10 Reasons to Join | Mission | Goals | Profile | Invitation | Dues | Committees
Top 10 Reasons to Invest in The Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber means business…and more money for your business! The Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce promotes progress through unity. Your investment in the Chamber of Commerce will benefit your business by providing:
- Networking opportunities: Participate in Chamber activities such as weekly luncheons, committee meetings, monthly Chamber After Hours, and our annual Awards Banquet and familiarize our members with your business.
- Advertising Opportunities: Through the Chamber you may choose to put your name out to the community through ads in our Chamber Focus, newsletter inserts, web site sponsorships, Salmon Derby sponsorships or ads, or through our two monthly radio programs. Logos are available to draw attention to your Chamber membership, mailing labels are offered at special Chamber rates, and our weekly lunches are usually featured on the Ketchikan Channel.
- Committees of Interest: Chamber members may choose to lend their skills to a committee or two that puts their talents to use. Learn more about what is available by reading the facing page.
- Educational Opportunities: Stay informed on timely topics by hearing from our weekly lunch speakers or attending Chamber sponsored seminars, workshops, and committee meetings.
- Web Site Link Availability: Prior to moving, many people consult the Chamber of Commerce. Make your business familiar to future, as well as current residents by linking to the Chamber Web Site. Links are complimentary to all members, while Web Site sponsorships are available at a nominal fee.
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Discounted Rates: Chamber members are able to receive special cell phone rates as well as coupons that are distributed to Chamber After Hours Attendees or through the Chamber Newsletter.
- Strength in Numbers: In becoming a member of the Chamber, you are not only a part of the collective body, but an integral piece of the machinery. You have a choice and a voice in the situations surrounding your business needs. One voice raised in defense of a right, or one person or business taking on a project is often weak and ineffectual. When many voices are raised and many people work together in community affairs, much is achieved. Working together works for you!
- Community Updates: Our monthly newsletter, the Chamber Focus, is mailed to every member in good standing. Keep your finger on the pulse of the local business community through this publication which includes Ketchikan's Community Calendar featuring upcoming events for planning purposes.
- Chamber After Hours Opportunities: Chamber members are given the opportunity to host this monthly social event that allows the business community a relaxed look at the back room workings of our members. Refreshments are served, door prizes are awarded and a fun time is had by all.
- Opportunities to Make a Difference: Through membership in the Chamber of Commerce, you will participate in programs and projects which improve the quality of life in our community. The Chamber unifies the public spirit of a city and directs in into useful and constructive channels. Promoting progress through unity…that's our Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce.
- Our Mission: The Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce is organized to encourage leadership by business and professional individuals to improve business relations, economic well-being and the quality of living in Ketchikan for the benefit of the entire community. To accomplish this, our Chamber is dedicated to:
- promoting and improving the economy by increasing the tax base, encouraging business prospects and investments, and providing a constant level of employment by supporting the local job market.
- keeping the community informed on current government issues, maintaining accurate date and informational material on the local business climate, and providing answers to specific inquiries.
- improving and developing the areas of natural and human resources by becoming involved in the education system, environmental effects on employment and recreation, cultural influences and government issues. The Chamber has earned recognition and respect for presenting workable solutions to a variety of community situations.
- uniting with local business and professional people, as well as individuals to form a working partnership to accomplish things that most people think just happen! Through coordinated efforts under effective leadership, the Chamber can achieve civic, commercial and community advancement.
The Chamber Advocates:
- community economic development
- commercial and industrial development
- improving Ketchikan's quality of life through Chamber activities
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informing our members and the community on important issues
- developing a regional, statewide and national issue priority list
The Chamber Supports and Encourages:
- one local government entity for Ketchikan
- design and construction of additional boat harbors
- waste management
- construction of a Tongass Avenue by-pass route
- Ketchikan as the southern hub of the Alaska Marine Highway System with feeder service to Bellingham and other points north
- maximum amount of harvested timber that also allows for protection of other resources
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Tongass Avenue improvements
- construction of a transportation/utility corridor
- utilization of a U.S. Forest Service timber harvest to further transportation link with mainland and recreation opportunities
- construction of a hardlink to Gravina Island · development of an industrial facility at Lewis Reef on Gravina Island suitable for fisheries, pollution abatement and transportation related activities
Since June 11, 1900, Ketchikan has had several Chamber of Commerce organizations. The objective of the early association was to further the best interests of Southeast Alaska and the Ketchikan district in particular.
Today the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce has much the same philosophy. The current Chamber was incorporated in May of 1967 during the "Alaska Purchase" centennial year, with the purpose of promoting balanced community growth.
Currently, our Chamber of Commerce is made up of close to 400 business, professional and individual members. The Chamber focuses its time on issues as well as events, and offers something for everyone.
Some projects which were initiated in the early years of the Chamber, such as the 4th of July Parade, have become annual community events. Among the many events sponsored by our organization is the annual Christmas Festival of Lights celebration which is marked by Santa's arrival in Ketchikan and the lighting of the community Christmas tree.
The Ketchikan King Salmon Derby is one of the most popular events that the Chamber sponsors. For many years, proceeds from the derby were used to operate the Deer Mountain Fish Hatchery, which is now under the auspices of the Ketchikan Indian Corporation. Currently, derby proceeds are contributed to various local non-profit organizations, and a portion of the proceeds is used to further the work of the Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber of Commerce serves as an information source for individuals and businesses interested in relocating to our area. Questions are answered and packets are distributed to those who inquire about our area.
The Chamber office is staffed full time by an executive director and administrative assistant. Volunteer directors and committee chairs plan and coordinate the Chamber's activities, which are carried out by even more volunteers along with the staff.
You are interested in the future of Ketchikan or you would not be engaged in business here. You must also be interested in a good business climate for your firm, a profit for your business, a true free enterprise system, a healthy and stable economic climate for your community, a better education for your children and a better quality of life. Your Chamber of Commerce works to make these things happen, but continued progress takes two…you and your Chamber of Commerce. You are encouraged to accept the challenge of the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce to invest in our business community, because the Chamber really is a partnership investment that works!
Membership applications are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Membership dues may be tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense, but are not a charitable tax deduction for income tax purposes. Applicant agrees with the stated purpose of this non-profit corporation and will adhere to its Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.
Greater
Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Rates
(Revised
11/6/98)
The Chamber of Commerce is funded solely through membership dues, an investment in the Ketchikan community, and fundraising events. The investment guidelines are determined by the Board of Directors, and are dependent on the number of employees at a location. All funds received from members are expended to carry forward a broad program of business development. These funds are used to employ trained staff, maintain an office, provide information and literature, maintain memberships in the Alaska and U.S. Chambers of Commerce and to develop and implement programs for the betterment of Ketchikan. Thank you for your contribution to our Chamber of Commerce!
Each Chamber Member is encouraged to participate in one or more committees of interest to that member. While Committee participation definitely enhances your Chamber experience, it is NOT a requirement of membership.
AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: Increase membership in the Chamber and retain current members. Promote the Chamber to the community. Develop, distribute and maintain a membership directory.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: To advocate economic development of natural resources in timber, mining, fisheries and recreation, and to monitor our community's economic study groups and plans. This committee's role will be to keep the Chamber board advised of recommendations from various committees and government entities.
EDUCATION: Strengthen understanding and cooperation between educational institutions and the business community; administer the Jack McBride Memorial Scholarship Fund and present Student Recognition Awards.
4th OF JULY PARADE: Organize a parade in which the community will take pride!
NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS & AWARDS: Nominate candidates and officers for Board of Directors, process elections and provide recognition to outstanding individuals and organizations.
LOCAL TRADE: Strengthen the business environment in the community through promotions, joint marketing efforts and special events. Help government agencies and residents gain awareness of how local spending benefits the community.
RESOURCES: Strengthen understanding and cooperation and make recommendations on the issues that affect our natural resources.
SALMON DERBY: Sponsor and promote the Ketchikan King Salmon Derby. TRANSPORTATION: Monitor and make recommendations on transportation issues that affect our community.
BRIDGE SUB-COMMITTEE: Focus concentrated Chamber attention upon this hard link to economic development in our area.
 | Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 5957 Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 ph. 907.225.3184 fax 907.225.3187 info@ketchikanchamber.com | ||
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