Membership Benefits

The Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce not only hosts networking events but also sponsors the annual festival, newly rebranded, the Imlay City Summer Fest, entering its 1st year in 2022. Over 1,550 people attend the Chamber's annual Merchant Trick or Treat, Imlay City Chamber Gala and Imlay City's Winter Fest. These promotions help to bring thousands of visitors and local communities to our businesses and are economically beneficial to our members.

The Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce plays a crucial role in bolstering the local economy by assisting businesses in finding suitable rental properties or buildings to relocate. This support not only attracts new businesses to the area but also encourages existing ones to expand, fostering a vibrant commercial environment. By streamlining the search process, the Chamber helps reduce vacancy rates and promotes investment in local real estate, which can lead to increased property values. Furthermore, as new businesses establish themselves, they create jobs and stimulate demand for local services, contributing to a more diverse and resilient economy. Ultimately, the Chamber's efforts facilitate economic growth, enhance community engagement, and improve overall quality of life for residents.

Imlay Cash offers a unique and convenient way to support local businesses while gifting friends and family the freedom to choose their own experiences. Available for purchase as gift certificates, Imlay Cash can be redeemed at a variety of participating Chamber members, from restaurants and shops to service providers and entertainment venues. This versatility not only makes it a thoughtful gift for any occasion but also encourages recipients to explore and enjoy the diverse offerings within the community. By using Imlay Cash, consumers can directly contribute to the local economy, ensuring that their gift has a positive impact on Imlay City's vibrant business landscape.

As a member of the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce, your business is automatically listed in our online business directory. As a benefit of membership, your business has the opportunity to expand your business listing by adding additional business information. The Chamber's website averages over 1,000 new visitors a month... all looking to do business locally!

Chamber members have a unique opportunity to increase their visibility and engage with newcomers by providing marketing materials such as pens, magnets, and brochures for inclusion in New Resident welcome bags distributed at City Hall. These welcome bags are a thoughtful initiative designed to help new residents acclimate to the community, making them an ideal platform for businesses to showcase their offerings. By contributing branded items, members can create a lasting impression on new residents, encouraging them to explore local services and products. This not only enhances community connections but also fosters customer loyalty, as newcomers are more likely to remember and support the businesses that welcomed them. Ultimately, this collaboration helps Chamber members strengthen their presence in Imlay City while supporting the integration of new residents into the community.

The Chamber office also refers its members on a daily basis to those who call looking to do business in the Imlay City region.

The Chamber offers free and discounted programs to help you promote and grow your business:

The Chamber promotes our members first and recommends our members to hundreds of inquiries a year

• New and renewing members listed on Chamber website (month of renewal), Facebook page
• Cooperative Advertisement Opportunities
• Affordable sponsorships
• Free ribbon cutting ceremony for new businesses or grand re-openings
• Access to the Chamber's Facebook community
• Access to member contact information
• Placement of business cards and brochures in the lobby of the City and Chamber offices

Members of the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce enjoy economic, promotional and networking benefits that help businesses prosper. With membership to the Chamber comes instant recognition and credibility.

• Consumers are 63% more likely to buy from a Chamber member than a nonmember
• 95% of the "Best Places to Work in America" are Chamber members
• Most consumers (59%) think being an active Chamber member is an effective business strategy
• If a company is highly involved with a Chamber, consumers are 12% more likely to believe that company's products stack up better than the competition
• When consumers know a restaurant is a Chamber member, they are 40% more likely to eat there in the next few months
• When consumers know an insurance company is a Chamber member, they are 43% more likely to buy their insurance
• Consumers are 44% more likely to think positively of a small business that is a Chamber member; 63% would be more likely to purchase goods and services from that business in the future

• For every $1 spend at local business, 68 cents is reinvested locally where as big chain purchases keep 15-43 cents in local community and on-line purchases keep 0 in the community.
• Local shops invest more in communities.
• Shopping locally saves time and money.
• Shopping locally retains area's uniqueness.
• Local shops value their customers.
• Shopping locally creates jobs. Small, locally owned businesses are the largest employers in the United States.
• Local businesses frequently purchase from other local businesses. Purchasing local goods and services helps grow area businesses as well as the the area's tax base.
• Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners.
• Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the city's future.
• Local businesses often hire people with more specific product or service expertise.