community Relations and Quality of Life. The honorees are also eligible because they have been active members of the Chamber. The Chamber also awards an annual scholarship on behalf of a Memorial Honoree; Memorial Scholarship recipients are selected based on their submission of an essay, improvement in academics and overcoming barriers, and their community service to Madera.
Mixers - Bring your business cards and introduce yourself to anyone you haven't met yet. Spend some time telling them about yourself, and then listen to what they have to say. You never know when you'll pick up a lead, or when you can refer them to another chamber member who can help them with a need. Have your top sales and service people attend the functions as well, and introduce them to the people they will need to know. The best way to network at these functions is to get into conversations with as may people as possible. You have an opportunity to find our more about the people you may be dealing with in the future, and they have the opportunity to find out more about you.
Senior Farmer of the Year Presentation - Supporting Madera's #1 economy 'Agriculture', the Chamber hosts this annual dinner, honoring a longstanding farmer in our community; awarding an Agricultural Scholarship to a student who will be continuing their education in the field of agriculture (the recipient of this scholarship is also recognized at this event); and hosting other 'Salute to Agriculture' events such as the Raisin Pie Contest
Speakers' Bureau - If you have a topic that you feel would be good for chamber programs, send the Chamber a letter giving details such as a name, business, subject and content. This information will be reviewed and kept on file to be used for future reference. Your topic may even create a program for our membership as well. This information will also assist us in referring you to local businesses and associations. The Chamber maintains a Clubs & Organizations List . This is the perfect opportunity to make contact with our local organizations and to possibly speak to their service clubs about the programs you have in mind. Most local service clubs have weekly programs and they are always interested in recruiting business programs.
COMMITTEES
Do you really want to get to know people and make new contacts? A smaller group setting like this is an excellent way to network with other business professionals that have your same interests in the local business climate. Committee work gives you an outlet for the talents that you possess and that can benefit both the Chamber and your business.
Agribusiness - Activities include hosting Salute to Agriculture events, Senior Farmer of the Year Dinner, Raisin Pie Contest, and the Agricultural Scholarship.
Ambassador Corps - The Ambassador Corps is a volunteer public relations team made up of business representatives from the membership. Since membership is the lifeblood of the Chamber’s existence, the Corps plays a vital role. The goal of the Ambassador Corps is to enhance and maintain the prosperity of the Madera District Chamber of Commerce through the promotion of goodwill and understanding within the membership and business community of Madera. The Ambassador Corps maintains a diversity of representation from the business community. Individuals wishing to accept a role with the Ambassador Corps must be willing to make the time to participate. As an Ambassador you will participate in monthly calls to current members, actively work on membership recruitment, and attend grand openings, ribbon cuttings, mixers, civic functions and monthly Ambassador Corps meetings. Attendance at the monthly meeting is critical as this is where the schedule for the month’s activities is provided. Ambassadors may also be requested by the Board of Directors and/or the President/CEO to work on other projects. Interested candidates should consider the time commitment prior to becoming involved in the Corps. Approximately 3 – 6 hours a month is the average time an Ambassador volunteers. It can be during the work hours as well as before or after normal hours of work. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador for the Madera District Chamber of Commerce, please click on the following link Ambassador Interest Form If you need any additional information please feel free to call Debi Bray at (559) 673-3563
America's Schools Recycling Program Business & Education Platinum Sponsorship New Educators Welcome Reception Salute to Education, including the Retired Teachers Luncheon and the Salute to Education Reception and Recognition Event Participating in the Madera County Office of Education 'Principal for a Day' program. Serving on the Board of Directors for the new Sherman Thomas Charter School and Pioneer Technical Center. Organizing local leadership to help develop a plan of action to successfully lobby the State Center Community College District to ensure the next campus be built in Madera. Encouraging and promoting the need for a nursing program locally at the State Center Community College District, Madera Center Partnering with the State Center Community College District, Madera Center to develop and implement the Customer Service Academy. Participating in the State Center Community College, Madera Center Young Authors Conference.
Tourism Alliance of Madera - works in partnership with the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau to promote tourism, agri-tourism, and more in Madera County. Meetings are currently held on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 8:45 a.m. (location varies)
PROMOTING OUR COMMUNITY
The Madera Chamber of Commerce supports a number of different community events such as: The Chamber provides many community resources to the public. We are the "front door to our community" and central information center:
HOW TO USE YOUR CHAMBER Business Resources - the Chamber offers resources for new and existing businesses to assist you in operating your business in Madera. Bad Check Restitution/Prosecution Program Business Assistance Resources Madera County Economic Development Commission Central California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Central Valley Business Incubator Craig School of Business, CSU Fresno - Small Business Institute Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Technology Development and Commercialization Center Madera County Workforce Development Office - Business Services Pacific Community Ventures S.C.O.R.E. - Central California S.C.O.R.E. Chapter U.S. Small Business Administration - Fresno District Office Valley Small Business Development Corporation
Business License Information City of Madera Police Department Security Assessment Program Compliance Materials and Resources Business.gov - Business link to U.S. Government California State Board of Equalization (BOE): Sales & Use Tax Permits, Tobacco Retail License, etc. California State Employment Development Department (EDD): Paid Family Leave, State Disability Insurance, State Payroll State Information, Unemployment Insurance California Chamber of Commerce 'CalBiz Central' California Department of Industrial Relations: Cal/OSHA, Labor Law (DSLE), Workers Compensation Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Center Federal OSHA U.S. Department of Labor U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Federal OSHA) United States Patent and Trademark Office
Sign Ordinance Information Advertising & Marketing Opportunities Business and Agency Referrals - the Chamber of Commerce keeps a file of all members by business classification. This list is referred to when an inquiry regarding a specific need or type of business is received in the Chamber office. City/County Map Membership Directory and Community Guide Member-to-Member Discounts Monthly Newsletter 'Madera Business Beat' offers advertising in the form of a flyer insert or a business card size advertisement; other ad sizes are available upon negotiation. On-site displays and racks for Member Information and Business Cards Sponsorship of Chamber Events Website offers free member listings, advertising opportunities, member-to-member discounts.
For more information, contact the
Madera District Chamber of Commerce
120 North E Street, Madera, CA 93638-3215
(559) 673-3563 • (559) 673-5009 FAX
www.maderachamber.com CEO/President, Debi Bray dbray@maderachamber.com Executive Assistant, Cindy Mindt cmindt@maderachamber.com
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