Members

The Mission Chamber of Commerce Membership Benefits

Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Benefits and Service

Benefits and Services
Following is a list of the free benefits and services available to all Chamber members.

Advertising & Publicity
All members receive free listing and/or publicity in these publications: Membership Directory. Members are encouraged to submit special announcement, news releases, photos and cut- lines for the monthly newsletter. Members are also listed on the Chamber's and can be directly linked for FREE!

Business Referral Service
Only Chamber members are referred to the public when requests/inquiries are made for the names of local business, professionals, service-oriented organizations/businesses, and various product oriented establishments.

Promotional Display Area
Members are welcomed to display promotional material such as brochures, business cards, announcements, etc., in the lobby of the Chamber office. Tourists, visitors, and business representatives visit the office daily and often request information about local businesses.

Educational Opportunities
Various seminars and workshops are coordinated to provide members insight into areas such as advertising, business management, communication skills, customer service, financial management, human resources, marketing and promotional work. Special counseling services for solving business-related problems are also available at no charge through our resources such as the Small Business Administration, S.C.O.R.E., U.S. Department of Commerce, STC, UTPA - CEED and Affiliate Organizations.

Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings
The Chamber offers ribbon cuttings to new businesses in the Mission and surrounding area at no cost to the business. Existing members celebrating anniversaries or who relocate, renovate and expand are also invited to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony. Invitations are mailed to City of Mission officials, Chamber Board of Directors, Greeters Club, Chamber Diplomats and media. Members who build a new facility are also encouraged to hold a groundbreaking ceremony prior to construction. (2 weeks advance notice - required)

Special Events
Members are encouraged to participate in the Chamber's many special events; such as the Annual Spring Gala, Golf Tournament, International Mayor's Brunch, Goodwill Trips and Trade Shows, plus many more events. These events give members the opportunity to display and promote their businesses.

Cooperative Advertising
Members are able to advertise on a seasonal basis as a cooperative between the Chamber and the members who are able to pay for the very low cost advertising offered. (TV advertising "Savor the Flavor in Mission")

Quarterly "Membership After Hours"
Membership Breakfast "Buenos Dias Breakfast" Membership Luncheon "Business with a Brown Bag" These events provide members with a networking opportunity in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere as well as the opportunity to promote their business among representatives of other Chamber members.

Quality of Life Programs
Participate in Business Focus Groups, Health Care Council and Business/Education Partnership. All this is an open door to community involvement!

Letters of Support
Chamber members are eligible for letters of recommendation as a member in good standing in order to obtain a FM 3 VISA Permit to do business in Mexico.

Affiliate Organization
The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce holds memberships in the following organizations: Rio Grande Valley Partnership, US Chamber of Commerce, Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Hidalgo County Tourism Cooperative, Valley Tourism Cooperative, Texas Travel Industry Association, and the Texas Festivals Association. Information and applicable benefits as a result of the Chamber's membership in these organizations is made available to the Mission Chamber Membership accordingly.

Bulk Mail Discount
Members may use the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce's bulk mail rate when mailing 200 or more pieces.

"Shop Mission" Program
The Greater Mission Chamber has launched the "Shop Mission" Campaign to encourage shopping in Mission and to offer Chamber members an opportunity to generate new business and more profits.

Additional Marketing Benefits
The following is a list of marketing benefits that are available to Chamber members at an additional cost.

Broadcast Email & Fax Service ($50.00 each)
Members can market directly to other Chamber members with this service, which has become the most effective means of promoting their business.

Newsletter Insert ($50.00)
Members have the opportunity to insert their flyers in our newsletter at a by providing the chamber with 700 or more copies of their announcement/flyer to be mailed and inserted by chamber staff in the newsletter

Telephone Marketing System ($50.00)
All members may take advantage of the Chamber's phone advertising system. The "What's on Hold" company will contact you personally to prepare a public service announcement advertising your company. The advertisement will run for 30 days on the Chamber's phone system. This service can always be renewed on a monthly basis.

Membership Mailing Labels ($.10 each)
All members may request a set of Chamber member labels to be used for marketing purposes. These labels are not to be used for solicitation or political purposes.