Caroline County Chamber of Commerce FAQs

How is the Chamber organized and Managed?

The Board of 15 men and women from all over the County, and representing many segments of the local economy, is elected by the general membership. They meet once each month to monitor the progress towards achieving the Chamber mission. They serve three (3) year staggered terms to ensure the continued presence of experienced Board members.

When are meetings and events held?

The Chamber currently has 5 working committees., some of which may be related to Education, Public Policy, Member Social Events, and a group of volunteers called The Ambassadors who would help to be the public face of the Chamber.

In addition, there will be an Executive Committee composed of Board members that will meet once each month prior to the regular Board meeting. The role of the Executive Committee is to conduct the routine business of the Chamber.

A program of orientation, training and social events called The Chamber Playbill will be conducted each year for the benefit of both members and the public.

Who is eligible to attend Chamber meetings and events?

All Executive Committee and Board meetings are open to the membership and the public. Comments by guests at those meetings can be invited at the discretion of the person conducting the meeting.

What is the best way to take advantage of Chamber membership?

A Chamber membership does not guarantee increased business! It will however, provide opportunities to become connected in the community. The best way to do that is to be active as a member in the Chamber events by attending the meal meetings and training sessions, by taking advantage of the free advertising opportunities, and by using the chamber as a source of information.

What are the advertising opportunities that are available with a Chamber membership?

• Member & Business Directory - this will eventually be a very handsome publication, to be distributed at the beginning of each new Chamber year to all members and to a large number of other locations. This book will offer members an excellent opportunity to advertise.
• ChamberCrier Newsletter - on the first day of each month, all members will eventually receive this multi-page newsletter in which they can place some limited advertising. The newsletter will also provide members with an opportunity to circulate a promotional flyer (at no charge for a limited number of times each year) by providing staff with an appropriate number of copies prior to publication.
• Internet Listings - Members receive internet exposure through a listing on a web site that the Chamber will eventually create. Links to member web sites and email will also be provided. And finally, there will be banner and classified advertising opportunities available on the Chamber web site.
• Caroline County Map - Every two years, the Chamber will update the County map and distribute about 5,000-10,000 copies to visitors, tourists, new residents, local citizens, local businesses, etc. Extensive opportunities will be available to members to advertise in the map.
• Mailing List - A current mailing list of members will be available to Chamber members at no cost on disc, paper and/or labels.
• Publication Clearinghouse - The Chamber will display member supplied brochures, booklets, business cards, etc. making them available to walk-in traffic.

What is the Chamber's relationship with local government?

While having a completely autonomous position vis-â-vis local governments, the Chamber hopes to enjoy a very compatible working relationship with both the City Councils and the County Commissioners and their staffs by responding quickly to their requests for information, and by serving on their committees and task forces.

Does the Chamber endorse candidates for public office?

No! Chamber policy is to review and respond to issues that may have an impact on the local business environment.

How can a member become involved on a Chamber committee?

Very simply! Members who are interested in participating on any Chamber committee need only to express that interest to a staff member or to a Director.