The benefits of membership in the Little River Chamber are both direct & significant, with a variety of opportunities for marketing, networking, referrals, personal & business participation. Becoming a member strengthens your position on the northern Grand Strand, in the areas of Little River, Calabash, Longs, and surrounding areas by enhancing the visibility of your business. Some of the benefits of membership are:
Chamber Website
Business Directory
All members receive a self-controlled individual listing on our Business Directory. Personalize your directory listing with a 200 character business description and company bio, map, photos, social media links, and more. Visitors to the site find your listing by searching by category, keyword, or viewing an alphabetical listing. Your listing is self-controlled so it’s just the way you want it. Specific keywords enable higher search engine results – some members even find their business listing on the chamber’s website on the front page of Google!
New members have a free trial version of the enhanced listing automatically enabled. Additional benefits of the enhanced version include: Priority placement in search, logo/image next to search listing, 200 character description under company name on search results, website link above phone number on search results, expanded description, 2 additional website links, slideshow of additional photos, and enhanced map details. This optional add-on will automatically be listed on your renewal invoice.
Chamber Website
Best in the industry, our mobile-responsive Chamber website is a multifaceted platform utilizing analytic technology to give members the highest presence on the internet. Specific keywords enable higher search engine results, aiding you in higher quality leads.
Community Calendar
Members can add events to our public events calendar, which is our most highly searched area. From Customer Appreciation Days to Live Entertainment, utilize our calendar and post as many events as often as you want.
Hot Deals
Members can post their special promotions to the Hot Deals section of our website to help generate new business. Searched by locals and visitors alike – many come to the chamber looking for coupons and deals. New submissions are also included in our eNewsletter.
Member 2 Member Discounts
The Member-To-Member Discount Program encourages Chamber members and their employees to “remember a member” when making buying decisions. M2M deals are a great way to attract new customers, build relationships with current customers, save money, and strengthen our local economy. Most members give a larger discount to members than the general public (public discounts are labeled as “Hot Deals” on our website). New submissions are also included in our eNewsletter.
Job Listings
Our job board gets about 300 searches a month. Make sure you’re reaching locals and submit your jobs on the chamber website as often as you need. New submissions are also included in our eNewsletter.
News Releases
Submit your announcements, press releases, etc. as a News Release in the member section of our website. This makes your news searchable online on a credible platform, and there’s no limit on how many or how often you can submit your updates. New submissions are also included in our eNewsletter.
Communication
Making Waves
Our quarterly newsletter is mailed to members in good standing. Filled with event pictures, member information, community news, and more! Limited advertising available only to members; To learn more, click here.
eNewsletter
Frequent and timely informational emails regarding Chamber events, member and community updates, and more. With 600+ subscribers, our eNewsletter reaches recipients beyond our membership, but focuses on our local members. Subscribe
Online Networking
To better suit our members needs, we have created an online group on Facebook and LinkedIn to enable members to communicate with each other outside of their business. For in-person networking, we recommend attending Chamber Connections.
Social Media
The Little River Chamber is represented on numerous Social Media platforms, which aim not only to give useful information for members, but also to provide your business the opportunity to reach potential customers through non-traditional medias. From “tagging” businesses in relevant posts, sharing information on member of the month, promoting scenic attractions, and more! For more information on marketing through the chamber, click here. Also, follow us to stay in touch:
Chamber
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
Visit Little River
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Events
Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony
Held at the beginning of the new year, this business social, dinner, and awards ceremony is for all Chamber members to celebrate their previous years accomplishments. Awards presented include Ambassador of the Year, Business Member of the Year, Mary Martin Community Service Award, and the Freedom of Little River Award. There will also be a short ceremony for the installation of the new Board Chamber and Board Members.
Business Book Club
Professional development at your own pace. Join us for a quarterly discussion on topical books. Click here to learn more.
Business Buzz
Business Buzz is our new educational program designed to aid business leaders and professionals in the Little River and surrounding community to further their entrepreneurial skill sets. Free for Little River Chamber Members. There is a nominal fee of $15 for non-members. Learn More
Chamber Connections
All Chamber members and their employees are welcome to attend our regular networking event. Exchange business cards, win door prizes, enjoy complimentary food & refreshments provided by the host. For additional networking opportunities, we encourage you to attend any upcoming chamber events.
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Ribbon Cutting services are available to all new members or to members celebrating an anniversary milestone, new or changed location. Additional advertising & promotion included.
Little River ShrimpFest
The Little River ShrimpFest is our fall festival event, held annually the second weekend of October. This event features a variety of live entertainment, arts & crafts vendors, business expos, kids zone, seafood delights from local restaurants, and other popular festival foods.
Tabling
The Little River Chamber of Commerce has been known to table at area events to promote our members and Little River. We are also happy to work with businesses to provide opportunities for our members to table at community events.
World Famous Blue Crab Festival
Held annually the 3rd weekend of May, the World Famous Blue Crab Festival is the longest running festival along the Grand Strand. This large festival features a variety of exhibitors and vendors including arts & crafts, business & community organizations, children’s activities, Beach Music, festival foods, and of course, blue crabs and other local seafood.
Represented
Ambassador Program/Chamber Committees
Increase your visibility in the community by serving as a Chamber Ambassador or Member of a Chamber Committee. Learn more
Legislative and Public Policy
The Chamber is the vision and the voice of the Little River community. With no municipality to look after local issues, the Chamber is the only organization that represents your business and our community to local, state and Federal agencies. Learn more
United Front
By joining with other local businesses, you make up a “united front for business” that only your Chamber can provide to strengthen and protect your business.
Marketing & Advertising
Marketing Opportunities
From events to emails, the ways you can advertise through the chamber are ever improving and growing. Chamber members are the first people to know about and utilize our new opportunities. Check out our current, exclusive opportunities here.
Mailing List
Mailing labels of Chamber members are available for a minimal charge. Please call requesting they be printed to save yourself time. We do not give out members personal information, such as emails.
Visitor’s Center
Worldwide, Chambers of Commerce are viewed as a credible resource for business referrals. The Chamber operates as a visitors and relocation center to greet newcomers and residents alike. We promote our membership through personal calls, visits, trade shows, and publications and on the web.
Join today to stay top of mind. The chamber’s office offers helpful literature such as maps, phone books, and member’s brochures. Members are encouraged to drop off your literature at the chamber office, as well as update your online business directory listing so we can stay informed when referring callers and walk-ins to your business.
Thank You
Thank you for considering being a part of our chamber family. As a last reminder, don’t forget that your Chamber Membership isn’t only for one person; Member employees are all welcome to enjoy Member 2 Member Deals, attend our networking events, and more. We are happy to add as many representatives for your business in our database (ie: staff that may help you update your online accounts, billing contact, community leaders that want our emails, etc). If you have additional ideas on how we can better serve you and the community, please let us know!
