Contact: Lori Kaye Lodes (920) 593-3423
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GREEN BAY, WI (Aug. 22, 2007) – A recent study by The Schapiro Group confirms what Chambers have long known – when a business is active in the local Chamber, it’s not only doing the right thing for the community but for its own success as well.
Among the study’s results: Consumers who know a business is a Chamber member are 63 percent more likely to buy goods and services in the future. “We’ve said for years that Chamber membership is not simply a feel-good, look-good-in-the-eyes-of-the-community proposition, but a smart business move that has direct impact on the bottom line. This study clearly confirms that and other benefits of Chamber membership,” said Paul Jadin, president of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.
The study also revealed that 59 percent of consumers think that being active in the local Chamber is an effective business strategy overall.
In addition, respondents indicated that when business decision-makers believe a business is a Chamber member, they are 59 percent more likely to buy goods and services from it, 37 percent more likely to think favorably about it and 51 percent more likely to be highly aware of it
Chambers’ roles in creating an economically diverse and strong community also came through in the survey. More than 80 percent of respondents believe the local Chamber helps to create jobs and promotes local economic development. “The Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce does so by supporting its economic development division, Advance,” notes Barb Fleisner, vice president of economic development for the Chamber. The mission of Advance, a public-private partnership, is to improve and diversify the local economy while being the economic development focal point and resource center for Brown County businesses and municipalities.
“During 2006, a total of 1,352 building permits were issued, totaling more than $231 million in new investment in Brown County. Of this total, 905 were related to manufacturing and commercial development, totaling $167 million or 72% of this new investment. These are quite compelling and significant numbers,” added Fleisner.
Because small businesses represent the largest segment by number of most local Chamber membership rolls, it’s important to quantify the impact on them, too. The study showed that when consumers know a small business is a Chamber member, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
The Schapiro Group is an Atlanta-based market research firm. For more information, visit their Web site at www.schapirogroup.com.
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Established in 1882, the mission of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic and community development. Chamber programs include Advance, Partners in Education, Leadership Green Bay, Brown County Teen Leadership, Current-Young Professionals Network, Good Government Council, the Highway 41 International Development Program and the Small Business Council.
For more information about Current and the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and its programs, call 437-8704 or visit www.titletown.org.
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