Joining the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corp. is more than just a financial investment in your business; it's also an investment of your time and effort.

Your chamber membership is much like your gym membership - they both come with a shiny membership card that is no good if you just stuff it in your wallet. If you put your mind to using the tools your chamber membership brings you, you can grow your business with these 10 easy steps.1 Log in and update your information, using the MIC. When you first joined the chamber, you received a user name and password for the chamber's exclusive Member Information Center. This is where you can update your current directory listing, add new employees, share member news, register for events and even learn about other member benefits (plus, a whole lot more). With the MIC, you are in control of how much you share with fellow members and the public. The MIC is one of your most powerful tools. If you don't have your log in credentials, you can request them on our website or by emailing

info@carboncountychamber.org2Spread the word about your exclusive member-to-member discount or savings. Do you offer a discount or special savings program to fellow chamber members? If so, make sure your deal is on the member-to member deals page on the MIC. Chamber staff can help spread the word about your deal and can also help you develop a new offer.3Write a blog submission. Promote your business expertise by guest blogging for the CCEDC Blog. CCEDC members can submit their self-written industry-related article or valuable tip to the webmaster (ccedcweb@jumpsparkcreative.com) for publication. Blog posts will be linked to the blogger's CCEDC member profile on the CCEDC website.4Set a reminder to get involved. Not sure what the next event is or how you can get involved? Set a reminder for yourself to check in with the chamber every other week. Attend an event, submit a blog or reach out to a fellow member.5Have a voice; join a committee. Operational committees (consisting of member volunteers) are designed to carry out the mission and vision of the chamber, which is to promote the growth of Carbon County businesses and positive changes in our community. You can have a say in what we do next by joining a committee.6Promote your business, event or upcoming celebration using Connections magazine, an exclusive magazine for members of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corp. Many of our local publications extend deep member discounts; always remember to ask for your savings.7Create business-building opportunities. Much like joining the gym isn't enough for you to reach your fitness goals, simply joining the chamber isn't enough to build your bottom line. To get the most of your membership, create your own business-building opportunities by networking at one of our many events, and don't forget your business cards!8Gain more knowledge; attend seminars and workshops. The chamber provides many opportunities for you to learn more about membership, marketing and issues that matter to you. Check the online calendar of events for upcoming seminars.9Reach out. Request a free member list and target your next sales effort. Member mailing lists are free to chamber members. Use the list to build your network, send out sales fliers or cold call. Don't forget to mention your chamber membership!10Sponsor or host an upcoming event. A "Business After Hours" event can be hosted and sponsored by two separate businesses or by just one. Those businesses that wish to host and/or sponsor one of our monthly events are able to spotlight and promote their business by giving a brief presentation at the event and also through the chamber's promotional efforts: press releases to local newspapers, media coverage and mention in our CarbonLink and Carbon eLink membership communications. Call 610-379-5000 to host or sponsor an upcoming networking event.CCEDC staff is here to help your business succeed! Visit us online for details on membership or to find out about our next networking event at

www.carboncountychamber.org.