By Meg Moss, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
The Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program consists of enthusiastic volunteers from the Chamber membership who donate their time to help build member commitment and raise community awareness of Chamber activities and benefits. In doing so, the Ambassadors grow professionally and personally by building business relationships within the community. The program is ideal if you have a desire to become more active in the local business environment, raise awareness of your business or organization, and give back to your community.
Each year, the program accepts up to twenty-five individuals to serve as Ambassadors for the fiscal year (July – June). Those who are accepted into the program will receive training on the skills and responsibilities necessary to succeed in the program. Getting involved with the Ambassador Program is one of the first steps you can take to become more involved with the Chamber.
The Ambassador Program provides opportunities for you to meet local business people and build lasting relationships. Additional benefits of being an Ambassador include increased name and face recognition for you and your business or organization, excellent networking opportunities, potential media coverage from attendance at Chamber events, an insider’s perspective of the local business community, introductions to local business and community leaders, training on professional skills, special invitations to Chamber events, recognition via “Ambassador of the Quarter” and “Ambassador of the Year” awards, and an opportunity to demonstrate community pride.
“The Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce is an amazing asset to our community. The staff truly care about supporting their members and building relationships with them. They provide wonderful opportunities to connect with other businesses and professionals in the area. I have made so many connections in the community as a direct result of being a part of the Chamber and their events” states Heather Garrity, Chamber Ambassador and staff member at the Partnership for Children and Families.
Ambassadors are required to be a current member of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance – Chamber of Commerce, have their employer’s approval to participate in the program, participate in the Ambassador Orientation Program in July, serve for a period of at least one year and provide a minimum of five hours of service each quarter.
Chamber Ambassadors have the opportunity to select which activities they want to complete to fulfill their program service requirement. The opportunities may vary from year to year, but can include staffing the welcome/registration table at Chamber events such as Business After Hours, attending ribbon cutting ceremonies, serving as a mentor for new Chamber members, conducting member surveys and soliciting member feedback, presenting orientation sessions for members, participating as a member of the Chamber’s “Membership Matters” team, which delivers awards to members, and delivering Chamber materials to members.
Are you a Chamber member, and interested in becoming an Ambassador? We are currently accepting applications, and they can be found at www.growsanfordnc.com/ambassadors. The deadline to apply is June 23rd.
Not a Chamber member, but want to become an Ambassador? We can answer any questions you have about membership and get you signed up!
Please contact Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Meg Moss via email at mmoss@growsanfordnc.com, or phone at 919-775-7341 x1502 with any questions.