Episode Transcript
Monica Pitts 0:00
record on this computer. Okay. I'm going to move about a second I'm moving this documents that way, I'm talking the right direction for my introduction, and then nothing is scripted. And we'll just talk. Hello, again, everybody. And welcome back to marketing with purpose. My name is Monica Pitts, and I have a guest today and we're going to talk all about Chambers of Commerce. Now, I, in the past 18 years of running my business have been part of many different chambers of commerce, both large and small, I've been on the committees, the ones that like, actually do important things, and the ones that pretend to be important, but don't do anything. I've gotten business from chambers of commerce, and I've gotten nothing, right. And so they're all difference. And from the experiences that I've had with chambers of commerce, I can say that they're all different. And really, your involvement is going to drive your outcomes. And it's more of a marathon than a sprint. So I say think about like branding versus doing advertisement, right. So it's going to take your involvement and energy over a period of time to really get back from your chamber. And yeah, so joining the chamber is great if you want to get involved with your community, if you want to network with community members in like a business centric environment and meet people. Or if you're just trying to build your business and a physical location. I think that all of those things are needs and goals that a chamber of commerce can help you attain. And so I'm not an expert in them, though, so So whenever I'm not an expert, I have to bring on an expert. And so with me today, I have Casey cloak because she is the director of the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce, which I'm a member of and my daughter Abilene wants to be Casey when she grows up. She wants to jump sorry, she's gunning for your job, Casey. Okay.
Speaker 1 1:57
I will start the succession planning now. She's
Monica Pitts 2:00
nine, and she wants to be Casey when she grows up. And I'm sure after she answers all these questions for me, you will understand why. So Casey, why don't you kick this off by introducing yourself and telling us what to do over at the Chamber of Commerce?
Speaker 1 2:18
Yeah, so as you mentioned, my name is Casey cloak. I'm currently the Executive Director for the Canton area Chamber. I've been here for almost three years. But that doesn't in my chamber, longevity, I actually before I came over to Camdenton, we live in a community. For those that aren't familiar with Lake of the Ozarks, it's a very large community. I mean, we, we have more shoreline in the state of California. So that shows how big our lake actually is. And so with that, we are one lake region. However, we have intimate communities nestled within the lake region. And so prior to my time with Camdenton, area Chamber, I was the director for the Lake Area Chamber, which serves to other different cities within the lake region. And I was there for five years. So I've got a total of almost eight years in the chamber world. And in the even before my time, as a staff member, I served on the board of directors for the Lake Area Chamber. And so I really haven't invested in involved in our lake chambers for over 15 years. Because before that, I was a marketing director, and I understood the importance of the benefit of being a chamber member. And so I'm a huge advocate from it even before I became a staff, but now I get paid to tell you why you should invest in the chamber. But my particular role as the executive director, and we are a smaller chamber here at the candidate scenario, it's myself and Dorothy, who is our administration and Communications Assistant. It's just the two of us. So aside from wearing the executive director hat, I also wear the membership director hat. So I've always recruiting fellow businesses and organizations to join I also in the operations and the financials, and sometimes the maintenance. So, gotta love the joys of small businesses. You know, I love having those conversations with other small businesses. They're like, how do you know so like, I'm in the same boat as you. I mean, we really are. I'm running a business as well. But, you know, ultimately a chamber and what I do in my role here is really what I'm passionate about. I love people. I love getting to know people. I love helping people like I think that I was, I think that was what my purpose is here is to make everybody else's lives easier. Being able to contribute. I'm not just a seat warmer, I'm very engaged in our community. And in every time I say yes to something which is most the time I'm really horrible at saying no, which I will warn you can be dangerous. But everything I do say yes to you, I make sure that it follows our organization's mission and our Chamber's mission is to support the businesses within our community as well as our committee advancing the economic development opportunities, even natural resources and but let's step back just a little first and really explain what a chamber of commerce not just us as the Canton area, but what is the Chamber of Commerce and most people don't realize like it is it's a membership driven organization, you know, we are in business, because of the membership investments that other businesses pay to belong to us. But it really started because it is it's fellow businesses, it's it's a business entity that is there to help support local businesses and providing resources, referrals. It really just to support that business as well and be a voice. So advocacy, you're gonna hear me mention that throughout our call today to you know, a lot of the small businesses, they may be a two person like us here, or maybe a few others, but they need to really focus on running their business. But there may be some other challenges happening in their in their particular business, or maybe it's in their industry. And so having that open door, open conversations about what their biggest challenge, or maybe their biggest success too, because we'd love to hear how people are, are being successful and sharing that I'm able to communicate that and I'm able to communicate it pretty far. You know, with my involvement and other boards and organizations, I sit around the room with local elected officials, state elected officials and other dignitaries that are movers and shakers, and are able to make things happen and are able to make the decisions that we need for the betterment of our small business as well as our community. And so, you know, I always joke I hate politics, I do. And being in the chamber, I'm involved enough to be able to stay unbiased, but at the same time, I don't, I can stir the pot and I am reputable at doing so because I'm stirring the pot on behalf of our membership. And so, so holding it back into the camera, it's an area, you know, we are a smaller community of the lake region, our chamber, we have about 360 businesses or organizations that invest in our in our chamber. And, you know, it's not just a membership, that keeps us operating. Because obviously, you know, we have a building. And within our building, we have a nice boardroom, that is also a benefit of our members, if they need a separate room to host a maybe business event or activity, we have that available to do so. But we also are luckily Where are where we started where we're located, is right down the road from one of the states and one of the Midwest most popular parks is Ha ha Tonka State Park. And so there's a lot of visitor traffic that passes through our office, they see that there's a chamber office so they pop in before they make their way to the park. And so we have the luxury of being able to visit with a lot of our tourist that happen to pop in, maybe they're picking up a mat or want to learn more about where to play, where to stay, what to do where to eat. So we have a lot of great conversations even in person here at our office. And so But back to the operational side, we do have a nice building, we have bills to pay, just like all the other businesses in our membership doesn't fully support all of those operational expenses. So we take it a step further, which many chambers do. We get more involved in the community side to and have community engagement activities or events or festivals. So ours in particular, and a lot of people don't realize they think it's They're led by the city or the county, but we host the dogwood Festival, which is huge and Camden center even in the lake region. It's going on its 73rd year this year, includes pageants, parades, Carnival, all of that. That's not really a business engagement activity. But here's why it is justified from the chamber is it brings in the traffic to our community, which ultimately, you know, yes, having 5000 people on the school grounds at the carnival for three nights in a row is fantastic. But our businesses and our members see the trickle down impact. So folks that are coming into Canada to to do the carnival rides, they're going to stop somewhere to eat dinner, they're going to stop at a local retailer as well while they're there. So really does have a huge impact even outside of the event specific perimeters. And so that's why you see a lot of times chambers are involved in those events are leading those events as it may not be specifically driven to supporting business or have a business hat to it. But there's enough impact to the member in the business community that it's worth the time and investment. So
Monica Pitts 9:44
yeah, business out like it pushes the business out to the other businesses. So in a way you are creating that benefit for your members by having this event for them. And while you mentioned that you don't like politics And I do think that some chambers, especially the bigger ones, can start to feel a little political yours is much smaller. And so it's so much more friendly and like easygoing. And I do feel like I can definitely see like the impact that our chamber here has on the community for sure. Because it's really interfacing with the community. And I'm not sure that all chambers do that. Right. There's other nonprofits that take care of those events in bigger communities, because the chamber couldn't do it, all right. But also the chamber is not a government entity, like you don't like the government does not fund you, your members fund you and your advocacy on behalf of your members makes you like an association. So you're like a business association, more than you are a government entity. And I think that's something that people don't realize is, like doctors join an association, Dentist join an association, they all have associations, asphalt, like asphalt producers, like all of it, they all have associations with lobbyists that like, lobby on their behalf. And so the Chamber of Commerce is like our spot as small business owners that might not have another place to do that for us.
Speaker 1 11:14
Right? No, and I'm glad you touched on that. Because I think many of times, there's a lot of confusion thinking that the chamber is a subdivision of the city or of the county. And that is certainly not the case, we do have a great collaboration with those entities. That's important. Because you know, our success in growing and supporting, recruiting and retaining businesses in our community has a direct impact to those municipalities and to the counties. Now, other areas, though, I will say, you know, I'm very fortunate, I'm heavily involved in the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, I get to meet with directors from all around the state every fall when we come together. And so I get to hear and compare. And it is quite interesting. Yeah, you're right, larger chambers maybe do have a different direction. I know some chambers that have, well, they have a staff of 20, as well. So they have a legislative and Governmental Affairs. And I also know other chambers that do take funding from government entities. So they are, they have a little more red tape. And that's why I've always, you know, kudos to them for establishing something that works for them. But in our community, we don't want the red tape. I mean, we are such a unique community anyway. And our businesses are so unique they are and so we would hate to have any type of restrictions that would hold us back from really doing what we do best. And there's other chambers out there too, that are in partnership with their local Convention and Visitor's Bureau, you'll see that like even in Missouri, I know Branson has a has a setup very similar to that. But our organization is completely at least here at the lake. Our chambers are separate entities. We're separate businesses, separate organizations. But we do work a lot together, we understand, you know, the goal, not only to support Kenton, but to support the region, we have to come together and work together. And so you'll find a lot of our activities that we do, or publications that we produce, are in partnership with the Lake Area Chamber, as well as the like West chambers, those of the three dominant chambers that surround the lake. And then there's even times where we want to do the Tri County effort. And then that's when we invite the Versailles chamber, as well as the Eldon chamber to the table and depending on what the particular project or item is. But we have great relationships all five of us. And it's pretty incredible to see us working together on so many great things. Well,
Monica Pitts 13:42
I can imagine that like, and so for those who don't know, like, the reason that we have so much shoreline is because there's an enormous lake in the middle of the state of Missouri. And if you've watched Ozarks, the show Ozarks, that is not really what it's like here, okay, friends. And we don't act like that either. Like I'm sure that there is a population here that acts like that. But Casey and I are like, pretty representative of the human beings that I encounter on a daily basis. And so it's not really like that. But you know, I'm glad that it's getting our name out, I guess, but maybe not in the best way. But unlike the state of California, don't just drive up the coast to get to the next place like you would think like as a crow flies, it could be five miles to get someplace, but it's gonna take you 40 minutes to get there because you have to drive all the way around the lake to get there and there's not a ton of toll bridges. There's one. But so it's like some of the communities are just, they're what
Speaker 1 14:43
used to be free. Oh my gosh, that's exciting. Hey, within the next year, it will be a free bridge.
Monica Pitts 14:49
That's awesome. I mean, so like there's some communities that you can just easily drive to that are like 20 minutes away, and then there's other communities that you're going an hour to get to be because your way around the lake and so I definitely see us networking more in the different spots. And then there's some spots on the lake that are much more developed. And they're really geared towards tourists like Osage beach that has like all kinds of like, I mean more restaurants than we have in Kensington, they have more like, places that you could have a convention or, you know, like just more hotels and that kind of thing. And so I can imagine that even when the lake Expo goes on, that's like, actually a group effort to a degree to get that to happen and come off. Do you guys plan the lake Expo with other chambers? Or is that just all Camdenton. So
Speaker 1 15:43
our home business, and like living Expo is just a Camdenton driven event that we we host ourselves. However, as you mentioned, Kimpton doesn't have the luxury of some larger meeting space. And so it's the one candidate scenario chamber event that I have to take out of the kibbutz in area in order to host which is why it should it proves right there the value of having those great relationships. But hopefully, you know, there's some projects underway that that may change over, you know, the next few years. I hope so.
Monica Pitts 16:16
But I don't want to change too much. Like, I know, we're talking your
Speaker 1 16:21
grounds and you know, more agritourism, which is something unique that we don't offer heavily in the Lake community and is a great opportunity. So that's another little hat that I aware of, not only to support our businesses, but our community. But no, the expo, you're right is is something that is our event, we do have to take it out of the area. And I think that ties into my next item I wanted to cover because I answered this probably on a weekly basis is, you know, we know there's multiple chambers, why should we join yours. And so really, I'm not the type to just want to collect a check from everybody. And I want to make sure you know, when I welcome a new member, we even when I'm just discussing membership with a business, I like to sit down and learn more about their company because all of our benefits, I got literally a spreadsheet I could share. It's not a value to every business. But really, each chamber represents a different community, which has different strengths and weaknesses and opportunities. So one of the first questions I tried to find out when that best business is inquiring, you know, who is your market? Like, who are you trying to market? Is it primarily the tourists? Well, we do have some great tourist attractions. In fact, one of the most famous is bridal cave, right in our own backyard here in Campton. So we do still have that market. But if you're looking to target more of the tourism items, like in Osage Beach, that I always let them know, like, maybe you should look at like area. Now we do have a lot of shared members too. And that is one thing that these businesses see the value in, they're getting different benefit perks from the different chambers. And so they're reaching a larger audience for a very minimal cost. And when I'm talking about all costs, like I encourage anyone, you know, if you're not already a chamber member, dive into those pricings, I've never found one that is astronomical, even before I got into the chamber world. As I mentioned earlier, I did marketing, PR and marketing for some other local companies. You know, it was the most minut investment out of all of the different advertising, whether it was doing radio, print billboards, but I got the most benefit out of it, it was the one that I could quantify the best return on investment, whether it was through relationships, through referrals, through marketing app efforts. I mean, it really is a very affordable opportunity for all businesses and even nonprofits, you know, in in most chambers offer a substantial discount for those nonprofit organizations, because we understand they're not going to be utilized near as many of the benefits as a small business or large business. But it's really about you know, just supporting the businesses, making sure they have the resources available to them. If it's if I don't know something I know someone that does. And I think that's where my favorite part of the job comes into play where, you know, having a conversation with the business and they mentioned, you know, a certain challenge, well, hey, you really need to connect with this person. And we've created opportunities of those networking too. So it's not just we have a quarterly networking, social, a lot of folks have fun, they come out it's an evening to our event, every quarter, and we move it around around our community to different food and beverage establishments. And we invite them to come in you know, have some free appetizers, get a get a drink and mingle. And I'm really good at like creating that mingling opportunities because believe it or not, you know, 20 years ago when I first got into the business world, I would show up to those socials, not know anybody. I'd stand up against the wall in the corner, stay for five minutes and leave and say at least I could say I went you know, but I didn't know anybody and it wasn't at the moment. More welcomes, hey can connect so I can record knows that pretty easily at our socials and so when I see somebody walk in, I always try to greet everybody, if I noticed that they're not making their way to someone that they know are familiar with, I make sure I take them and I walk them around. We have heavy attendance from our board of directors at those events. And so they know when I introduce someone to them, they are responsible to make sure that that member gets the value out of attending that particular event and walking away making some great relationships. And then it doesn't just stop there. You know, as far as networking, any chamber event offers networking, you just gotta show up maybe a little early, or plan to stay a little later. Because there's several that do the same, and you can get connected. But our chamber, I'm really proud, we actually won an award for this through the Missouri chamber, we have a leads group. And what that particular leads group is, is we have two of them, they meet monthly one, one group actually meets twice a month, because they felt once a month just wasn't enough. But their industry trying to do the right word, they allow one person per industry in that group. So it's a more small intimate setting, to where they meet here at the Chamber office in the boardroom. There's usually the ranges from 20 to 25, business members, owners or management, and they spend an hour kind of talking with each other what's uh, you know, what's a great lead that we can support them with by providing or referral, maybe even getting more specific, like, Hey, I've been trying to get into the XYZ, if anybody knows Tom Jones, I would love an introduction. And you never know around that room who they know. And so it's amazing to see that, hey, I know, Tom, I'll make up a call call after the meeting. Stick tight. And we'll all introduce you. And so it's just great to see that support. And I think that's another benefit you get in a smaller community, smaller chamber, is we really not that they're not neighborly in the larger areas, but there just really is this want and desire for everybody to succeed. And so these leads groups have we they've been established for about two years now they've been running great. And then really to, as I'm talking with Chamber members, if they mentioned someone specific, they've been trying to get their foot in the door or a challenge. Again, I'm immediately making an email introduction, making sure those those two are connecting, and I love to see situations come situations being resolved, you know, and come to fruition through those conversations and connections. So, yeah, it's
Monica Pitts 22:23
about, like, I feel like you're saying, hey, you need to put yourself out there you need it. What you put into it, is what you're gonna get out of it. So if you're planning on joining a chamber, I mean, the first thing I would do is stop by the office and talk to the people and see what the vibe is, and see if you, you know, can kind of jive with them and like their energy and then to, like, maintain a conversation with them. If you're going to go to an event, you can let them know, Hey, I'm going to this event, are you going to be there or ask you know, another business owner that you can tag along with because it is scary going by yourself? And but I do feel like if you do that first, then you can at least kind of feel out what it's going to be like, in whatever committee or you know, group of people that you're going to be in if you want to be with people that you like, or weren't just a drag, basically, you know, it's not any fun. Right, like anybody's important,
Speaker 1 23:27
ya know, and I've that's one thing I've noticed, too, because, again, you know, the leads have been established for about two years, there's some personalities that just don't mesh well. And so even like, if I have a new business looking to join one of these groups, I encourage them to go check out both because they are, even though they're structured the same, they're structured, identical, only one meets a little bit more than the other. The personalities really change how that meeting runs, because it's a peer led initiative. And, you know, there's times where Yeah, personalities get a little stronger, maybe they just don't connect, so we do our best to find the right place for everybody. Um, you brought up committees, too. That's one thing I haven't even touched on, you know, you can network through attending the socials, you can network through participating in the leads. But another great opportunity to network and get more involved or engaged in your community is find out what committees are available through your local chamber, you know, ours, and it's we've got such diverse committees. I mean, whether you're passionate about legislation, and government, we've got a legislative Governmental Affairs Committee that you can tap into. And that's it's a crucial one that I rely on because I can't stay up to date on all the different politics happening. And so we rely on that committee to stay a little more abreast and to keep me in the loop as well as communicate that to our board of directors. So if we need to make decisions or become a voice for something specific, that particular committee is making those recommendations to us. But maybe like Event Planning. You know, we have got a lot of events we've got, you know, our dogwood festival in our air show. And I know Monica and her family were they dove right into our Christmas on the square event. And I tell you what, you guys were a godsend. It was amazing to see your whole family out there supporting this event, in even leading up to it, mind you, so your committee involvement, maybe you don't have a lot of time based on your industry to attend those meetings. But maybe it's volunteering, like maybe knowing, okay, that falls on this particular weekend I have available, what do you need, definitely reach out to your chamber and find out how you can get involved, explain whatever your scheduling situation is, they'll find a fit for you, I guarantee it, I guarantee it. But don't just be a warm seat either. You know, don't just say you're gonna do it and just attend the meetings and be quiet like really, you'd be amazed at what can be produced by everybody being engaged and involved. And you know, we talk about different personalities, I see that on on our on our various committees. And one of the big things is it's we all respect each other whether we agree, we still respect each other. And so I know myself as well as several my directors, they do a phenomenal job. Maintaining that conversation dialect during the committee's especially if it is becoming more of a heated conversation, I wouldn't say he did. But you know, you got one side and the other side, we're always willing to find compromise. And we always do. Like, in the end, it's amazing to see what results we've come up with whether it had to do with legislation or had to do with a particular event. Or building new programs. You know, that's another committee we have of ours, it's called Member Services. And we're always looking for ways to get our members better engaged or provide better value, maybe it's through programs or continued education, or just networking activities. So they're kind of our little mini event planners. So not the big community event, but are more small business membership related events. So there's always a way to get involved, always. So just make sure you have an understanding of that. I know when you first joined the chamber can be overwhelming, because I and I see that every time I sit down with a business because I hand them our packet, and it's literally got probably 30 different benefits outlined on this spreadsheet, like here's and, and so you know, pick at it piece by piece. Hopefully with that conversation with your with your chamber person, you're able to identify maybe those top priority opportunities that you know, your business can benefit from immediately. And then you know, set yourself goals for maybe first quarter, I want to utilize these second quarter I want to utilize these. And you know, we do we do try to communicate out to our members, a lot of our communication because we have 360 businesses, we're not able to call everybody all the time, we will certainly take your phone call at any time. But you know, don't expect the chamber to call you once a month or every couple of months to make sure you're doing now we do try to email like we we understand we have we have our own goals, like we want to make sure X amount of businesses are utilizing their business spotlight or they're they're doing this and so we send out reminders, just make sure that the form of communication that your chamber uses is something that you're paying attention to because I have had it before where they're like, Well, I didn't get the value I didn't I didn't get anything out of your membership. And that's sad, it really is. And so when I try to explain well, now here, there's, you know, here's 12 emails that we sent last year, and you know, you didn't get it, you didn't see it. And that's unfortunate, it really is. So if you don't, let's say you do join the chamber and six months down the road, you're still not seeing the value, don't feel you've gotten the value out of it, reach out, reach out, have that conversation circle back with them, I guarantee you, within the next six months before your membership is done, you will have gotten something as long as you again, you need to speak up, you know, you can't fix something if you don't know it's broken. So
Monica Pitts 29:02
I love your statement about goals because we just did goal setting as a team it may create and one of my goals is I will pick four big chamber events that I am going to go to to get involved in the Chamber of Commerce this year, and I will utilize my membership. And so I'm like what are the things that I want to utilize my membership for and so then I sent an email to you and I was like, Hey, I think I want to utilize these membership perks to do these things. And you're like, Okay, well, I would do it this way. And so I feel like that goal setting of how you would use that membership and making sure that like you're you're educated about what your opportunity is and that you're the driver in this relationship, if I mean like you can sit back, but then to like just making sure that the things that you've planned to do are things that are comfortable for you. So you know, we talked about the networking events, but there's a lot of introverts out there who that just makes them feel really uncomfortable and so if that's the way that you are, then it probably makes more sense to join a committee. So for me, I might seem like an extrovert, but I'm actually kind of an introvert. I'm just an introvert that can talk to other people. And so like, if I have a purpose, like if I have something to do, I'm way, way, way better at like, Okay, so in college, I was a bartender at a music venue. And people would be like, aren't you just gonna go to the concert because you have tickets? And I'm like, No, I'd much rather be bartending, because then I have a purpose. And I'm around all these people. But I know exactly where I'm supposed to be. And what I'm supposed to be doing, I'm not just standing there being touched accidentally by other people. I don't like that plan. And so if you're that person, then you can join the committee. And then you have a purpose. You know, you're going to the committee meeting, you're hoping make decisions, you can volunteer to help out in any event, you have a purpose, Casey will tell you here are the trash bags, and you put the trash bags in the trash cans, and you get it done friends, it's like, great, right, because you have a purpose. So if you are an introvert, the Chamber of Commerce can still be a great place for you to get involved. And then after you know, some more people, then you can go and participate in those bigger networking events. Because you'll have like a little network of humans that you know, their faces and, and it'll be easier to get involved. Because I I don't know, I don't like just going into a room of strangers. I'm like, not like doing the strangers. But one thing I do think about the way that you guys run committee meetings, even just having only been on one committee is that I really enjoy the synergy and the problem solving that goes on in those committee meetings, especially because, you know, I work with a small team of people. And I love that about working in a team of people just solving problems. And I feel like you guys are really good at listening to all of the solutions that come about, and being open minded about them and not just doing it the same way. Because that's the way it's always been done. You're like not, you know, like we're going through this. And if there's a better idea, you're like, open to it. So I love that. And I want to compliment you on that. Because I think you're rocking it there.
Speaker 1 32:13
I will say yeah, I think there was a phrase like 20 years or something like that. It's the way it's always been done. I absolutely hate that phrase. And that is right next to that's not my job. Those are the Phrases You Never Want to tell me because I will I will clear that up for you very easily. But you're right, you know, especially new members to the committee, if you're just getting ready to jump on a committee. I know I mentioned earlier, you know, get engaged, get involved, share your insights, because people, the drivers like myself of those committees, you know, I don't know what I don't know. But if you've got ideas, I love expanding and growing our activities and our events and our services. And sometimes it may not it may not be it's probably a no, but it may not be not now, I'm not saying that right? It may not. Not now, but yes, there we go. And in but it's still planting those seeds and getting those ideas generated something fresh and new. holies is attractive versus doing things the way it's always been done. And I think you were a prime example of that. Monica, even with our Christmas on the square activities, you know, we had just started a new tree lighting ceremony just a few years ago. And each year we've seen it grow in attendance and through activities that you really like you took that bar and you bumped it way out. And it was all just through your own personal relationships. It was it was folks I didn't know and I didn't know we're in our community and we're that talent of the silk. aerialist. You know, I just I had to google that. I'm like, I don't really know what that is. So it was Yeah.
Monica Pitts 33:51
So it was fun because we were in the committee meeting and they were like, We need something that's going to keep people around and entertained. And maybe even I mean, so and it was cool is where so I said okay, well I have an aerial rig. I'm an aerialist, I can get people to come out and do tricks. And they were like, Okay, and so we went out and we set up the rig and it was actually really well lit, it was dark. It's right next to this really busy intersection, but well off the street, okay, we were not going to get hit by a car. And so it looks really cool from the street to and I think that that's something that people are going to remember for next year. And I went to the local aerial fitness business, and I was like, Hey, can we bring some people and they got clients from it. Like they're not even Chamber members. But I'm like I'm, I keep for hours by myself. So that was exciting to me that, you know, we could build that community through this other outlet that was happening at the chamber and hey, being involved in a committee got that done. Yay. It did. And I
Speaker 1 35:00
truly believe eventually it will have brought us some new members who because I do feel like that business, you know, it's sometimes they don't, you know, not all businesses know about the chamber or what they do, or they may not even know at all what a Chamber of Commerce is. So it's sometimes it's hard for me to get outside of the office to recruit. But they definitely got bumped my priority list after I got to meet them at the Christmas on the square event, and they were fantastic. But, but it is sharing those ideas, whether you feel it's silly or not speak up, because you never know what's gonna come out of that conversation and those ideas. So committees don't always have to be daunting, boring discussions, I think Monica could attest, we have a lot of laughs even as a great, you know, get we have great personalities in the room. We joke, we laugh at ourselves, even. But we get stuff done. We do. And we respect everybody's schedule, too. So we're not the type to have a meeting just to have a meeting. You know, in fact, there has been several occasions where I had a committee meeting scheduled for whatever occasion it was, and looking at the agenda, it's like, wow, this could be a either a 10 minute zoom call or an email even. And so I do try to respect everybody's time. And that's what I turn around, say, Hey, guys, you know what, we don't have enough to really quantify a meeting, here's the items we need to address this month. Reply All, let's get the conversation going. And we get stuff done even as efficiently as possible. So we respect everybody's time, we respect the time that it takes away from their business, too. But we do love seeing them get invested. Because you know, getting engaged with the Chamber means you're getting involved and invested in the community, because that's what we're all about. We're all about not just the business community, but supporting the community as a whole. So
Monica Pitts 36:43
yeah, I love it. So friends, if hopefully now, after listening to this conversation, you understand what a chamber is. It's like an association for businesses. Yep. And you know, that all the chambers are different. They're run differently. Some of them have some government funding, but a lot of them are just independent entities, and the way that they grow, and the way that they benefit you is through your involvement. So you're going to get out what you get in. And it's your responsibility to educate yourself about the benefits, and make sure that you're taking advantage of them. And to make sure you do this to the fullest extent, set some goals, set some goals. But I think the very first step would be just looking up your local chamber of commerce and walking into that office, having a conversation and then seeing if the way that they benefit their members is actually going to meet up with your goals as a business. Because like Casey said, sometimes it makes more sense for people to join another chamber, then to join her chamber. And hopefully, the person that you're talking to is as cool as Casey and will like, point you in the right direction. So Casey, any last words that you want to give people that are considering joining a Chamber of Commerce in their area? Yeah,
Speaker 1 37:59
so I've got two different last words, of course, I'm always full of words, but for the existing businesses that are organizations for the existing Chamber members, if you don't have a good Congress, or a good relationship with your chamber right now, if there's not current dialogue going on, reach out to them, they really do care, they want to support you. And you'd be amazed at what could come about just by having that, that five minute conversation, maybe it's a phone call, send them an email, say, Hey, I'd love to chat with you for just a few minutes, if you could, you'd be amazed at just from meeting people at the grocery store. And of course, I you know, I can't go anywhere without running into somebody. But it's great to another great perk of small town. You know, I had one member reach out and they were there was some legislation coming into effect that was going to impact not only their business, but a lot of businesses on the water, a lot of our restaurants that are very famous, and many of them were even aware of this legislation getting ready to come into effect it was all thanks to DNR gotta love them sometimes. And all it took was a few phone calls. I called our state rep, I've got a great relationship with her shared what was going on asked if we could formulate a meeting and have her bring the other surrounding state reps to the table. Word got out that a meeting was happening with some of these business leaders and our elected officials and legislation change I got pulled immediately. We didn't even have to have the meeting. And so it's just little examples like that. Make sure you're communicating with your chamber on on what your latest challenges or successes we want to hear the successes too we want to be able to share that those tools and opportunities with other businesses so for that, don't
Monica Pitts 39:38
just complain do something about it. And if it's just complained to the right person.
Speaker 1 39:46
Do don't come to me with a challenge unless you've got an idea for a solution may not be the right one but let's brainstorm you know, on my lap and expect something to happen, let's Converse. And then for those that are on the fence about a chamber if we have It really educated you enough with just this call today, I encourage you go to that chambers website, find their online directory, most of them should if they don't, I would be a little worried but find their online directory. Reach out to one of those members, call them call that person and ask them, you know, how long have you been a member of the chamber? What has it done for your business? What would you recommend? Or is there anyone ask him? Like, what do you not like, you know, do those background checks like we do for employees? And I really do feel pretty confident that once you have a conversation or two with other fellow members, you're gonna see that there's some great opportunity for yourself.
Monica Pitts 40:38
Yeah, cuz it is, it's an inexpensive marketing investment, if it's going to help you meet your goals. I mean, really, if it's going to help you meet your goals, and it's an inexpensive marketing, investment investment, especially if one of your goals is getting involved in your community. Boom, done.
Speaker 1 40:57
Share those goals, communicate. It's all it's what it's all about.
Monica Pitts 41:00
Awesome. Well, thank you so much for hanging out with us. Casey, will you let people know how to get a hold of you if they want to talk to you about joining the Chamber of Commerce in Camdenton? Or like maybe they just have a question they want to ask you.
Speaker 1 41:13
Absolutely. You can always visit us online at candidates and chamber.com, you want to see our latest happenings and activities. We're also on Facebook. But feel free to give me a call to you can always reach me at 573-346-2227 and mentioned the podcast. And so in case if you're not from around the area, I don't recognize the zip code, or the area code that I'll still take that call but I would I would be happy to answer any questions or even get you connected. If you're having a hard time finding out who you should be talking to in your community.
Monica Pitts 41:44
Let me help ya, especially in your if you're in the state of Missouri, because she does have a good relationship with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. So thank you so much for hanging out with us. And you guys, if you didn't get that phone number written down or you don't have the web address in your brain, that's cool, because you can go out to May create.com, and may yecreat.com. Or there's a link in the show notes of every distribution network where you can click to get back there, we'll have all of Casey's information there as well as an outline. So if you enjoyed this conversation, or if you learned a thing or two, feel free to subscribe to our podcast because we have conversations like this every single week. We're here to help you solve communication challenges through technology and even traditionally, in the case of joining the chamber, and to help you market with purpose. So until next time, you know what to do go forth and market with purpose.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
