Getting Connected
Chambers of commerce put you in touch with your community.
When Derrell Vaughn Jr. incorporated his company, Benefit
Options Inc., in 1994, there was no question in his mind about
joining the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.
"My dad owns a 75-year-old plumbing company. He was the
state president of the junior chamber, and he's always been in
the local chamber. I was brought up in it and feel like it's a
starting point," says the 31-year-old homebased insurance
broker.
But joining the local chamber did more than just continue a
family tradition; it helped Vaughn make contacts in
Montgomery's corporate community.
Content Continues Below
"I have an ad in the chamber's buyer's guide and
directory, which is given to all chamber mem-bers. There's also
an after-hours networking event once a month at a different
member's business," says the entrepreneur, who sells
supplemental health and dental insurance and other employee
benefits.
Vaughn is also a member of one of the chamber's CEO
Roundtables, in which 10 to 12 CEOs from noncompeting companies
meet monthly to discuss challenges. The Roundtable acts as an
informal board of directors to help him with business decisions and
problems.
Like Vaughn, many homebased entrepreneurs are discovering the
benefits of membership in a chamber of commerce. From moral support
to business advice, from political clout to profitable contacts,
chambers of commerce offer it all. And with a growing number of
chambers offering programs and services specifically for homebased
businesses, the time has never been better to get involved.
Page 1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 