Become A Member Of The Portage Area
Chamber of Commerce
You Can’t Afford Not To!

Mission Statement:
To provide leadership for building a healthy economy and high quality of life in the Portage area.

WHAT IS YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND
WHAT DOES IT DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of the business community. To the Secretary of State we are a not-for-profit organization. To the IRS, we are a 501(C) business association.
We are first and foremost, a membership organization. Our only significant resources are the time, skills and financial support of our members. We are defined by people’s perceptions of our past accomplishments, our current actions and our preparation to deal with the future.

The Chamber is a private, non-profit corporation which unites hundreds of businesses, professionals and individuals. The Chamber is a unique central agency interested in creating a healthy environment in which to conduct business and assisting its members and community by enhancing economic, civic and cultural interests in the Portage Area. Most importantly, the Chamber is people... people just like you. People who realize that through the Chamber they can accomplish collectively what no one of them can do individually. The strength of the Chamber lies in attracting the greatest number of members and creating a pool of resources from which ideas, energy, and finances can be drawn to create great businesses in our community.

Our Chamber consists of 330 plus members working together to make the Portage Area a better place to live and work by setting and achieving goals that assure Portage of reaching its full potential as a community. We are a voice for the business and professional community on critical issues and a partner in economic development working to attract new businesses and foster growth among existing enterprises.

WHY JOIN THE CHAMBER?
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce has proven itself to be the single most effective volunteer, non-profit organization committed to helping solve today’s business and community problems. You, as a business person, professional person or individual, have a stake in this area and you can best safeguard your interests by working with others through the Chamber. The Chamber promotes an environment that can maximize your business potential and profitability. At the Chamber we don’t just talk about the future... we shape it, and we believe you want to help shape Portage’s future also. That’s why we need you.

A professional staff and a host of volunteers will work with you and for you to see your community dreams turn into reality. Separate Chamber activity areas will assist you as your business, industry or practice tackles today’s problems and grasps tomorrow’s opportunities.

We invite and challenge you to join with us in developing our community. Let’s work together to make it the best it can be! Membership in your Chamber is a blue chip investment in Portage’s future, one that’s sure to grow and pay individuals many times over your initial investment. We are the partner every business needs!

BENEFITS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
The Chamber realizes the importance of every business, regardless of size, and to the economic well being of the Portage Area. It also is committed to strengthening services to member businesses through a variety of programs developed solely for the Portage Area business community.

Business After Five - After a long day at work why not join us and mingle with your fellow Chamber Members! Promote your business by hosting one of the nine events held Sept-May.

Committees - Help us help you! The Chamber offers many committees including Annual Banquet, Youth Leadership, Adult Education, Golf Fundraiser, Taste of Portage, Concert in the Park, PumpkinFest and Ambassadors. Each committee is developed to target a specific area of interest to the Chamber and its Members. Most committees meet monthly, call the Chamber for details. Display Areas in the Chamber Office – Showcase your brochures and business cards to the many walk-in visitors during the year.

Economic Development - The Chamber works to build and strengthen the business community of Portage on a daily basis. We have an ongoing commitment to advocate and promote balanced economic growth in Portage. We are dedicated to creating a strong local economy through business retention and expansion, attraction of new business enterprises, and support of business-friendly legislation.

Education – Helping to create a strong, well-educated workforce, by offering seminar/workshops. A leadership program is available for local youth to develop the necessary skills to be a leader in our community.

Government Advocacy - The Chamber is dedicated to communicating the views of the business community as it relates to local, regional, state and federal governmental issues. We strive to keep Chamber members informed on timely topics and issues that affect everyone.

Health Insurance – Opportunity to enroll in group health insurance that could save you money.

Mailing Labels - The Chamber provides one set of Chamber Member mailing labels at no cost with a paid membership; additional sets of labels are available for a nominal fee.

Member Directory – You receive a free alphabetical and categorical listing in our online directory that is visited by thousands of people throughout the world in search of information on services like yours. By purchasing upgrades, members can easily and effectively enhance their online listing.

Member Referrals - Via phone calls, e-mails, letters and drop-ins, the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce receives thousands of requests for referrals each year. Only our members are referred to businesses or individuals seeking products and services. We direct business to you!

Networking - Make contacts, develop leads and learn valuable business strategies at Chamber Business After 5’s, Golf Outing, Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner and other special events

Newsletter - Published monthly, The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce's monthly newsletter, News Break, keeps members informed on upcoming Chamber events and programs, member benefits and community news. News Break is also available online, helping advertisers reach thousands of potential new clients! Opportunities are available for advertising and target marketing by taking an ad space or including an insert. Additional exposure provided through the monthly Business Spotlight.

Portage Green Gift Certificates - Purchased through the Chamber and used at participating Chamber members business. By participating on the Portage Green it can help boost your business, and you are helping to keep thousands of dollars here in Portage.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies - Our Ambassadors help you organize an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to formally welcome your business to the community, celebrate an expansion or a new move within your organization. A photograph is taken and submitted to the local newspaper, as well as printed in our monthly newsletter.

Telephone Program - Opportunity to enroll in our phone program and create non-dues revenue for the Chamber.

Tourism & Retail Promotional Opportunities – 25,000 Portage Visitor Guides and 10,000 Maps are distributed annually. Opportunities are available to market your business during promotional events & activities: Concert in the Park, Taste of Portage, PumpkinFest, Holiday Events and more!

Visitor/Relocation Information Packets - Informal packets are sent throughout the year to individuals who call or write indicating an interest in visiting or relocating to the Portage Area. Chamber members may include brochures in this packet, particularly those who want to target tourist trade. This is a great way of taking advantage of the Chamber advertising for you! The Chamber provides community information, demographics, local publications, maps and brochures for tourists, new residents and businesses.

Website – www.portagewi.com is the Chamber’s online connection to its Members and the world! Members can post their events, hot deals, available jobs and much more. Contact the Chamber for your own username and password login. Members are listed by category with web site links provided at no charge.