Graham, Texas Chamber of Commerce

Visitors and Tourism Center - The Chamber of Commerce is the information center that promotes your business to visitors and tourists. a position we've held in this community since 1918. In the Chamber office we have brochures and flyers on businesses, attractions and events we strive to design to promote your business.

Luncheon Membership Meetings - On a monthly basis the Chamber sponsors a luncheon at the American Legion Building. New members eat without charge for their first visit and are given an opportunity to speak for a few minutes about their business. The luncheon gives members an opportunity to promote their business, while networking with fellow chamber members. If you are a new member (or even a long-standing member) attend these functions. You meet other new potential customers and interact with other chamber members. Make a personal effort to meet as many other members as possible. Be willing to make the first move by introducing yourself, your business and learning about the businesses of others. "Don't forget your Business Cards!"

Membership Referral - One of the most important benefits of membership in the Chamber of Commerce is referrals by the Chamber office and other members. The Chamber encourages members to do business and support local members, which gives you the opportunity to grow. Your Chamber acts as an information center for requests regarding lists of manufacturing and industry businesses, demographics, products, and services available in our community. It is a long standing policy of the Chamber to recommend and promote Chamber members for these inquiries. We have compiled a relocation packet to be sent to businesses and individuals that might be interested in moving to our community. This packet includes our official Graham Community Guide listing Chamber members.

Community and Legislative Action - Through contacts with local government in Graham and with national/statewide chamber-related organizations, we strive to keep current in our knowledge of legislation that affects the business community. We can make you aware of issues that need your support.

Publicity and exposure - Advertise in chamber-sponsored publications; rates are reasonable and offer a way to target the business market you might miss. Your business is listed categorically in the handsome publication. There are several thousand distributed to members, newcomers and visitors, annually. These guides are also included in relocation and tourists packets mailed out nationwide. Our Executive Director attends trade shows promoting our area; your brochures and flyers are distributed at these shows at no additional cost to you. These are also mailed to visitors calling the office and requesting the information.

Economic Development in cooperation with GIA and Main Street - Encouraging new business growth in Graham will help to strengthen the local economy, thereby giving our members a more stable environment in which to operate. The Chamber works closely with the other two organizations in Graham which also focus on Graham's economy.

Small Business Development - Midwestern State University is a member of the Graham Chamber of Commerce through their Small Business Development Center. The center stands ready with a well-trained, experienced staff to help small businesses solve their problems. Chamber members have access to their invaluable resources, most of which are provided at no charge.

Ribbon Cuttings - The Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors provide a service to each member regarding a formal opening, new additions, or changes to their facilities. A complimentary photograph of the ribbon cutting with the Chamber's Red Coat Ambassadors is graciously published by The Graham Leader. This is an excellent introduction to the community, and adds prestige to the opening activities.

Community Involvement - Unavoidable economic and political events can bring
about the decline in a small community. Diverse minds working to solve a dilemma
can often devise a creative solution to a common problem. Such communities not
only survive, but also prosper. The Chamber brings members from all areas of our
community to strive for continued growth in Graham.

Membership Plaque - Each member is entitled to receive an attractive membership plaque that lets customers and clients know that you are an active supporter of the Chamber of Commerce and a contributor to our community and economic development programs. Being a member of the Chamber strengthens your credibility with the general public and other members of the business community and provides an excellent networking system.

Newsletter - Read your chamber newsletter, the ChamberGram, printed and distributed each month by The Graham Leader. The newsletter contains information regarding new business openings, monthly calendar and other information. This monthly publication gives each member the opportunity to advertise and promote his or her business. Submit brief news about your business, such as awards, personal promotions, special promotions and activities.

Leadership Program - YOU LEAD (YOUng County LEADership) seeks nominations yearly. Each year the Chamber provides this opportunity to learn about virtually every aspect of the issues and challenges facing our community. At the same time, you have a chance to interact with other participants and increase your personal and professional leadership skills. Graduates are sought after as officers and board members on the Chamber of Commerce, as well as other community organizations.

Community Meeting Room - Our current facility is equipped with a modest size conference room. It can be scheduled for use, under certain guidelines, through the Chamber office for board meetings, employee training sessions, etc.

Membership Labels - For a very nominal fee, this office will provide labels and list of fellow Chamber of Commerce members. This marketing tool can be very helpful in promoting your business.

Community Guide - The Graham Community Guide serves as your Chamber membership directory; use it BEFORE you use the yellow pages. Do business with other members and let them know you are using their business because they are fellow chamber members and would appreciate their business in return. This gives the opportunity of growth to both businesses.

Bulk Mail Permit - The Chamber of Commerce maintains a bulk mail permit for its own use in the office. Members of the Chamber are also permitted under Post Office regulations to use this same permit for their own business use. Specific guidelines for using the bulk mail permit are available in the Chamber office.

Internet/Copy/FAX Machine - The Chamber leases a state-of-the-art copy machine for publishing the flyers and brochures that we use in the office. For a minimum charge and under certain guidelines, Chamber members are permitted to use the copy machine for their own business purposes. Not every small business has access to the convenience of a FAX machine. Chamber members are welcome to use the Chamber's FAX to receive or send documents for your business. Computer access is available to the Internet as well.

Sponsorships - When events are scheduled for Graham that will bring lots of tourists to the area, Chamber members are given the opportunity for recognition at the event as sponsors.

Workforce Development - Graduates from Graham's schools are a good source of new workers for the community. It is in our own best interest to develop a close relationship with the school system; we can help influence the young people in a positive way. The GHS H.O.S.T.S. Mentor program and YOU LEAD are two programs the Chamber sponsors in an effort to provide direction and support for the new employees of the future.