Did you know that when radio was invented, they said it couldn’t be done? When fax machines first came on the scene, it was actually unbelievable to some folks! Today this is so comical! My how change happens so fast, how our lives are now so much easier in this incredible 21st century.

Business owners have so many ways to market their products and services. Social media is the latest creating opportunity to build a customer base. So much can happen on the web that used to take place via mail, phone, or in person. Just last night I was surprised and happy to learn a dear friend’s daughter had eloped by her Facebook status change from ‘engaged’ to ‘married’ with photos from their Disneyworld wedding. It was a first for us to learn such personal, happy news via the web.

Such is the way of the virtual world today. A few clicks on your PC or wireless device and there you have world, local and even your friends’ news of the day, what you need to know or to buy. So we are taking our place in this growing trend via our virtual membership drive promotion. Powered by our website, social media and email blasts, we are encouraging business owners and managers to take a look at the benefits of Chamber membership.

But some things will never change, so we are, of course, including a human touch.

Seven team captains are geared up to help grow our Chamber, to encourage prospective members to make a wise investment, to choose to join our ranks, to benefit from our programs and services, and to strengthen our collective voice of business. Never has this strong voice been more important than it is in these challenging political and economic times.

Team captains include: Kyle Beerbohm with P.J. Demarie & Associates; Kory Krista with Fairway Medical Urgent Care; Maria Landry with Fleur-de-lis Insurance; Michael Mire with New York Life; Amy Nevels with Whitney Bank; Melissa Penzato with Allstate/Penzato Insurance Agency; and Pete Scamardo with All Dem Yats. They know how their investment of time and energy has helped their businesses grow, how relationships built in our large sphere of business people has a bottom line impact.

Via our virtual means, we will be encouraging Chamber membership. Our captains, board and committee members will be ‘sharing’ our social media posts. For so many reasons, membership is a wise investment. If you have not seen our recently released Chamber Membership Directory and Guide, please pick one up at our office or local newsstand. We always encourage citizens to shop local, and to Think Chamber First. Like us on Facebook to see our daily postings of testimonials and benefits, with direct links to our new website where you can simply fill out your application and join on-line. It’s never been easier.