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, Lunch & Learns, 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 titled Member Minute. 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 Newsletter
Each new member is recognized in the Chamber Courier, our monthly newsletter. The Courier is sent out each month to all Chamber Members and is available on the Chamber website. 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.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring Chamber events gives members the opportunity to increase their presence in the community and show their commitment to the Canton area.
Marketing Assistance
The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce has the ability to create professional flyers or brochures for your business at no cost. This is a service that is only offered to Chamber members to help them promote their business, event, sales, menu, or whatever you want to promote. We can be your creative team!
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 window decal and placard to display honoring their membership.
Free Membership Directory Listing
Membership Organizations is the second-most viewed page on the website, averaging thousands of hits per month. As a member you can update your membership directory at anytime.
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.
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 and available online, members will stay informed about what’s going on in Canton and the region. Each month new members are introduced, Chamber organizations inform us of what is going on, and Chamber information is shared 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.