Some people think chambers of commerce work magic—and in many ways, they do. But to see real results and get the most from your membership, you need to be involved. Joining is a smart move, but the true value comes when you actively engage.

If you’ve been wondering whether you’re making the most of your membership—or if you’re just starting out and you’re not sure how to get the most out of it—here are ten practical ways to tap into the value the West Hartford Chamber offers.

1. Show Up and Be Seen

The simplest way to maximize your membership is to attend events. Networking meetings, ribbon cuttings, educational workshops, and signature events put you face-to-face with other members, community leaders, and potential customers.

Visibility builds trust, and trust builds business.

There are many regularly scheduled opportunities to connect with other Chamber members! These events include:

AM Connections every 2nd and 4th Friday from 7:30-9 am at the West Hartford Noah Webster Library.

PM Connections every 1st Thursday of each month, from 5:30–7:00 pm, at the Bishops Corner Senior Center.

4th Friday Luna Pizza Networking Lunch 

Business After Hours every 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:30 pm, hosted at different Chamber member businesses

Ribbon Cuttings to become a part of welcoming new business to West Hartford!

FLOWtation Lunch is the FLOW (Future Leaders of West Hartford) committe’s monthly lunch! The 2nd Friday of each month brings us to a different Chamber Member restaurant for an informal networking lunch.  Pop in, grab some food, and meet new friends! FLOW is for young professionals between the ages of 21-40 (ish).

2. Introduce Yourself Online

Most chambers offer a member directory, website listing, or social media shoutout for members. Take advantage of it! Ensure your business profile is up to date, includes a compelling description, and links to your website and social media.

If your chamber tags members online, engage with their posts to boost visibility. Not sure what they’ll do for you on social—ask. Some chambers have tiers that give more social media and marketing exposure, while others are happy to give you a shoutout.

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3. Use Member-Only Marketing Perks

Did you know your WH Chamber membership includes access to member to member benefits and hot deals? 

Hot Deals are a great way to promote your business through a special discount or offer to either fellow Chamber members or the public. Posting Hot Deals is an exclusive Chamber member benefit. This is a great way to offer a special deal, discount, or promotion.

Member to Member Deals: Member to member deals are exclusive deals that West Hartford Chamber members offer each other.

4. Host or Sponsor Events

Sponsorships aren’t just about logos on banners—they’re about association and visibility. Whether you sponsor a meeting or event, host a Business After Hours, or provide space for a meeting, you position your organization as a local leader and supporter of the community.

If you are interested in sponsoring a meeting or event, you can reach out to Kate Kobs, Director of Development & Programs at kate@whchamber.com

The Chamber often looks to its members for hosting events and programs.  

5. Participate in Advocacy Efforts

Your chamber is your voice at city hall and beyond. Stay informed about local legislation, zoning issues, and economic development initiatives that affect your business. Many chambers host candidate forums, legislative briefings, or policy committees—get involved to shape the future of your local economy. Additionally, voice your concerns and opinions so your chamber knows best how to advocate for you and your industry.

To learn more about the committees that the West Hartford Chamber under the “Chamber Committees” tab on our website!

6. Leverage Learning Opportunities

From business planning to digital marketing to hiring best practices, chambers often host workshops, webinars, and panel discussions to keep you abreast of trends and best practices. Use them.

These sessions can save you hours of research—and sometimes thousands of dollars. Plus, you know the products, services, and companies presented in these learning ops are vetted and (usually) chamber members.

Did you know…Our PM Connections meeting always spotlights a different learning opportunity with an expert in our Chamber? 

All Chamber members are encouraged to attend a Chamber 101: Maximizing Your Membership session. It’s a great way to get the most out of your membership.  

7. Connect with Other Members

Chambers are a goldmine of potential partnerships. Need a CPA? Looking for a nonprofit to support? Want a trusted supplier? Look to your fellow members first. When you do business with others in the chamber, you contribute to a stronger, more connected local economy. These new partners may also send business your way.

Pro Tip! We follow our members on social media! If you’re looking to follow and connect with fellow chamber members, go through our “following” users on any platform! 

8. Tell Your Story

People want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Share your milestones, success stories, or community impact with the chamber staff. Many chambers are happy to highlight member achievements in newsletters or on social media—it’s great exposure and helps build your reputation.

Get personal. At AM and PM Connections, everyone in attendance gets the opportunity to give a 30-second introduction!. What do you want people to know most about you? Ask yourself what is it about you and your business that people will identify with or find interesting. Also, think about if you have an “ask” for other members and add it in!

Be sure to utilize all the features on your West Hartford Chamber business page! To learn more about this, be sure to attend the Chamber 101 and 102 meetings!

9. Get Your Team Involved

Your membership isn’t just for you—it’s for your whole team. Encourage staff to attend networking events, professional development events and leadership programs, or industry roundtables. It can boost morale, expand your reach, and help with talent retention. Be sure you are always registering for meeting and events!

10. Ask Questions and Offer Ideas

Finally, know we are a member-driven organization. The Chamber staff is eager to help and we love hearing member feedback. Your input could lead to new initiatives that benefit the whole community!

We are a Partner, Not Just a Provider

Chamber membership benefits your business even if you don’t partake in all its offerings, but you’ll get a lot more if you’re an active member. At the West Hartford Chamber, the more you engage, the more you gain. From AM and PM Connections to Business After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings, Hot Deals, and Chamber 101 sessions—there are countless ways to plug in. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, active involvement helps grow your business and strengthen the West Hartford community.

Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.

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