Message from the President
Why Members Join: Marketing and Growth Rank Second
Last issue, we explored why networking tops the list of reasons members join the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber. This month, we focus on the second: marketing and business growth. The results of our spring membership survey affirmed what we’ve long believed: Chamber membership creates visibility and opens doors for growth.
That belief isn’t just local. Less than a year ago, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) released an updated public opinion poll confirming the pivotal role chambers play across the country.
Key findings include:
Chambers are trusted. 81% of U.S. adults agree their local chamber is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. And 90% feel their chamber has an impact on growing the local economy.
Chamber membership builds reputation. 64% of adults familiar with their local chamber are more likely to purchase goods and services from a business they know is a member. 63% are more likely to recommend that business to others.
Chambers serve businesses and communities. 76% agree that local chambers are stewards of a strong local economy. 74% say chambers help create jobs and promote community development. 72% believe chambers play a key role in addressing community challenges.
Business owners see the value. 65% of business owners view their chamber as an advocate for initiatives and policies that are in the best interest of their business. 62% say their chamber supports their business growth and prosperity.
People want to learn more. 70% of adults wish they knew more about the work their chamber does in the community. They’re especially interested in learning about local impact (49%), how chambers operate (43%) and which businesses are members (42%).
Your Chamber membership includes exclusive marketing and promotional opportunities which help us attract and retain members. Take ribbon cuttings. They’re more than a group of people wielding big scissors and enjoying punch and cookies. These events are moments of community celebration. Our volunteers show up to support local businesses, and that enthusiasm carries forward into personal and professional connections that could lead to more business.
Right now, the Chamber is in year one of a three-year rollout of our new member investment tiers. The new structure offers expanded marketing and promotional tools for your business while streamlining the sales and retention process. I could write a whole column about the new tiers, but for now, here’s a quick snapshot of a variety of new benefits from different tiers:
Published business spotlight
Expanded ribbon cuttings
Digital website advertising
Enhanced in the online membership directory listing
Opportunity to share promotional info and items at new member coffee gatherings
And more … visit siouxfallschamber.com and click “Join the Chamber” to learn more about the new tiers.
These tangible benefits offer real value and market reach. But in my experience, the greatest return on membership comes from relationships. When you know and trust someone, you’re more likely to do business with them—and that never goes out of style.
For 118 years, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has helped our community navigate economic ups and downs. Today, our 1,900 members carry that legacy forward. There’s no greater partner in business growth than your fellow Chamber members. Thank you for your continued support.
An additional note: Exploring regional growth models
On June 4 and 5, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce led a regional delegation on a visit to the Greater Des Moines Partnership (DSM). DSM rolled out the red carpet and stacked our agenda with visits from mayors, private developers, business owners and time with their talented staff. We are very grateful for the friendships we built, thanks to their hospitality.
As the greater Sioux Falls metro region continues its rapid pace of population growth, our interest in exploring regional economic and community development models has heightened. In fact, the opportunity for collaboration and all that we learned from DSM directly aligns with the Sioux Falls Tomorrow 4 strategic plan, which identifies regionalism as a key priority to ensure our communities grow together with shared purpose and coordinated effort. Since 1999, DSM has been the lead organization marketing a 50-mile (approximately) region in Iowa and is fueled by 22 affiliate chambers of commerce, plus an investment model like Forward Sioux Falls. Very important to any such effort is their commitment to each community celebrating its own identity and traditions. They are dedicated to marketing the region while organizing advocacy efforts under one very large umbrella. With a 70-member board of directors, they embrace (for the most part — they joked) the challenge of bringing opinions from across the region into one central board.
In the greater Sioux Falls metro, we are fortunate to have a number of strong local organizations working to make our communities stronger: Forward Sioux Falls, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. and vibrant chambers of commerce and economic development operations in Harrisburg, Brandon, Hartford, Tea and more. If you want to broaden that out to a similar footprint as DSM, you could include Vermillion, Madison, Brookings and others. In my daily work, I see our large regional employers, elected officials, trade and academic institutions, agribusiness leaders, utilities and others prioritizing regional success.
This isn’t about merging organizations or consolidating identities. It’s about long-range strategy. We want to keep an eye on the future and be part of the team skating to where the puck will be in five, 10 or 20 years. That means recognizing the mutual value between Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities — when one thrives, we all benefit. Taking a regional approach to marketing and growth doesn’t mean any community gives up its priorities. On the contrary, it means those priorities are nurtured and elevated as part of a stronger, shared vision.
As we enter the ninth Forward Sioux Falls campaign, I am reminded of the forward-thinking vision our leaders had nearly 40 years ago when it launched in 1987. Today, Forward Sioux Falls is known as one of the most successful economic development joint ventures in the nation. It doesn’t happen without much effort, but the model has held true. What are we willing to do today for our region 40 years from now? Planning for growth and success depends on all of us. My board of directors and I look forward to working with our regional partners to identify the work to be accomplished.
Member Survey Results
Top five reasons businesses choose to be a member of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce:
1. Networking opportunities
2. To market and grow their business
3. Public policy, advocacy and legislation
4. Education and professional development
5. An obligation to support the community