Together, We Can Always Accomplish More
Wednesday, October 20th is Support Your Local Chamber Day
By Jason Chiniche
President, Hancock Chamber of Commerce
Owner, Chiniche Engineering & Survey
When I made the decision to grow the firm my father had established 50 years ago, one of the first decisions I made was to join the Hancock Chamber of Commerce. I never dreamed that one day I would be recruited to lead the organization as President. It was one of the best decisions I have made for my business and professional growth.
Local Chambers of Commerce are our nation’s strongest small business advocates, providing a voice for thousands of communities across America. Wednesday, October 20th is National Support Your Chamber Day, which gives us the opportunity to be reminded that when businesses succeed, communities succeed, and local chambers are there every step of the way empowering businesses to grow and thrive even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Over the course of the last year, the Hancock Chamber, with support from the U.S. Chamber, provided resources to our help small businesses safely reopen putting them on a path to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To celebrate and highlight their efforts, here are three ways you can support our local chamber:
1. Support Other Chamber Businesses
The Hancock Chamber website contains a directory making it easy to find businesses in our community. Supporting these businesses not only boosts the local economy but also fosters deeper community involvement. Go to www.hancockchamber.org.
2. Encourage Other Businesses to Join
Consumers know that businesses that are chamber of commerce members can be trusted to care about their customers and their communities. Becoming a member of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce means your business is backed by the knowledge and experience that only the Hancock Chamber of Commerce network can bring with its over 95 years at the forefront of the business community. To celebrate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Chamber by the Bay St. Louis Rotary Club, businesses who want to join can do so by using the 95-day complimentary trial membership. Contact member services manager, Jessica Bilotta, at 228-467-9048 or by email at jessica@hancockchamber.org to find out more.
3. Follow Your Chamber on Social Media
If you haven’t already, follow the Hancock Chamber on Facebook and Instagram. To learn about what you need to know that affects your business, check out the Chamber’s Voice of Business Podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple. The Hancock Chamber also broadcasts these sessions live on Facebook. Each week, as a member, you will receive notices about events and meetings coming up that will help you grow your business. The Chamber is not just for businesses, government agencies, individuals and non-profits can and should join as members too because together, we can always accomplish more.
The Chamber of Commerce is a partner in economic development for our elected officials, our local, state, and regional tourism leaders, the Port & Harbor Commission, Partners for Stennis & Michoud, and the 20 non-profit causes that are supported by the Hancock County Community Development Foundation. We are here to serve all of Hancock County, where all are welcomed.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated and talented professional staff with Tish Williams as our executive director, Anne Pitre as our communications and marketing manager and Jessica Bilotta as our business and member services manager. Join me in thanking them and all the people who are part of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce on this National Chamber of Commerce Day. We are #hancockstrong and #chamberstrong because of the support we receive from our members and staff.