Membership Benefits
Networking Opportunities
Chamber members benefit from gaining business information, increasing business contacts and customers, and promotion of their company in the most efficient business-to-business manner. Develop partnerships at Business After Hours, Taking Care of Business (TCB) Breakfasts, and other special programs hosted by the Chamber and our members.
Member Promotions
Chamber Members have the option to submit information to us they wish to have distributed to all Chamber members through email. This includes special events, promotions, new employee announcements, Job Postings etc. Not only will we send your information to our membership list, but we will also promote it on our Calendar of Events on CantonIllinois.org and through our Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page (if applicable).
Membership List
Chamber members receive access to the Chamber membership list, which can be formatted for contacts, mailings and other marketing efforts.
New Member Announcement in The Chamber Courier
Each new member is recognized in the Chamber Courier, our monthly newsletter. This is an opportunity for you to tell your fellow Chamber members and the community about your business.
Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings
Gain exposure when you schedule ribbon cuttings or grand openings for new businesses, business expansions, new locations, or anniversary celebrations coordinated by the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce (CACC).
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring Chamber events gives members the opportunity to increase their presence in the community and show their commitment to the Canton area.
Welcome Bags
The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Bag program is a unique way to spread the word about your business or organization to new residents and new Chamber members. What an opportunity to put your business information in their hands and remind them to Always Buy Chamber! These bags are kept at the Chamber office, the Canton Water Department, and local realtors .
Strong Committees
Chamber committees provide opportunities for members to work beside others with similar interests on projects that benefit business and the community. Our current committees are: Government Affairs, Member & Public Relations, Business & Community Development and Special Events.
Free Membership Directory Listing
Membership Organizations is the second-most viewed page on the website, averaging thousands of hits per month. A link to our members’ website is provided.
Referrals
The Chamber office receives several calls a day asking about available businesses, services, and organizations. We provide up-to-date business information and referrals for our Chamber members.
Chamber Check Program
The Chamber offers the opportunity for members to participate in a gift check program, called Chamber Checks, which encourages people to shop locally. The Chamber Checks can be redeemed at most participating Chamber businesses.
Electricity Aggregation
The Chamber has a special partnership with The Stone River Group, an agent for Ameren Energy Marketing. This partnership allows small businesses to participate, by using aggregation, for competitive electric rates through a 24 month contract. You must be a Chamber member to participate.
Insurance through IX Solutions
As a small business, offering group health insurance is one of the biggest advantages you have for attracting talent and improving employee production and retention. Learn how you can get this benefit through IX Solutions as a Chamber Member.
Government Affairs, Annual Legislative Day & Lines of Communication with Elected Officials
Chamber members may not have time to engage elected officials on issues pertaining to Canton’s economy and business, but the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce will be there for our members. We are a member of the Central Illinois Regional Legislative Effort (CIRCLE) and pull together to lobby on behalf of our members.
The Chamber Courier Monthly Newsletter
Emailed to our membership list, available online and featured in the print-edition of the Canton Daily Ledger, members will stay informed about what’s going on in Canton and the region. Each month one business is spotlighted and new members are introduced to the membership and the community.
Chamber to Chamber
Most Chamber members look to do business with other Chamber members first.
Partnerships
Chamber members benefit from strong collaborative partnerships that have been forged with the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, Canton Main Street, and the City of Canton.
Credibility
A Chamber membership is a sign of credibility and commitment to the future and economic development of the Canton area. Each member receives a membership decal and certificate to display honoring their membership.